It’s Day 10 at the Ally Pally as the Paddy Power World Darts Championship gets serious.
If you’ve been missing the darts over the mini Christmas break then you’re not alone, but fear not because it’s about to get to crunch time. The business end of the tournament starts now with six Friday ties, and with Gary Anderson already out after his shock hammering against Jeffrey de Graaf, Scotland’s hopes now rest on Peter Wright – who is in action tonight.
The world No.1 Luke Humphries also takes to the oche while box office stars Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton are also in action. It’s set to be a corker of a day of arras action and Record Sport guides you through the when and who for today’s mouth-watering clashes.
Friday December 27 – Third Round
Afternoon Session 12.30pm
- Damon Heta v Luke Woodhouse
The Australian’s stunning start to the tournament went under the radar coming straight after Luke Littler’s on-stage tears six days ago, yet the performance against Connor Scutt was terrific. Heta wired a nine-dart effort and averaged over 98. Woodhouse was equally impressive in taking care of Laurence Ilagan in round one, but his display dropped off against Mike De Decker, despite the fact he was beating a player of a higher ranking and seeding. Heta goes in as a strong favourite.
- Jonny Clayton v Daryl Gurney
Both players had gruelling second-round matches and were pushed to the limit. Clayton needed a sudden-death leg to see-off Mickey Mansell. Clayton, the No.7, came up with big shots at big times and he scored well. Gurney needed all of his class to fight back and defeat Florian Hempel. The German was strong against him and the Northern Irishman had to deliver to get through. He did with an average of almost 100. A tight one to call between two big pals.
- Stephen Bunting v Madars Razma
The Bullet is being tipped to have a deep run in the competition and there was plenty to like in his second-round win over Kai Gotthardt. However, Bunting had to survive a set dart for a 2-0 deficit and he’ll need to start quicker against the dangerous Razma. The Latvian is a nightmare for opponents with the way he can speed up and slow down. He slowed the pace of the game against Dirk van Duijvenbode after losing the first set in round two and the Dutchman couldn’t handle it. Bunting might have the face scenario. The Scouser is long odds-on, but it could get tricky if he does not fully fire.
Evening Session. 7.00pm
- Gerwyn Price v Joe Cullen
Price has been badly out of form in the build-up to the Ally Pally and didn’t even qualify for last month’s Grand Slam. However, he says he has his enthusiasm back and it was a solid enough win in his first game against Keane Barry. It must be said the Irishman didn’t show up and Price may need to improve.
Cullen had a serious bee-in-his-bonnet before and after his game against Wessel Nijman due to the fact he was written-off as the underdog against the Dutch kid. He played with strong motivation to average almost 100 and, if he keeps those fires burning, he’s got a big shot.
- Jermaine Wattimena v Peter Wright
The Dutchman has been strong in his opening two matches. The showing against Stefan Bellmont in the first round was good and he upped it again to send seed James Wade packing in his second match. He also has a 6-0 defeat of Wright in the bank from The European Championship two months ago.
Snakebite was patchy against Wesley Plaisier and, given his poor form coming into the event, the odds are stacked against the two-time champ. Wattimena is long odds-on with the bookies and that says it all.
- Luke Humphries v Nick Kenny
Humphries was given a rapturous welcome back to the Ally Pally on the opening night and he responded with a comfortable win over Thibaut Tricole. It was not a vintage showing from Cool Hand, though, as he has more gears to go up. Kenny has been a success story of the event. He beat Stowe Buntz in the first round before taking care of an out-of-sorts Raymond van Barneveld in the second round with a win that secured his our Card for 2025. He may give the champion one of two things to think about, but the World No.1 should be progressing without fuss.