Herbert

The world of darts is set to ignite once again as Michael Smith defends his title against the finest players on the planet at the iconic Alexandra Palace. Let’s dive into the heart of the action and explore the ins and outs of the World Darts Championship 2024, promising drama, fun, and entertainment.

The Rich History of the World Darts Championship

The championship’s journey since the inaugural PDC World Championship began 30 years ago has been a rollercoaster of iconic walk-ons, on-stage arguments, monumental upsets, and the magic of nine-darters.

From the unforgettable “I can’t spake” incident to nail-biting matches, the World Championship has consistently delivered unforgettable moments that have etched themselves into the annals of darting history.

Where and Where World Darts Championship 2024

The 31st World Darts Championship kicks off on December 15, 2023, and concludes on January 3, 2024. Action-packed days unfold, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Mark your calendar for the kickoff on December 15 at 7pm, with afternoon sessions at 12.30pm and evening sessions at 7pm continuing until the quarter-finals on January 1. The semi-finals follow on January 2, and the grand finale unfolds on January 3 at 7pm.

Since 2008, the Alexandra Palace in London has been the revered host of the championship. What makes this venue special? Let’s unravel the charm that draws fans year after year.

Read Also: World Darts Championship 2023/24: Schedule, Draw, Format, Qualifying, Prize fund & Odds

Why Alexandra Palace?

While there might not be a definitive answer, the fact that Alexandra Palace hosts multiple prestigious events, including the Masters snooker tournament and Pool’s Mosconi Cup, solidifies its status as the home of cue sports during this winter period.

The undeniable allure of hosting a renowned tournament annually, with sold-out arenas every time, contributes to the unique atmosphere at ‘Ally Pally.’

Where to Watch

Don’t miss a single arrow; tune in to the dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel for comprehensive coverage. The best moments will also be featured on Sky Sports Main Event in UK and Ireland. Check the home page for detailed broadcasting information.

Event Format

The World Championship employs a sets format, with each set requiring the first to secure three legs. The deciding set introduces a twist, necessitating a two-leg lead for victory.

As the championship progresses, the required sets for victory increase: 3 sets for rounds 1 and 2, 4 sets for rounds 3 and 4, 5 sets for the quarter-finals, 6 sets for the semi-finals, and 7 sets for the final showdown.

Spotlight on Players

Is Fallon Sherrock in the lineup? Explore the captivating journey of one of the two female players in the championship, including her historic run in 2020 and the upcoming challenges she faces.

Defending Champion

Michael Smith, the defending champion, takes center stage, seeking to retain his title against formidable opponents. Dive into the competitive landscape featuring the likes of Gerwyn Price, Peter Wright, and fan favorites like Anderson and Van Barneveld.

PDC World Darts Championship Winners

Reflect on the illustrious list of past winners, from the early dominance of Phil Taylor to recent champions like Michael Smith. The championship’s rich history is a tapestry woven by legendary players.

Records and Achievements

Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor’s unmatched 14 PDC world titles and his two additional world titles before the PDC era make him a darting legend. Explore the records and achievements that set him apart.

While nine-darters have become more frequent, the PDC World Championship has witnessed only 14 in its history. Delve into the thrilling moments when perfection was achieved, and the players etched their names in darting history.

Beyond the Game

Around 90,000 passionate darts fans gather at Ally Pally during the championship. What’s equally impressive is the staggering half a million pints consumed across the event.

The Soundtrack of the Championship

Ever wondered about the song played during breaks? Unravel the mystery and discover the tune that adds to the ambiance during breaks in the match at the World Championship.

Conclusion

As the World Darts Championship unfolds at Alexandra Palace, brace yourself for the thrilling clashes, unexpected twists, and the sheer magic that defines this iconic event. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the world of darts, this championship promises to be a spectacle to remember.

The countdown has begun, and the excitement is palpable as we approach the commencement of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship at the iconic Alexandra Palace in North London. In this article, we’ll delve into the intriguing world of professional darts, exploring the favorites, the odds, and the rising star that has captured the attention of the betting market.

The Legacy of Phil Taylor

It’s been over a decade since the legendary Phil Taylor clinched his 16th world darts title, an accomplishment that still resonates in the minds of darts enthusiasts. Taylor’s last triumph in 2013, where he staged a remarkable comeback against Michael van Gerwen, marked the end of an era. Since then, the landscape of darts has witnessed new champions emerging and old titans aiming to reclaim their glory.

The Dominance of ‘Mighty Mike’

While Phil Taylor’s era ended, Michael van Gerwen, also known as ‘Mighty Mike,’ emerged as a dominant force. Despite setbacks, van Gerwen secured multiple titles, but his last triumph was in 2019. The subsequent years witnessed other formidable players like Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price, and Michael Smith stepping into the limelight.

The Current Contenders

As we look ahead to the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, the spotlight is on the rising star, Luke Humphries. The 28-year-old, nicknamed ‘Cool Hand Luke,’ has been turning heads with his exceptional performances. According to the latest betting odds, Humphries is the frontrunner, boasting a 23% implied chance of clinching the 2024 World Darts Championship title.

Odds & Competition

Let’s break down the top four contenders in the betting market:

Luke Humphries (10/3 on Betfred)

• Implied 23% chance, best price

Michael van Gerwen (4/1 on bet365)

• 20% chance, best price

Gerwyn Price (11/2 on Paddy Power)

• Strong contender with 11/2 odds

Michael Smith (12/1 on William Hill)

• 2023 winner looking to repeat success

Odds Overview

Here’s a snapshot of the top six players and their best and worst odds to win the 2024 World Darts Championship:

World Darts Winner	Best Price	Worst Price
Luke Humphries	10/3	11/4
Michael van Gerwen	4/1	10/3
Gerwyn Price	11/2	4/1
Michael Smith	14/1	9/1
Gary Anderson	14/1	12/1
Rob Cross	16/1	14/1

Schedule

As the excitement builds, it’s essential to mark your calendar for the key dates of the 31st PDC World Darts Championship:

• Start Date: Friday 15th December
• Final Date: Wednesday 3rd January 2024
• Critical Break: Four-day hiatus between the second round and the third round (Saturday 23rd December to Wednesday 27th December)

Conclusion

The 2024 PDC World Darts Championship promises to be a riveting spectacle, with seasoned players vying for glory and a new generation, epitomized by Luke Humphries, seeking to make its mark. The dartboard drama unfolds, and as fans, we eagerly anticipate the twists and turns that will shape the destiny of the Sid Waddell trophy.

FAQs

The excitement is palpable as we approach the commencement of the 2024 World Darts Championship on December 15. In this exclusive preview, we delve into the prospects of the Dutch contenders who are set to grace the stage during the first round. With twelve Dutch participants in Alexandra Palace, the spotlight is on eight who kick off their campaign from the initial rounds. Let’s explore the matchups, storylines, and potential upsets that could unfold in the opening clashes.

Kevin Doets: A Debut with High Stakes (Opening Match – Dec. 15)

Kevin Doets, riding on the momentum of his recent PDC ranking final at Players Championship 20, faces the challenge of securing his Tour Card in his debut at Alexandra Palace. His opponent, Stowe Buntz, the CDC Continental Cup winner, poses a formidable threat, setting the stage for a gripping showdown.

Niels Zonneveld’s Redemption Quest (Evening Session – Dec. 17)

Niels Zonneveld, after two previous attempts, aims for redemption at Alexandra Palace. Having showcased remarkable form at the Players Championship Finals, Zonneveld sets his sights on overcoming former quarterfinalist Darren Webster in a clash that promises intense darts action.

Jermaine Wattimena vs. Fallon Sherrock (Evening Session – Dec. 17)

Jermaine Wattimena, a seasoned participant, enters the World Darts Championship for the tenth consecutive time. His opponent, Fallon Sherrock, a rising star, adds intrigue to the matchup. This encounter on Dec. 17 is a collision of experience and emerging talent, making it a must-watch duel.

Gian van Veen’s Stellar Debut (Evening Session – Dec. 18)

Gian van Veen, enjoying a stellar first year as a Tour Card holder, faces off against Hong Kong’s Man-Lok Leung. With impressive achievements throughout the year, both players bring a unique dynamic to the Alexandra Palace, promising an exhilarating match on December 18.

Wessel Nijman’s Debut Challenge (Evening Session – Dec. 19)

Wessel Nijman, benefiting from his success on the Development Tour, makes his debut at Alexandra Palace. His opponent, the experienced Steve Beaton, participates in the PDC World Championship for a record-extending 23rd time. Will Nijman’s debut be memorable, or will Beaton’s experience prevail?

Richard Veenstra’s Alexandra Palace Debut (Evening Session – Dec. 20)

Richard Veenstra, after securing his Tour Card, enters the Alexandra Palace with a strong season behind him. His opponent, New Zealander Ben Robb, adds an international flavor to the matchup. Can Veenstra continue his impressive form against the Kiwi contender on December 20?

Christian Kist vs. Luke Littler (Evening Session – Dec. 20)

Christian Kist, a former Lakeside winner, faces off against 16-year-old debutant Luke Littler. Kist, despite suffering an injury at the Players Championship Finals, brings experience, while Littler carries the enthusiasm of youth. Will it be a passing of the torch or a veteran’s triumph on December 20?

Luke Woodhouse vs. Berry van Peer (Afternoon Session – Dec. 21)

In an afternoon clash on December 21, Berry van Peer, propelled by four Challenge Tour titles, makes his debut at the World Darts Championship against Luke Woodhouse, a seasoned participant with a strong 2023 season. Expect a battle of wits and skill in this intriguing encounter.

Conclusion

As the World Darts Championship unfolds, each matchup promises to be a spectacle of skill, determination, and perhaps a few surprises. The Dutch contingent faces a challenging journey through the early rounds, and fans can anticipate nail-biting moments as these players strive for glory on the grand stage of Alexandra Palace.

FAQs

The world of darts is gearing up for the 31st edition of the World Darts Championship, set to take place at the iconic Alexandra Palace in December 2023. In this article, we’ll dive into the schedule, draw, qualifying process, and the odds that add an extra layer of excitement to this thrilling event.

When is the World Darts Championship?

The battle for the coveted Sid Waddell trophy kicks off on December 15, 2023, and concludes on January 3, 2024. Save the dates as we witness the world’s best dart players compete for glory.

World Darts Championship 2023/24 Schedule

Let’s break down the tournament schedule, detailing each day’s events and the stages leading to the grand finale.

Date	Time	Stage
Fri, Dec 15	7 p.m.	First round, second round
Sat, Dec 16	12:30 p.m., 7 p.m.	First round, second round
Sun, Dec 17	12:30 p.m., 8 p.m.	First round, second round
Mon, Dec 18	7 p.m.	First round, second round
Tues, Dec 19	12:30 p.m., 7 p.m.	First round, second round
Weds, Dec 20	12:30 p.m., 7 p.m.	First round, second round
Thurs, Dec 21	12:30 p.m., 7 p.m.	Second round
Fri, Dec 22	12:30 p.m., 7 p.m.	Second round
Sat, Dec 23	12:30 p.m., 7 p.m.	Second round
Weds, Dec 27	12:30 p.m., 7 p.m.	Third round
Thurs, Dec 28	12:30 p.m., 7 p.m.	Third round
Fri, Dec 29	12:30 p.m.	Third round
Fri, Dec 29	7 p.m.	Third round, fourth round
Sat, Dec 30	12:30 p.m., 7 p.m.	Fourth round
Mon, Jan 1	12:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.	Quarterfinals
Tues, Jan 2	7:30 p.m.	Semifinals
Weds, Jan 3	8 p.m.	Final

Note: All are local times.

World Darts Championship 2023/24 Draw

The 96 players have been strategically placed into four quarters, setting the stage for intense competition. Let’s take a look at some key matchups in each quarter.

Quarter One

(1) Michael Smith vs Kevin Doets or Stowe Buntz
(32) Madars Razma vs Mike De Decker or Dragutin Horvat
(16) Ross Smith vs Niels Zonneveld or Darren Webster
(17) Chris Dobey vs William O’Connor or Bhav Patel
(8) Rob Cross vs Mario Vandenbogaerde or Thibault Tricole
(25) Jose de Sousa vs Richie Edhouse or Jeffrey De Graaf
(9) Jonny Clayton vs Steve Lennon or Owen Bates
(24) Krzysztof Ratajski vs Jamie Hughes or David Cameron

Quarter Two

(4) Peter Wright vs Jim Williams or Norman Madhoo
(29) Raymond van Barneveld vs Radek Szaganski or Marko Kantele
(13) James Wade vs Matt Campbell or Lourence Ilagan
(20) Andrew Gilding vs Christian Kist or Luke Littler
(5) Gerwyn Price vs Connor Scutt or Krzysztof Kciuk
(28) Brendan Dolan vs Mickey Mansell or Xiaochen Zong
(12) Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Keegan Brown or Boris Krcmar
(21) Gary Anderson vs Simon Whitlock or Paolo Nebrida

Quarter Three

(2) Michael van Gerwen vs Keane Barry or Reynaldo Rivera
(31) Kim Huybrechts vs Richard Veenstra or Ben Robb
(15) Dimitri van den Bergh vs Dylan Slevin or Florian Hempel
(18) Stephen Bunting vs Ryan Joyce or Alex Spellman
(7) Danny Noppert vs Scott Williams or Haruki Muramatsu
(26) Martin Schindler vs Jermaine Wattimena or Fallon Sherrock
(10) Damon Heta vs Martin Lukeman or Haupai Puha
(23) Josh Rock vs Luke Woodhouse or Berry Van Peer

Quarter Four

(3) Luke Humphries vs Lee Evans or Sandro Eric Sosing
(30) Callan Rydz vs Ricardo Pietreczko or Mikuru Suzuki
(14) Joe Cullen vs Jules van Dongen or Darren Penhall
(19) Ryan Searle vs Ian White or Tomoya Goto
(6) Nathan Aspinall vs Ricky Evans or Simon Adams
(27) Daryl Gurney vs Steve Beaton or Wessel Nijman
(11) Dave Chisnall vs Cameron Menzies or Rusty-Jake Rodriguez
(22) Gabriel Clemens vs Gian Van Veen or Man Lok Leung

Qualifying Process

Understanding how players qualify adds another layer of intrigue to the championship. With 32 players earning direct entry based on the PDC Order of Merit, 32 more secure their spots through the 2023 PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit. The final 32 players earn their place through diverse international routes, showcasing the global reach of darts.

World Darts Championship Format

The format evolves as the competition progresses. From best-of-five sets in the initial rounds to best-of-seven in the third and fourth rounds, the intensity builds. The quarterfinals shift to best-of-nine sets, followed by best-of-11 sets in the semifinals. The grand finale is a best-of-13 sets showdown, ensuring a thrilling climax to this prestigious tournament.

Prize Fund

Darts isn’t just about precision; it’s also about substantial rewards. The Professional Darts Corporation offers a staggering £500,000 to the winner, forming part of a £2.5 million total prize fund. Let’s break down the rewards at each stage:

• Winner: £500,000
• Finalist: £200,000
• Semifinalist: £100,000
• Quarterfinalist: £50,000

Odds

As the championship approaches, anticipation rises not only among fans but also among bettors eager to place their wagers. Here’s a glimpse of the pre-tournament favorites according to bookmakers:

• Luke Humphries: +380
• Gerwyn Price: +450
• Michael van Gerwen: +450
• Michael Smith: +800
• Gary Anderson: +1100
• Rob Cross: +1400
• Nathan Aspinall: +2500

Conclusion

The World Darts Championship 2023/24 promises unparalleled excitement, combining skill, strategy, and nerve-wracking competition. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the world of darts, this event is set to captivate audiences worldwide.

FAQs

The darting world is gearing up for a heartwarming twist at the 2024 World Darts Championship, courtesy of Paddy Power. In a surprising move, the Irish bookmakers have abandoned the idea of turning the treble 20 bed green, opting instead to donate £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180 hit during the tournament. Let’s delve into the details of this ‘Big 180’ campaign and its potential impact on both the darts community and the fight against prostate cancer.

The Initial Jest: Treble 20 Turning Green?

Paddy Power initially sent shockwaves through the darting community by playfully announcing that the treble 20 bed would change from its traditional red color at Alexandra Palace. However, this quirky twist was revealed to be a cleverly orchestrated jest, setting the stage for a more profound and meaningful initiative.

The ‘Big 180’ Campaign Unveiled

Contrary to the lighthearted banter, the true intent of the ‘Big 180’ campaign is now unveiled. With 901 maximums hit during the previous World Darts Championship, Paddy Power aims to surpass this figure, pledging a potential £1 million donation to Prostate Cancer UK. The money raised throughout the championship, scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from December 15, will fund crucial research to diagnose men sooner and improve the lives of those affected by prostate cancer.

Collaboration for a Cause: Paddy Power and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)

In a commendable joint effort, Paddy Power and the Professional Darts Corporation are set to leverage their channels, challenging 180,000 fans, followers, and customers in the UK to use Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker via prostatecanceruk.org/180-risk. This collaborative approach aims to raise awareness and encourage proactive measures against the most common cancer in men.

The Apology and the Purpose

Acknowledging the potential stress caused to players like Peter Wright and Michael van Gerwen, a Paddy Power spokesperson officially apologizes while emphasizing the greater cause. With one in eight men at risk of prostate cancer, the goal is to hit the bullseye with ‘The Big 180’ campaign, making it unmissable this Christmas and prompting men to take a mere 30 seconds to check their risk.

PDC’s Perspective: A Risk Worth Taking

Matthew Porter, the chief executive of the Professional Darts Corporation, reflects on the risk taken by Paddy Power in pranking players to garner public attention. However, the ultimate goal is clear — to encourage millions of viewers to take a brief moment during the World Darts Championship to assess their risk of prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer UK’s CEO Speaks Out

Laura Kerby, chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK, expresses gratitude for becoming the official charity partner of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship. Positioned at the heart of the action, ‘The Big 180’ is poised to be a gamechanger, supporting men and their loved ones affected by prostate cancer, one maximum at a time.

A Champion’s Testimony: Dennis Priestley

Dennis Priestley, a two-time world champion who battled prostate cancer, joins the campaign. Having been diagnosed in November 2007 and successfully treated, Priestley becomes a living testament to the importance of early diagnosis. He asserts that nearly all cancers, including prostate cancer, can be beaten if caught early enough.

Players’ Pledge and Incentives

Peter Wright, the 2020 and 2022 PDC world champion, underscores the significance of knowing the risk of prostate cancer for men over 50. As players gear up for the championship, each maximum hit translates to a £1,000 donation to Prostate Cancer UK, providing an extra incentive to perform well on the darts stage.

Conclusion

In the spirit of the season and competitive darts, Paddy Power’s ‘Big 180’ campaign intertwines sportsmanship with a noble cause. The synergy between sponsors, players, and fans creates a unique platform to raise awareness about prostate cancer and contribute significantly to ongoing research and support initiatives.

FAQs