Expert Mark Webster picks the unmissable matches at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, including Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock.
This year’s tournament featured some exciting contests, following the biggest and best World Championship draw on record.
Following this year’s expansion of the £5 million tournament, the first round will take place over nine days from December 11 to 19, with all 128 players taking part in the darts festival at Alexandra Palace in London.
There was so much action in Round One that we asked our star and former Lakeside champion ‘Webby’ to tell us about the most unmissable clashes.
Ricky Evans vs Man Lok Leung – Friday December 12 from 7pm
‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans is competing in his 11th World Darts Championship.
This is going to be a great game. That’s a good speed. I like the look of this match, but this is a game Ricky needs to start winning.
He’s in big games, but he’s looking for consistency. He seems to be finding his form at the World Championships, so I’m tipping Ricky to get through this.
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Take a look at some of Ricky Evans’ best and funniest moments from the World Darts Championship.
Gian van Veen vs Cristo Reyes – Friday 12 December from 7pm
Gian van Veen wins the European Championship in Dortmund.
I really like this game because of the story! Good to see Christo back… I like players who dig themselves out of a hole and come back.
Gian has never won an Ally Pally stage, but I think things will change this year and he can make a deep run.
He’s won a major now, but it would be nice to see him on the back end of a World Championship.
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Luke Littler and Gian van Veen’s stunning World Grand Prix contest highlights
Andrew Gilding vs Cam Crabtree – Saturday December 13 from 12.30pm
Andrew Gilding is a former UK Open winner.
Cameron was really impressive at the Grand Slam of Darts, but I think Andrew will still do too much.
It may be an awkward contest, but I think Gilding will make it through this one.
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‘Goldfinger’ came too close to a nine-darter at the World Match Play in Blackpool.
Cameron Menzies v Charlie Manby – Monday 15 December from 12.30pm
Cameron Menzies faces a fierce opening match against Charlie Manby.
Cameron lacked a bit of composure at times, while Charlie got a high average and played really well.
Cameron is a good player, Charlie is an exciting prospect and has done a great job getting here, but I think Menzies will find his way. He might even get through a few rounds.
Menzies has improved as a player this year and I think he will have a decent tournament.
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Menzies narrowly lost in the quarter-finals of last year’s Grand Slam of Darts, but check out his best reactions…
Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Andy Baetens – Monday 15 December from 7pm
Dirk van Duijvenbode was a 2021 Ally Pally quarterfinalist.
I really like this game! Belgian star Baetens has been in top form and qualified for the Masters earlier this year.
He won the 2023 WDF World Championship, but I still don’t think we’ve seen enough of him on the big stage. So I think Dirk will deal with the threat, but it could be training for him.
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Van Duijvenbode threw eight perfect darts but painfully missed out on a double 12 at the 2022 World Darts Championship.
Conor Scutt vs Simon Whitlock – Monday 15 December from 7pm
Simon Whitlock returned to Alexandra Palace after a 16-year absence from last year’s World Championship.
I’m so glad Simon pulled through. I think everyone did! It was fitting that he won his first Australian Premier League title, even if he didn’t get a place at Ally Pally. Nice to see him again.
This will be tight, but I think Scutt will win the game with a little too much, but Whitlock is a really great story.
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The talented Connor Scutt hit a stunning 170 against Luke Littler in their Grand Slam of Darts group stage clash.
Dave Chisnall vs Fallon Sherrock – Thursday, December 18 from 7pm
‘Queen of the Palace’ Fallon Sherlock returns as Ally Paley.
I know Dave doesn’t play well, but I don’t think Fallon pulled a tree this year either. She’s trying to get off the board and Dave thinks she’ll be too good at it.
Everyone is highlighting him as a troubled seed, but I think he will find a way past Fallon.
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Sherrock became the first woman to defeat a man at the 2019 World Championships when she defeated Ted Evetts.
Beau Greaves vs Darryl Gurney – Friday December 19 from 7pm
I think Beau Greaves has the potential to upset Daryl Gurney.
The one everyone wanted to avoid… I think Beau will beat him!
I don’t think Daryl would like a draw and I think he was quoted as saying he didn’t want to play Beau like a lot of the seeds did.
Daryl performed well at the Players Championship, but his darts didn’t land well at the Grand Slams.
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Speaking on Love The Darts, Polly James and Glen Durrant discuss Greaves’ comments saying it was ‘foolish’ to think a female player could win the World Championship.
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