World Cup of Darts – Day 13: Preview, order of play, how to watch and predictions as Luke Littler and Michael Van Gerwen take center stage
The main event
Luke Littler returns to the Alexandra Palace stage tonight with his chances of winning a first World Darts Championship boosted by a stunning exit from Luke Humphries.
Humphries was beaten 4-1 by Peter Wright last night, opening Littler’s leg with the pair set to meet in the semi-finals.
However, Littler will have to get past Ryan Joyce in their fourth-round clash before he can consider a trip to Friday’s final.
The photos say it all🙌🏼 It feels good to win and be in the next round, see you on Monday❤️🎯 pic.twitter.com/hiOheEPlO6
— Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) December 29, 2024
The 39-year-old from Newcastle beat Ryan Searle in a last-set decider in the third round but admitted he will be in trouble if Littler plays to his full potential.
He said: “I’ll go into the game thinking I can win the match, but I’ll also feel like I’m the underdog to win. We’ve seen so many times in sports that the favorite doesn’t always win, otherwise it would be boring to watch, wouldn’t it?
“If Luke Littler plays at his absolute top level, he can beat anyone and will easily take me out of the side.”
Littler was surprised by the rival’s assessment, saying: “I didn’t know he said that.
“If that’s what he thinks, it’s not very good for his game.”
Littler struggled during his first win at Ally Pally before seeing off Ryan Meikle in a stunning final set, but looked more composed in his win over Ian White.
The 17-year-old will accompany Michael van Gerwen on the stage tonight, with the Dutchman taking on Jeffrey de Graaf.
Van Gerwen beat Brendan Dolan last time out but wasn’t thrilled with his performance, especially in the later stages.
He said: “I think the fifth set was absolute f***. And you are not allowed to do that. Especially against Brendan, he’s like a fighter who never gives up, and you don’t want to put yourself in trouble, but I almost did.”
Another 𝐰𝐢𝐧 in the bag! 💚🎯 The journey continues – until the last 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 feature in the afternoon session with Chris Dobey facing Kevin Doets and Callan Rydz taking on 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 (19:00 GMT)
Stephen Bunting v Luke Woodhouse
Michael van Gerwen vs Jeffrey de Graaf
Luke Littler vs Ryan Joyce
How to watch
The PDC World Championship is shown on Sky Sports in the UK.
You can watch the afternoon session on Sky Sports Darts and the Main Event from 12:30 GMT. The evening slot is on Sky Sports Darts from 1900.
Predictions
Joyce could be a tricky opponent for Littler. He has nothing to lose, by his own admission, and a carefree approach could prove productive against the tournament favorite, on whom expectations will only rise following Humphries’ departure.
It’s hard to imagine Littler losing, but expect Joyce to win a few sets and push the teenager, who without the odd flash has struggled to hit top form so far this tournament.
Van Gerwen is now Littler’s biggest threat and should get past De Graaf with minimal difficulty.
In the event of close matches, there could be another first in the evening session, but Bunting and I will outshine Woodhouse.
Matches in the afternoon seem a little easier to predict. We go with Dobey and Rydz wins, and Aspinall finds his way to Pietreczko.
