Three more days and seven games, then the new darts world champion will be determined in London.
Will it be a favorite like Dutchman Michael van Gerwen or Primus Gerwyn Price from Wales? Or an outsider like the German starter Gabriel Clemens? The quarter-final day on New Year’s Day with two sessions (1.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m./Sport1 and DAZN) will provide further information. Then it’s non-stop towards the end, on January 2nd the semi-finals will take place, on January 3rd (9 p.m.) the final.
Biggest darts match by a German
Sunday evening, 8:30 p.m., the first quarter-finals in German history: At prime time, the “German Giant” fights against the world number one, Price. It is the biggest darts match by a German so far. “I feel great, I’m in great shape. Then I’ll unpack my best game,” promised Clemens. For him, the journey with three victories so far is already “a nice experience”. If he now defeats the muscular ex-rugby pro Price, it would be a sensation.
Van Gerwen’s fight against memories
Two years after his disastrous 0:5 against Dave Chisnall, top favorite van Gerwen wants to avert another big flop in the last eight. Anything but a win against the Englishman Chris Dobey (10:00 p.m.) would be a disappointment. “I’m only in the quarterfinals and the last time I was in the quarterfinals I was beaten 5-0 by Dave Chisnall. I don’t want to be in a situation like that again,” said van Gerwen.
Who will be England’s hope?
In Rob Cross only one of the last nine world champions came from England. “Voltage” is already out, but this year last year’s finalist Michael Smith could satisfy the hosts’ yearning for the Sid Waddell Trophy. On Sunday (3:15 p.m.) he will face his compatriot Stephen Bunting. Before that, Belgian Dimitri van den Bergh and Jonny Clayton from Wales will open the afternoon session.
