The main event
Luke Littler returns to the Alexandra Palace stage this evening with his chances of winning a maiden World Darts Championship improved following Luke Humphries’ superb outing.
Humphries was beaten 4-1 by Peter Wright last night, opening the Littler section, with the pair set to meet in the semi-final.
Littler will, however, need to get past Ryan Joyce in their fourth-round clash before considering a route to the final on Friday.
The photos say it all🙌🏼 it feels good to win and be in the next round, see you Monday❤️🎯 pic.twitter.com/hiOheEPlO6
-Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) December 29, 2024
The 39-year-old from Newcastle beat Ryan Searle in the final set decider in the third round, but admitted he would be in trouble if Littler played to his full potential.
He said: “I will go into the match thinking I can win the match, but I will also feel like I am the underdog to win. We have seen so many times in sports that the favorite doesn’t always win, otherwise it would be boring to watch, right?
“If Luke Littler is playing at his absolute highest level, he can beat anyone and he will brush me aside comfortably.”
Littler was surprised by his opponent’s pessimistic assessment, saying, “I didn’t know he said that.”
“If that’s what he thinks, it’s not really good for his game.”
Littler struggled in his first win at the Ally Pally before a superb final set saw him past Ryan Meikle, but he looked calmer in victory over Ian White.
The 17-year-old will follow Michael van Gerwen on stage tonight, with the Dutchman taking on Jeffrey de Graaf.
Van Gerwen beat Brendan Dolan last time out but was disappointed with his performance, especially in the latter stages.
He said: “I think the fifth set was absolute c***. And you’re not allowed to do that. Especially against Brendan, he’s like a fighter he never gives up, and you don’t want to get yourself in trouble, but I almost did.
Another 𝐰𝐢𝐧 in the bag! 💚🎯 The journey continues – until the round of 16! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/pD0QDzYoJ4
–Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) December 28, 2024
The evening session opens with an interesting clash between Stephen Bunting and Luke Woodhouse.
Two more Tynesiders take on the oche in the afternoon session with Chris Dobey facing Kevin Doets and Callan Rydz meeting Rob Owen.
Order of play
Afternoon session (12:30 GMT)
Kevin Doets vs. Chris Dobey
Rob Owen vs. Callan Rydz
Ricardo Pietreczko vs. Nathan Aspinall
Evening session (7:00 p.m. GMT)
Stephen Bunting vs. Luke Woodhouse
Michael van Gerwen vs. Jeffrey de Graaf
Luke Littler vs. Ryan Joyce
How to watch
The PDC World Championship is broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK.
You can watch the afternoon session on Sky Sports Darts and Main Event from 12:30 GMT. The evening session takes place on Sky Sports Darts from 1900.
Predictions
Joyce could be a tricky opponent for Littler. He has nothing to lose, as he himself admits, and a carefree approach could prove productive against the tournament favorite, whose expectations will only rise following Humphries’ exit.
It’s hard to imagine Littler losing, but expect Joyce to win a few sets and push the teenager, who, barring the odd flash, has struggled to reach his best form so far in this tournament.
Van Gerwen is now Littler’s biggest threat and he should overtake De Graaf with minimal fuss.
In the event of close matches there could be another top spot in the evening session, but we’re going with Bunting to win against Woodhouse.
The afternoon games seem a little easier to predict. We’re aiming for wins for Dobey and Rydz, with Aspinall finding a way past Pietreczko.
