World Darts Championship: Michael Smith is dethroned by Chris Dobey as Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson win

Michael Smith dethroned by Chris Dobey as Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson both win; The World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Saturday at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts

Last Updated: 30/12/23 1:00am


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A look back the best of the action from the evening session of Day 12 of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace

A look back the best of the action from the evening session of Day 12 of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace

Michael Smith’s reign as World Darts Champion came to an end with an emphatic 4-0 whitewash at the hands of Chris Dobey on Friday night at Alexandra Palace.

Smith, who claimed the Sid Waddell Trophy for the first time in January, was humbled by ‘Hollywood’ with a 102.5 average and three ton-plus checkouts to claim a huge win.

World Darts Championship: Friday Evening Results

Boris Krcmar 1-4 Gary Anderson (R3)
Michael van Gerwen 4-0 Stephen Bunting (R4)
Michael Smith 0-4 Chris Dobey (R4)

Dobey dumped out Smith after producing an exceptional performance on the Ally Pally stage

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Dobey dumped out Smith after producing an exceptional performance on the Ally Pally stage

Dobey dumped out Smith after producing an exceptional performance on the Ally Pally stage

Dobey signalled his intent with a stunning 130 checkout to kick off proceedings, and after wrapping up set one, he doubled his lead after Smith missed a dart at tops to level the contest.

The Bedlington star then moved a set away from glory with clinical 100 and 87 combinations, before Smith struck back with a magnificent 140 finish to open set four.

However, Dobey was unfazed, following up a 14-dart break with back-to-back 12-darters to cap off another imperious display.

Watch all Dobey's ton-plus finishes from his superb win over Smith

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Watch all Dobey’s ton-plus finishes from his superb win over Smith

Watch all Dobey’s ton-plus finishes from his superb win over Smith

“Michael is a great lad. I’ve got all the time in the world for him, but there could only be one winner and I’m pleased it was my night tonight,” said Dobey.

“I don’t think anybody underestimates me; they know what I can do. I’ve been pretty consistent in this competition, and I’m going all out. I want to be the champion.”

Michael van Gerwen was in bullish mood ahead of his quarter-final clash against either Scott Williams or Damon Heta after thumping Stephen Bunting

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Michael van Gerwen was in bullish mood ahead of his quarter-final clash against either Scott Williams or Damon Heta after thumping Stephen Bunting

Michael van Gerwen was in bullish mood ahead of his quarter-final clash against either Scott Williams or Damon Heta after thumping Stephen Bunting

Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen whitewashed Stephen Bunting 4-0 with a 99.8 average and nine 180s to become the first man through to the quarter-finals.

The Dutchman has won all 11 sets he played so far in the tournament and 33 out of 45 legs with Damon Heta or Scott Williams set to challenge him in the quarter-finals next.

“There was definitely fire in the belly. We all know what Stephen Bunting can do. You have to show your best game,” said Van Gerwen.

It wasn't vintage, but Gary Anderson ddid more than enough to defeat Boris Krcmar and make the last 16 of the Worlds

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It wasn’t vintage, but Gary Anderson ddid more than enough to defeat Boris Krcmar and make the last 16 of the Worlds

It wasn’t vintage, but Gary Anderson ddid more than enough to defeat Boris Krcmar and make the last 16 of the Worlds

Two-time World Champion Gary Anderson put on a convincing display as the Scot proved too strong for Boris Krcmar with a 4-1 demolition job.

‘The Flying Scotsman’ put on the afterburners after losing the first set by winning 12 out of next 16 legs with a 99.3 average and nine 180s to set up a meeting against Brendan Dolan.

“When Boris won the first set I thought this was going to be a struggle,” admitted the 53-year-old.

“I got it back to 1-1 and the next two sets, the third set was tight but fourth set comfortable. The last set, I kind of had him.”

World Darts Championship: Friday Afternoon Results

Damon Heta 4-3 Berry van Peer (R3)
Jonny Clayton 4-2 Krzysztof Ratajski (R3)
Jim Williams 1-4 Raymond van Barneveld (R3)

Raymond van Barneveld says he's not worried about facing anyone including Luke Littler and believes he has the form to beat him

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Raymond van Barneveld says he’s not worried about facing anyone including Luke Littler and believes he has the form to beat him

Raymond van Barneveld says he’s not worried about facing anyone including Luke Littler and believes he has the form to beat him

Raymond van Barneveld set up a mouth-watering clash with teenage sensation Luke Littler after fighting through to the last 16 of the Worlds.

Van Barneveld was far from at his best but still beat Jim Williams 4-1 to secure a Saturday clash with 16-year-old Littler, who was born 21 days after the Dutchman won the most recent of his five world titles in 2007.

Van Barneveld told Sky Sports: “I will love to play Luke Littler. When I was 16 I was playing with Lego and Playmobile, we didn’t have the internet or whatever.

“This guy is amazing, and I am looking forward so much to that game. He is a quality player and I can’t wait to meet him tomorrow night.”

Ahead of their last-16 meeting at the Alexandra Palace, Littler proves he's always been a fan of Van Barneveld! Credit:@LukeTheNuke180

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Ahead of their last-16 meeting at the Alexandra Palace, Littler proves he’s always been a fan of Van Barneveld! Credit:@LukeTheNuke180

Ahead of their last-16 meeting at the Alexandra Palace, Littler proves he’s always been a fan of Van Barneveld! Credit:@LukeTheNuke180

Littler, the world youth champion, is the youngest player to reach the last 16 after reeling off three impressive victories, including averaging over 106 in his first round win over Christian Kist.

Jonny Clayton joined Van Barneveld in the last 16 as he saw off Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski 4-2, while Australia’s Damon Heta edged to a 4-3 win over Dutchman Berry van Peer.

Damon Heta sealed a stunning 4-3 victory over Berry van Peer by taking out this epic 151 checkout

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Damon Heta sealed a stunning 4-3 victory over Berry van Peer by taking out this epic 151 checkout

Damon Heta sealed a stunning 4-3 victory over Berry van Peer by taking out this epic 151 checkout

What’s happening on Saturday at the World Darts Championship?

Raymond van Barneveld says he's not worried about facing anyone including Luke Littler and believes he has the form to beat him

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Raymond van Barneveld says he’s not worried about facing anyone including Luke Littler and believes he has the form to beat him

Raymond van Barneveld says he’s not worried about facing anyone including Luke Littler and believes he has the form to beat him

The fourth round will conclude with Scott Williams and Dave Chisnall in action, while 2018 World Champion Rob Cross takes on ‘The Ferret’ Jonny Clayton.

Live World Darts Championship

December 30, 2023, 12:30pm

Live on Sky Sports Arena

World Darts Championship: Saturday Afternoon Fixtures

Scott Williams vs Damon Heta
Daryl Gurney vs Dave Chisnall
Rob Cross vs Jonny Clayton

On Saturday evening, five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld faces teenage sensation Luke Littler with Luke Humphries up against ‘The Rockstar’ Joe Cullen.

The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final take place from January 1-3.

Live World Darts Championship

December 30, 2023, 7:30pm

Live on Sky Sports Arena

World Darts Championship: Saturday Evening Fixtures

Brendan Dolan vs Gary Anderson
Raymond van Barneveld vs Luke Littler
Luke Humphries vs Joe Cullen

The sport’s biggest event sees the remaining players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months



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World Darts Championship: Nathan Aspinall and Josh Rock suffer shock early exits at Alexandra Palace

Ricky Evans stuns Nathan Aspinall, while Josh Rock is knocked out by Berry van Peer; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Wednesday 27 at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts

Last Updated: 23/12/23 11:07pm


Ricky Evans stunned World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall at the World Darts Championship

Ricky Evans produced the upset of the World Darts Championship by crushing World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall in straight sets on Saturday night.

Evans averaged close to 100 in annihilating Aspinall 3-0, while Josh Rock saw his hopes go up in smoke as the youngster suffered a shock second-round exit to Dutch debutant Berry van Peer.

World Darts Championship: Saturday Evening Results

Ryan Searle 3-1 Tomoya Goto (R2)
Josh Rock 1-3 Berry van Peer (R2)
Stephen Bunting 3-0 Ryan Joyce (R2)
Nathan Aspinall 0-3 Ricky Evans (R2)

 Evans got the Ally Pally crowd into the festive spirit by walking on with the Christmas hit 'Merry Christmas Everyone' by Shakin' Stevens

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Evans got the Ally Pally crowd into the festive spirit by walking on with the Christmas hit ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ by Shakin’ Stevens

Evans got the Ally Pally crowd into the festive spirit by walking on with the Christmas hit ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ by Shakin’ Stevens

Aspinall became the 11th seeded player to exit the Worlds at the hands of ‘Rapid’ Ricky.

Following his traditional festive walk-on, Evans secured the first break of throw for a 2-1 lead, and he pinned double 10 to seal an impressive opening set before storming to a sixth leg on the spin to double his lead with a 104 checkout to leave Aspinall on the brink of an early exit.

Evans ended up losing just two legs in the contest, and averaged 99.38 with a 60 per cent checkout success to go through.

Berry van Peer stunned Josh Rock in the second round of the World Darts Championship

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Berry van Peer stunned Josh Rock in the second round of the World Darts Championship

Berry van Peer stunned Josh Rock in the second round of the World Darts Championship

Former world youth champion, Rock, went down 3-1 to the world No 107 Van Peer.

Rock was punished for six missed darts at doubles as Van Peer clinched the first set 3-1 despite an average of 84.

The Northern Ireland thrower then fired in a 107 checkout to force a second set decider, but Van Peer replied with a sensational 121 for a 12-darter to move within a set of a major upset.

Van Peer landed this epic 121 checkout en route to a famous victory against Rock

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Van Peer landed this epic 121 checkout en route to a famous victory against Rock

Van Peer landed this epic 121 checkout en route to a famous victory against Rock

However, 22-year-old Rock showed pure class to produce finishes of 101, 112 and 82 with Van Peer failing to land two match darts in the third set decider to halve the deficit.

But the debutant, who has racked up four Challenge Tour titles over the last 12 months, set up a clash with Damon Heta by taking out 48 to finish off 23rd seed Rock and continue his dream run.

Bunting praises the crowd after crushing Ryan Joyce 3-0 in a stunning performance

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Bunting praises the crowd after crushing Ryan Joyce 3-0 in a stunning performance

Bunting praises the crowd after crushing Ryan Joyce 3-0 in a stunning performance

Stephen Bunting put on a show with a magnificent 107.28 average – the highest of the tournament – five maximums and 9/19 on the doubles as he put Ryan Joyce to the sword in a whitewash victory.

“I’m so happy to play like that and show my potential,” said the former Lakeside champion, who faces German Florian Hempel next. “I’ve come here with a lot of confidence from my last two events, but I’ve played nowhere near like that.

“I’m a bit speechless, but I can enjoy Christmas now, go home, regroup and get ready for the next game.”

Stephen Bunting conducted the crowd during his entrance song 'Titanium' by David Guetta feat. Sia

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Stephen Bunting conducted the crowd during his entrance song ‘Titanium’ by David Guetta feat. Sia

Stephen Bunting conducted the crowd during his entrance song ‘Titanium’ by David Guetta feat. Sia

Ryan Searle overcame Tomoyo Goto 3-1 as he set up a mouth-watering meeting with Joe Cullen

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Ryan Searle overcame Tomoyo Goto 3-1 as he set up a mouth-watering meeting with Joe Cullen

Ryan Searle overcame Tomoyo Goto 3-1 as he set up a mouth-watering meeting with Joe Cullen

Ryan Searle set up an intriguing meeting with Joe Cullen after making it through to the last 32 for the sixth year running.

‘Heavy Metal’ hammered in four 180s and a spectacular ‘Shanghai’ 120 finish in his 3-1 victory against a gutsy Tomoyo Goto from Japan.

“I got there in the end. I was throwing back stage and thought I was going to come out and break some records…but it didn’t quite happen,” revealed Searle. “I got over the line, can enjoy my Christmas now, and I’ll be back.”

World Darts Championship: Saturday Afternoon Results

Kim Huybrechts 0-3 Richard Veenstra (R2)
Callan Rydz 2-3 Ricardo Pietreczko (R2)
Jonny Clayton 3-1 Steve Lennon (R2)
Daryl Gurney 3-1 Steve Beaton (R2)

Two-time quarter-finalist Daryl Gurney produced consecutive ton-plus checkouts to clinch a 3-1 win over Steve Beaton in the afternoon session, while there were also victories for Jonny Clayton, Ricardo Pietreczko and Richard Veenstra.

Gurney pinned successive checkouts of 132 and 136 to defeat Beaton 3-1 and end the hopes of ‘The Bronzed Adonis’.

‘SuperChin’ averaged 100.79, winning seven of the first eight legs before Beaton – who has announced his intention to walk away from the sport following the 2024 season – rallied, taking the third set after his opponent had missed a match dart on double 19 attempting a 155 checkout.

Daryl Gurney nailed two massive checkouts against Steve Beaton, including a 136 finish to win the match

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Daryl Gurney nailed two massive checkouts against Steve Beaton, including a 136 finish to win the match

Daryl Gurney nailed two massive checkouts against Steve Beaton, including a 136 finish to win the match

Beaton, 59, had the throw in the fourth set but it was Gurney who closed it out to set up a post-Christmas meeting with Evans.

Earlier on, ninth seed Clayton won a match of ample missed doubles, defeating Steve Lennon 3-1 – Clayton’s doubling success was only 28 per cent but Lennon, who is now in danger of losing his Tour Card, was way worse on 15 per cent, squandering 34 darts out of 40.

Ricardo Pietreczko and Callan Rydz exchanged some big finishes during their clash

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Ricardo Pietreczko and Callan Rydz exchanged some big finishes during their clash

Ricardo Pietreczko and Callan Rydz exchanged some big finishes during their clash

Elsewhere, ‘Pikachu’ Pietreczko pipped the seeded Callan Rydz 3-2, while the session began with Veenstra sweeping 2012 quarter-finalist Kim Huybrechts 3-0 in sets and 9-0 in legs as he set up a showdown with fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen.

Clayton will face ‘The Polish Eagle’ Krzysztof Ratajski after the festive break, while German star Pietreczko plays title favourite Luke Humphries.

Richard Veenstra thrashed Kim Huybrechts without dropping a single leg

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Richard Veenstra thrashed Kim Huybrechts without dropping a single leg

Richard Veenstra thrashed Kim Huybrechts without dropping a single leg

What’s happening after Christmas at the World Darts Championship?

Teenage sensation Luke Littler is back in action on Wednesday night when he takes on Canadian Matt Campbell with three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen and reigning champion Michael Smith also playing on a bumper evening.

World Darts Championship: Wednesday Afternoon Fixtures

Scott Williams vs Martin Schindler (R3)
Dave Chisnall vs Gabriel Clemens (R3)
Rob Cross vs Jeffrey de Graaf (R3)

Elsewhere, 2018 champion Rob Cross, Scott Williams and last year’s semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens will be among the high-profile names taking to the stage in the afternoon.

World Darts Championship: Wednesday Evening Fixtures

Matt Campbell vs Luke Littler (R3)
Michael van Gerwen vs Richard Veenstra (R3)
Michael Smith vs Madars Razma (R3)

The sport’s biggest event sees 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months



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World Darts Championship: Teenager Luke Littler defeats Andrew Gilding to continue dream run at Alexandra Palace

Teenager Luke Littler makes it through to the third round after knocking out the experienced Andrew Gilding; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Friday at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts

Last Updated: 22/12/23 12:42am


Luke Littler continued his dream run at Alexandra Palace after recording a second win in as many days

Teenage sensation Luke Littler made it through to the third round of the World Darts Championship on his debut following a 3-1 win over UK Open champion Andrew Gilding on Thursday night.

The 16-year-old, who averaged an astonishing 106.12 in his demolition of former Lakeside Champion Christian Kist in the first round, continued his dream run on the Alexandra Palace stage by upsetting the experienced Gilding.

World Darts Championship: Thursday Evening Results

Andrew Gilding 1-3 Luke Littler (R2)
Danny Noppert 0-3 Scott Williams (R2)
Gabriel Clemens 3-1 Man Lok Leung (R2)
Damon Heta 3-1 Martin Lukeman (R2)

Littler was born in Runcorn, Cheshire, on January 21, 2007 and began playing darts aged nine.

He won the England Youth Grand Prix in 2019 and began to rack up tournament wins.

He became England Youth Open champion in 2021 and won his first senior title at the Irish Open later that year.

In 2022 he won the Welsh Open and this year notched further senior titles at the Isle of Man Classic, Gibraltar Open, British Open and British Classic.

The 16-year-old is a back-to-back JDC World Champion and reigning World Youth Champion. He doesn’t turn 17 until January 21.

Gilding nailed this 130 on the bullseye but still lost the opening set

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Gilding nailed this 130 on the bullseye but still lost the opening set

Gilding nailed this 130 on the bullseye but still lost the opening set

Gilding produced a stunning 130 checkout to level up the first set but Littler sealed it in the decider thanks to a 13-darter, averaging 101.36 with 75 per cent on the doubles.

Littler could not hold back his emotions after winning the second set

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Littler could not hold back his emotions after winning the second set

Littler could not hold back his emotions after winning the second set

‘Goldfinger’ then squandered a pair of set darts to make it all-square with World Youth Championship Littler taking full advantage by landing double 16 with his last dart in hand to double his advantage.

The 16-year-old continued his dream run at Alexandra Palace after upsetting Gilding

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The 16-year-old continued his dream run at Alexandra Palace after upsetting Gilding

The 16-year-old continued his dream run at Alexandra Palace after upsetting Gilding

However, 53-year-old Gilding reeled off a hat-trick of legs to halve the deficit as the doubles evaded ‘The Nuke’.

But the fearless Littler continued his remarkable run at the tournament by winning the fourth set 3-1 as he pinned double 10 to set up a meeting with Canadian Matt Campbell after Christmas.

Littler plans to celebrate his sensational win over Gilding with another kebab!

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Littler plans to celebrate his sensational win over Gilding with another kebab!

Littler plans to celebrate his sensational win over Gilding with another kebab!

“I think when I went two up I gave it a bit and lost all my energy,” Littler told Sky Sports. “I was nervous as it is, I don’t know how I got over the line but I’ve done it.

“I said to myself this morning, but when I went 2-0 up I just put loads of pressure on my shoulders. But I’ve done it.”

Scott Williams was 'gutted' about missing out on a nine-darter but was happy with his win

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Scott Williams was ‘gutted’ about missing out on a nine-darter but was happy with his win

Scott Williams was ‘gutted’ about missing out on a nine-darter but was happy with his win

Scott Williams came agonisingly close to an unorthodox nine-dart finish as he sealed a superb straight-sets win over seventh seed Danny Noppert.

Despite an opening 170 salvo from Dutchman Noppert, it was Williams who stormed into a 2-0 lead, and after taking first leg of the third set, ‘Shaggy’ struck six perfect darts before hitting treble 16, treble 19 but then landing his ninth dart millimetres below double 18 for what would have been the first perfect leg of this year’s tournament.

'Shaggy' just missed out on a nine-darter after just clipping the wire during his win against Danny Noppert

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‘Shaggy’ just missed out on a nine-darter after just clipping the wire during his win against Danny Noppert

‘Shaggy’ just missed out on a nine-darter after just clipping the wire during his win against Danny Noppert

Williams, ranked 52nd in the world, didn’t let it affect him, though, as he completed a 12-dart leg and he soon wrapped up the biggest win of his career with a neat 80 checkout.

Gabriel Clemens pulled this 140 checkout out the bag en route to victory against Man Lok Leung

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Gabriel Clemens pulled this 140 checkout out the bag en route to victory against Man Lok Leung

Gabriel Clemens pulled this 140 checkout out the bag en route to victory against Man Lok Leung

Last year’s semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens sealed a 3-1 success over tricky Man Lok Leung with 53 per cent on the doubles and three ton-plus finishes (140, 120, 120) to set up a last-32 tie against Dave Chisnall.

Australian No 1 Damon Heta breezed past Martin Lukeman with a comprehensive display to send out a warning to his rivals.

Damon Heta brings 'The Heat' in a bizarre walk-on for his clash against Martin Lukeman

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Damon Heta brings ‘The Heat’ in a bizarre walk-on for his clash against Martin Lukeman

Damon Heta brings ‘The Heat’ in a bizarre walk-on for his clash against Martin Lukeman

‘The Heat’ took out 68 in the deciding leg to edge the opener and he steamrolled the second in three unanswered legs to double his lead.

Lukeman upped his averages to win the third and halve his deficit, but Heta quickly took control of the fourth set with two breaks to complete a 3-1 win.

 Cross says 16-year-old debutant Littler had no fear after his first-round victory against Christian Kist

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Cross says 16-year-old debutant Littler had no fear after his first-round victory against Christian Kist

Cross says 16-year-old debutant Littler had no fear after his first-round victory against Christian Kist

Former champion Cross up and running at Ally Pally

World Darts Championship: Thursday Afternoon Results

Mickey Mansell 3-0 Xiaochen Zong (R1)
Luke Woodhouse 2-3 Berry van Peer (R1)
Madars Razma 3-1 Mike De Decker (R2)
Rob Cross 3-0 Thibault Tricole (R2)

Former World Champion Rob Cross got campaign off to a winning start in a comfortable victory against Frenchman Thibault Tricole in Thursday afternoon’s session.

The 2018 champion, who has not progressed beyond the last-16 since his historic title victory against Phil Taylor in his debut year, took out a finish of 114 to secure the second set, having trailed his opponent by two legs initially, and then went even better with a 126 checkout en route to winning the final six legs.

Rob Cross admits he wasn't at his best, despite coming through his second-round clash with Thibault Tricole

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Rob Cross admits he wasn’t at his best, despite coming through his second-round clash with Thibault Tricole

Rob Cross admits he wasn’t at his best, despite coming through his second-round clash with Thibault Tricole

But while one Englishman progressed, another dropped out as Luke Woodhouse finished on the wrong side of a 3-2 thriller against Berry van Peer.

The Dutch debutant suffered two bruised ribs after falling down the stairs and almost couldn’t practice ahead of his clash with ‘Woody’.

Luke Woodhouse and Berry van Peer traded blows with clinical checkouts in their thrilling encounter

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Luke Woodhouse and Berry van Peer traded blows with clinical checkouts in their thrilling encounter

Luke Woodhouse and Berry van Peer traded blows with clinical checkouts in their thrilling encounter

Madars Razma, meanwhile, also impressed in his second-round match against Mike De Decker. The Latvian triumphed 3-1 to set up a post-Christmas clash with reigning champion Michael Smith.

Mickey Mansell had opened the day with what in the end proved a comfortable 3-0 win over Xiaochen Zong in the other remaining first round tie.

Steve Beaton hopes to qualify for the World Championship next year and get the chance to step down on the biggest stage of all

Steve Beaton hopes to qualify for the World Championship next year and get the chance to step down on the biggest stage of all

In other news, Steve Beaton has confirmed his decision to retire from the PDC circuit at the end of next season.

“My full focus will be of course playing my best darts in 2024 in the PDC, and in 2025 I will be playing the World Seniors Darts Tour, which after turning 60 next April probably will suit me better,” said ‘The Bronzed Adonis’.

What’s happening on Friday at the World Darts Championship?

Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld headlines the action on Friday at Alexandra Palace

Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld headlines the action on Friday at Alexandra Palace

Five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld, Chris Dobey and Dirk van Duijvenbode headline the action at Alexandra Palace.

Live World Darts Championship

December 22, 2023, 12:30pm

Live on Sky Sports Main Event

World Darts Championship: Friday Afternoon Fixtures

Brendan Dolan vs Mickey Mansell (R2)
Jose de Sousa vs Jeffrey de Graaf (R2)
Krzysztof Ratajski vs Jamie Hughes (R2)
Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Boris Krcmar (R2)

Elsewhere, Jose de Sousa, Krzysztof Ratajski, Brendan Dolan and Dimitri Van den Bergh will be among the high-profile names in action.

Live World Darts Championship

December 22, 2023, 7:00pm

Live on Sky Sports Arena

World Darts Championship: Friday Evening Fixtures

Dimitri Van den Bergh vs Florian Hempel (R2)
Martin Schindler vs Jermaine Wattimena (R2)
Raymond van Barneveld vs Radek Szaganski (R2)
Chris Dobey vs William O’Connor (R2)

The sport’s biggest event sees 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months



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World Darts Championship: Can 16-year-old Luke Littler make shock title bid after stunning debut win?

Wayne Mardle and Mark Webster believe it is not out of the question that “incredible” Luke Littler could be in the mix to win the title after a stunning debut match win; Teenager straight back in action on Thursday against Andrew Gilding live from 7pm on Sky Sports Darts

Last Updated: 21/12/23 6:22am


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Luke Littler showed skills and composure far beyond his years as he demolished Christian Kist and looks a genuine contender to win the World Darts Championship

Luke Littler showed skills and composure far beyond his years as he demolished Christian Kist and looks a genuine contender to win the World Darts Championship

Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardle has hailed teenage sensation Luke Littler as “probably the most naturally gifted player I have ever seen in my life” and believes the 16-year-old could go all the way and win his debut World Darts Championship.

Littler, the reigning world youth champion, announced himself on the biggest stage in darts in the most extraordinary fashion at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday night.

The third-youngest player to appear at the tournament, Littler stunned 37-year-old Dutchman Christian Kist, the 2012 BDO champion, with a stunning 3-0 victory which featured seven 180s and a blistering three-dart average of 106.12.

Littler fired a 106 average and posted seven 180s during his impressive win

Littler fired a 106 average and posted seven 180s during his impressive win

Having excelled at youth level and secured his PDC Tour Card for 2024-25, Littler’s debut on the senior stage had been highly anticipated. The emphatic nature of his maiden success is only likely to heighten the hype around the teenager from Warrington, who now faces 53-year-old compatriot Andrew Gilding in Round Two on Thursday evening.

“I can’t remember a better [debut] than that,” declared an impressed Mardle on Sky Sports Darts.

“I can’t remember someone going up there with such a swagger and just banging in 180s and hitting 11 and 12-darters like they are going out of fashion.

A look back the best of the action from day six of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace

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A look back the best of the action from day six of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace

A look back the best of the action from day six of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace

“I’m a darts fan first and foremost, I was watching it and I had goosebumps watching him. I love people achieving and that was a boy achieving something on the world stage.

“We may never see the like again. We saw it with Phil Taylor and then we saw it with Michael van Gerwen. This may be the third coming of that. I don’t know, but I’m a little bit carried away.”

Mardle, the 2001 World Championship semi-finalist, then added: “I think he’s probably the most naturally gifted player I have ever seen in my life.

“I have seen Adrian Lewis in full swing, Gary Anderson, Michael van Gerwen, I have seen them all.

“I don’t think I have ever seen the like.”

‘Why can’t he win it?’ Webster and Mardle agree Littler in title contention

Wayne Mardle is convinced 16 year-old Luke Littler is going to the very top and says everyone talks about his age apart from him

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Wayne Mardle is convinced 16 year-old Luke Littler is going to the very top and says everyone talks about his age apart from him

Wayne Mardle is convinced 16 year-old Luke Littler is going to the very top and says everyone talks about his age apart from him

Darts’ new young star will be back on the Ally Pally stage as early as Thursday night when he takes on No 23 seed Gilding, this year’s UK Open champion, as part of an evening session which starts at 7pm live on Sky Sports Darts.

So how deep into this tournament can Littler now possibly go? Sky Sports’ Mark Webster believes repeats of his “incredible” opening-match form could conceivably take him all the way to the January 3 final in a side of the draw that has unexpectedly been opened up by the surprise early exits of seeds Peter Wright and James Wade.

“That isn’t just a statement performance, that’s title-winning form, and he’s a serious threat in this competition now,” said Webster, the 2008 BDO champion and two-time PDC World Championship semi-finalist.

Asked how far he thought the teenager could go in this tournament, Webster then replied: “I’m going to get carried away with it: I think he can win the whole thing!

“You play like that on your debut, there’s no nerves. Look, there’s going to be a lot more coming at him, particularly in the next round. Andrew Gilding will make it difficult.

“Christian played okay but he wasn’t allowed to play and if he [Littler] does that to Gilding, that’ll send out another message. Then it’s the possibility of Matt Campbell next…if you play like that, you can win the title.”

Fellow pundit Mardle agreed.

“I loved what Mark Webster said [while] sitting here that he can win it.

“Why can’t he win it? Why can’t he win the world championship? Who has been better in their first game?

“He was pushed for a set and a bit there, he dismantled a very, very good player.

“I am just so excited because it’s the way he plays the game, it’s how good he is, it’s the fact that he shows you how good he is. He wants the crowd to be involved. There is absolutely nothing to dislike about the way [he plays]. He’s just such a natural.”

Littler on debut win: ‘That’s for you, Phil’

Littler fired a 106 average and posted seven 180s during his impressive win

Littler fired a 106 average and posted seven 180s during his impressive win

The man of the moment, meanwhile, had a message for 16-time world champion Phil Taylor after delivering arguably the performance of the tournament so far at the very first attempt.

“My debut, my first game, and I can’t believe how quickly I settled into the game,” a delighted Littler told Sky Sports.

“When I was walking on I felt a bit nervous but as soon as I found the rhythm, I was in.”

Asked where the win ranked in his short career so far, the 16-year-old replied: “[Tonight has] got to be at the top. I’ve been playing since I was 18 months old, obviously looking up to Phil Taylor. I know he’s watching – that’s for you, Phil!

“Absolutely over the moon.”

Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months



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World Darts Championship: Gerwyn Price breezes into third round with 3-0 whitewash of Connor Scutt

Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung hit 11 maximums in a scintillating 3-2 comeback win over Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen in the first round; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Tuesday at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts

Last Updated: 18/12/23 11:49pm


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A look back at some of the best action from Day Four of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

A look back at some of the best action from Day Four of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

Gerwyn Price dropped only two legs on his way to an emphatic 3-0 whitewash of Connor Scutt in their second-round clash at the World Darts Championship on Monday night.

Price averaged 98.01, wrapping up victory in less than 30 minutes to book his place in the third round, with only a mini wobble in the third set to perturb him

Welcomed on stage with the smattering of boos that traditionally greet his Alexandra Palace appearances, the 2021 champion played along with the reception, smirking away as he clapped the crowd.

World Darts Championship: Monday Results

Mario Vandenbogaerde 1-3 Thibault Tricole (R1)
Gian van Veen 2-3 Man Lok Leung (R1)
Martin Lukeman 3-1 Haupai Puha (R1)
Gerwyn Price 3-0 Connor Scutt (R2)

Behind Price’s calm exterior though was a steely determination to get the job done and he romped through the first two sets without dropping a leg.

Scutt finally got on the board to open the third set and he might have had Price briefly worried when breaking the Welshman as he threw for the match, forcing a final-leg decider.

But it merely sparked another gear in Price as he produced a 12-dart leg to break straight back, taking out 96 to clinch a most comfortable of victories.

Gerwyn Price eases to a 3-0 victory over Connor Scutt that will the Welshman playing again after Christmas in the third round.

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Gerwyn Price eases to a 3-0 victory over Connor Scutt that will the Welshman playing again after Christmas in the third round.

Gerwyn Price eases to a 3-0 victory over Connor Scutt that will the Welshman playing again after Christmas in the third round.

Price: Crowd were brilliant | ‘I wasn’t going to play’

After his win, Price praised the crowd while also commenting that that he pondered perhaps not playing in the tournament.

Gerwyn Price reacts to his 3-0 second round win over Connor Scutt in the 2024 World Darts Championship.

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Gerwyn Price reacts to his 3-0 second round win over Connor Scutt in the 2024 World Darts Championship.

Gerwyn Price reacts to his 3-0 second round win over Connor Scutt in the 2024 World Darts Championship.

He told Sky Sports: “I was sat in my house at 6 o’clock yesterday and probably wasn’t going to play the tournament. I wasn’t even on my way to London.

“It is really difficult to come here with crowds on your back but credit to the crowd. If they keep on like this, there is no reason I can’t win it.”

Price added: “It wasn’t my A-game – first-round jitters – but I am happy to get through… I played pretty decent.

“The crowd were brilliant. Last year they got on my back but this year they were brilliant. I was a bit apprehensive but fair play to them.”

Leung announces himself with epic comeback win

Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung had earlier stolen the show with his scintillating 3-2 comeback victory over 21-year-old Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen, Leung throwing as many as 11 maximums in the match!

Despite missing a staggering 22 darts at double, struggles which dug him an early 2-0 hole in sets, Leung’s sensational scoring – averaging 96.26 – eventually saw him get the better of his opponent.

Man Lok Leung claims the victory over Gian Van Veen in a closely thought battle between the pair in the first round of the World Darts Championship.

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Man Lok Leung claims the victory over Gian Van Veen in a closely thought battle between the pair in the first round of the World Darts Championship.

Man Lok Leung claims the victory over Gian Van Veen in a closely thought battle between the pair in the first round of the World Darts Championship.

Van Veen, a European Championship semi-finalist this year – beating Damon Heta, Daryl Gurney and Michael van Gerwen during his run – wrestled the first two sets away from Leung thanks to superb checkouts of 116 and 112 in the fourth legs of both.

But, despite the deficit, Leung was never disheartened and he eventually made his superior scoring count, claiming each of the next three sets 3-1 to book a matchup with 22nd seed Gabriel Clemens in the next round.

Thibault Tricole made history when beating Mario Vandenbogaerde 3-1 to open the evening, the first Frenchman to compete on the Ally Pally stage winning on his World Darts Championship debut.

Tricole, a beaten finalist in the 2022 WDF world final, came back from a set down to defeat Vandenbogaerde in a real back-and-forth contest in which all four sets went into a final-leg decider.

In the first two sets, both Tricole and Vandenbogaerde let a break advantage slip, wasting opportunities when throwing for the set, with the latter taking out the first of two ton-plus checkouts on his way to claiming the first set.

Thibault Tricole throws his last dart to the floor despite winning the second set to level up the game against Mario Vandenbogaerde.

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Thibault Tricole throws his last dart to the floor despite winning the second set to level up the game against Mario Vandenbogaerde.

Thibault Tricole throws his last dart to the floor despite winning the second set to level up the game against Mario Vandenbogaerde.

But Tricole fought back, angrily celebrating winning the second set by throwing one of his darts on the floor, and he eventually battled through to beat the Belgian and book a second-round clash with 2018 Worlds winner Rob Cross.

Martin Lukeman made relative light work of New Zealand’s Haupai Puha in the remaining first-round clash of the night, triumphing 3-1.

Martin Lukeman cruises to a 3-1 first round victory over Haupai Puha as he finished up with 50% on the doubles and will meet Damon Heta in the second round.

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Martin Lukeman cruises to a 3-1 first round victory over Haupai Puha as he finished up with 50% on the doubles and will meet Damon Heta in the second round.

Martin Lukeman cruises to a 3-1 first round victory over Haupai Puha as he finished up with 50% on the doubles and will meet Damon Heta in the second round.

The Englishman quickly raced out into a 2-0 lead in sets, claiming six of the opening seven legs, thanks to his superior work on the doubles.

Puha battled hard to edge the third set 3-2, but it merely inspired Lukeman to take his game up another level as he swept the fourth to confirm his passage through to the second round where he’ll play Damon Heta.

Live World Darts Championship

December 19, 2023, 12:30pm

Live on Sky Sports Arena

Live World Darts Championship

December 19, 2023, 7:00pm

Live on Sky Sports Arena

What’s happening on Tuesday at the World Darts Championship?

Michael van Gerwen will be aiming to win a fourth World title

Michael van Gerwen will be aiming to win a fourth World title

Three-time champion Michael van Gerwen enters the fray on Tuesday, while Steve Beaton – making a record-extending 33rd consecutive World Championship appearance – plays Dutch debutant Wessel Nijman in round one.

World Darts Championship: Tuesday Afternoon Fixtures

Ian White vs Tomoya Goto (R1)
Ritchie Edhouse vs Jeffrey de Graaf (R1)
Keegan Brown vs Boris Krcmar (R1)
James Wade vs Matt Campbell (R2)

Four-time semi-finalist James Wade will headline the afternoon session, before Japan’s Mikuru Suzuki makes her World Championship return against Germany’s emerging star Ricardo Pietreczko in the evening session.

World Darts Championship: Tuesday Evening Fixtures

Steve Beaton vs Wessel Nijman (R1)
Mike De Decker vs Dragutin Horvat (R1)
Ricardo Pietreczko vs Mikuru Suzuki (R1)
Michael van Gerwen vs Keane Barry (R2)

The sport’s biggest event sees 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months



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World Darts Championship: Fallon Sherrock suffers opening round defeat as Luke Humphries cruises through

Fallon Sherrock makes costly error in defeat as Luke Humphries surges through in style; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Monday at 7pm, live on Sky Sports Darts

Last Updated: 18/12/23 1:34am


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A look back at some of the best action from Night Three of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace

A look back at some of the best action from Night Three of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace

Fallon Sherrock suffered a gut-wrenching opening round defeat at the World Darts Championship as red-hot Luke Humphries looked cool as a cucumber as he progressed in style on the Alexandra Palace stage.

Sherrock’s opponent Jermaine Wattimena won nine out of the last 12 legs to send ‘The Queen of the Palace’ crashing out in the first round.

Humphries, who has been on an incredible run of form which has seen him win three televised titles in two months at the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals, defeated Lee Evans in straight sets.

World Darts Championship: Sunday Evening Results

Dylan Slevin 1-3 Florian Hempel (R1)
Niels Zonneveld 3-1 Darren Webster (R1)
Jermaine Wattimena 3-1 Fallon Sherrock (R1)
Luke Humphries 3-0 Lee Evans (R2)

Sherrock was delighted after winning the first set against Wattimena

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Sherrock was delighted after winning the first set against Wattimena

Sherrock was delighted after winning the first set against Wattimena

Sherrock made a dream start by edging the opening set in a deciding leg with a cool 50 finish in two darts having levelled up the set at 2-2 with an 80 checkout on tops.

The Dutchman recovered well to seal the second set 3-1 and restore parity much to the annoyance of Sherrock, who missed two darts at tops which would have sent it into a deciding leg.

It was agony for Sherrock who made a costly error at a crucial moment of her clash against Wattimena

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It was agony for Sherrock who made a costly error at a crucial moment of her clash against Wattimena

It was agony for Sherrock who made a costly error at a crucial moment of her clash against Wattimena

Wattimena soon silenced the rowdy Ally Pally crowd when he blasted his way through the third set without reply to move ahead.

Sherrock’s hopes of causing another shock at the Worlds went up in smoke when she bust aiming for double 8 with Wattimena sinking a magnificent 110 skin-saver to level the fourth set at 2-2. He nailed double 5 in the deciding leg to claim victory.

“Obviously, I’m gutted with the result,” said Sherrock. “I had spells when I played well tonight but I missed chances at key moments and they cost me.

“Full credit to Jermaine, he was the better player on the night and he punished me when I missed chances.

“The Ally Pally stage is a special place for me and I will be back to hopefully make more positive memories here in the future.”

Wattimena ended Sherrock's hopes when he nailed double 5 to claim a fine win

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Wattimena ended Sherrock’s hopes when he nailed double 5 to claim a fine win

Wattimena ended Sherrock’s hopes when he nailed double 5 to claim a fine win

Three-time quarter-finalist Humphries bossed the opening set of his match against Lee Evans, who hit back with the first 170 checkout of the tournament to narrow the gap in set two before the tournament favourite won the deciding leg to stretch his advantage.

Evans pinned a whopping 116 finish to take a 2-0 lead in the third set but he was punished for a total of 19 missed doubles with ‘Cool Hand Luke’ making it through thanks to a neat 70 checkout.

Humphries admitted he wasn't at his best during his win over Evans

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Humphries admitted he wasn’t at his best during his win over Evans

Humphries admitted he wasn’t at his best during his win over Evans

“I was not at my best today, the most important thing for me is it felt good,” said the 28-year-old Newbury thrower. “I said in my previous interviews, just get through the first game, it’s always the toughest.

“There will be nothing in that game where I look back and say I’m disappointed in myself because I won the game 3-0 and that’s what I wanted.

“The next game will be tough but I feel I will be a lot lot better than that.

“It’s hard not to get frustrated but this is darts. You can’t always be fantastic and that’s the way it is.”

Evans reeled in 'The Big Fish' during his second round match against Humphries

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Evans reeled in ‘The Big Fish’ during his second round match against Humphries

Evans reeled in ‘The Big Fish’ during his second round match against Humphries

Dutchman Niels Zonneveld halted ‘The Demolition man’ Darren Webster’s revival to land his very first victory on the World stage.

After easing through the opening two sets, Norfolk ace Webster bounced back by edging the third set in a decider to keep his hopes alive despite 16 missed darts at doubles and an 84 average.

Niels Zonneveld eventually got over the line against Darren Webster, despite EIGHT missed match darts

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Niels Zonneveld eventually got over the line against Darren Webster, despite EIGHT missed match darts

Niels Zonneveld eventually got over the line against Darren Webster, despite EIGHT missed match darts

However, ‘Triple Z’, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2021 World Series of Darts, booked his spot in the second round against former European Champion Ross Smith thanks to his ninth match dart.

In the opening match of the night, Florian Hempel recovered from a set down to defeat Ireland’s Dylan Slevin 3-1 with five 180s along the way.

Young Irishman Slevin piled in a 167 but former handball star Hempel showed all his experience to make a winning start to his campaign.

Dylan Slevin hit this sensational 167 checkout during his first round defeat at the Worlds

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Dylan Slevin hit this sensational 167 checkout during his first round defeat at the Worlds

Dylan Slevin hit this sensational 167 checkout during his first round defeat at the Worlds

The German will now renew his rivalry with Dimitri Van den Bergh in a fascinating second round tie on Friday, two years after stunning the Belgian.

World Darts Championship: Sunday Afternoon Results

Ricky Evans 3-0 Simon Adams (R1)
Jim Williams 3-0 Norman Madhoo (R1)
Matt Campbell 3-2 Lourence Ilagan (R1)
Joe Cullen 3-0 Darren Penhall (R2)

‘The Rockstar’ lays down marker in afternoon session

Joe Cullen was happy with his victory over Darren Penhall

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Joe Cullen was happy with his victory over Darren Penhall

Joe Cullen was happy with his victory over Darren Penhall

Joe Cullen raced into the third round after easing to a straight-sets victory over Darren Penhall on Sunday afternoon.

Cullen smashed in this 160 checkout against Penhall

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Cullen smashed in this 160 checkout against Penhall

Cullen smashed in this 160 checkout against Penhall

Cullen fired a 93.41 average and posted six maximums during a comfortable 3-0 win over Penhall, with a 160 checkout also helping set up a last-32 meeting with Ryan Searle, Ian White or Tomoya Goto.

'Rapid' Ricky Evans summons the spirit of Christmas for his walk-on against Simon Adams

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‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans summons the spirit of Christmas for his walk-on against Simon Adams

‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans summons the spirit of Christmas for his walk-on against Simon Adams

Ricky Evans brushed aside Simon Adams in straight sets earlier in the session to book a second-round clash with Nathan Aspinall, while Wales’ Jim Williams didn’t drop a leg on his way to defeating qualifier Norman Madhoo by the same scoreline.

The contest of the session came when ‘Ginja Ninja’ Matt Campbell battled back from squandering five match darts in the third set and a two-set lead to defeat Lourence Ilagan in a final-set decider.

Matt Campbell missed the chance to finish the match before Lourence Ilagan hits tops-tops to win the set

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Matt Campbell missed the chance to finish the match before Lourence Ilagan hits tops-tops to win the set

Matt Campbell missed the chance to finish the match before Lourence Ilagan hits tops-tops to win the set

Live World Darts Championship

December 18, 2023, 7:00pm

Live on Sky Sports Arena

What’s happening on Monday at the World Darts Championship?

Gerwyn Price will be aiming to land a second World title at Ally Pally

Gerwyn Price will be aiming to land a second World title at Ally Pally

Welshman Gerwyn Price begins his bid to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for a second time on Monday.

The night will also see World Youth Championship finalist Gian van Veen make his World Championship debut, while Thibault Tricole will make history as the first French player to compete in the sport’s showpiece event.

World Darts Championship: Monday Fixtures

Mario Vandenbogaerde vs Thibault Tricole (R1)
Gian van Veen vs Man Lok Leung (R1)
Martin Lukeman vs Haupai Puha (R1)
Gerwyn Price vs Connor Scutt (R2)

The sport’s biggest event sees 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months



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World Darts Championship: Michael Smith, Simon Whitlock and Cameron Menzies all win on opening night

Michael Smith survives opening-round scare to make it through at Ally Pally; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Saturday afternoon at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts

Last Updated: 16/12/23 2:24am


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A look back at some of the best action for the opening night of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace

A look back at some of the best action for the opening night of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace

Reigning champion Michael Smith began his World Darts Championship title defence with victory but only after surviving a huge scare to defeat Dutch debutant Kevin Doets on opening night at Alexandra Palace.

Smith created global headlines with his sensational triumph in January, producing an incredible nine-darter in a leg dubbed ‘the greatest of all-time’ on his way to a 7-4 success against Michael van Gerwen.

The world No 1 was facing the prospect of becoming the first defending champion to lose their opening match in the sport’s showpiece event since 2009, before he fought back magnificently to keep his hopes alive.

World Darts Championship: Friday’s Results

Kevin Doets 3-0 Stowe Buntz (R1)
Cameron Menzies 3-0 Rusty-Jake Rodriguez (R1)
Simon Whitlock 3-2 Paolo Nebrida (R1)
Michael Smith 3-2 Kevin Doets (R2)

Michael Smith dug out this huge 142 in the final set to leave his opponent Kevin Doets shaking his head in disbelief

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Michael Smith dug out this huge 142 in the final set to leave his opponent Kevin Doets shaking his head in disbelief

Michael Smith dug out this huge 142 in the final set to leave his opponent Kevin Doets shaking his head in disbelief

Doets, who reached the fifth round of this year’s UK Open after winning his PDC Tour Card for the first time in January 2022, dumped out Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finalist Stowe Buntz in the opening match of the tournament.

The world No 66 came into the meeting with St Helens star Smith on a high, but it was the reigning champion who made a strong start by sealing the opening set 3-1 with 60 per cent on the doubles.

The talented Dutchman responded by claiming the second set in a deciding leg against the darts for parity with a 100.3 average after Smith failed to hit tops to move clear of his opponent.

Smith pinned this superb 150 during his 3-2 victory over the Dutchman

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Smith pinned this superb 150 during his 3-2 victory over the Dutchman

Smith pinned this superb 150 during his 3-2 victory over the Dutchman

Doets, nicknamed ‘Hawk Eye’, continued to find the target and he despite a huge 150 checkout from Smith, he produced winning legs in 12, 14 and 13 darts to move within a set of causing a almighty upset.

However, Smith wrapped up set four 3-1, including a whopping 121 checkout to send the match all the way.

Smith landed a majestic 142 checkout under immense pressure to regain the lead in the decider and despite missing five darts at a double, he eventually claimed victory with a neat 67 finish on tops.

Wayne Mardle heaped praise on Smith after his close opening win at Ally Pally

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Wayne Mardle heaped praise on Smith after his close opening win at Ally Pally

Wayne Mardle heaped praise on Smith after his close opening win at Ally Pally

“It’s one of them, I managed to fall over the line, no nerves, no pressure, I’ll have a good Christmas now,” Smith told Sky Sports.

Simon Whitlock, the 2010 runner-up, missed five darts before winning a slow-burner of a contest against former PDC Asian Championship finalist Paolo Nebrida to set up a showdown with two-time champion Gary Anderson on Saturday evening.

Paolo Nebrida found checkouts of 116 and 121 but eventually lost out to Simon Whitlock in a nervy contest

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Paolo Nebrida found checkouts of 116 and 121 but eventually lost out to Simon Whitlock in a nervy contest

Paolo Nebrida found checkouts of 116 and 121 but eventually lost out to Simon Whitlock in a nervy contest

‘The Wizard’ was forced to dig deep to battle past Nebrida, using all of his experience to avoid a shock exit.

“I’ve just been messing around with my darts too much. I’ve been like Peter Wright,” Whitlock admitted.

And on facing Anderson next, he replied: “I’m a big 180 hitter and they weren’t there today, but tomorrow is a different day. Maybe they will turn, maybe I will turn up and me and Gary will have a great game.”

Whitlock credited his experience for getting him through a razor-thin opening-round contest

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Whitlock credited his experience for getting him through a razor-thin opening-round contest

Whitlock credited his experience for getting him through a razor-thin opening-round contest

Cameron Menzies came through a fiery encounter against Rusty-Jake Rodriguez to reach the second round.

The Scot, who is the partner of Fallon Sherrock, closed out a 3-0 success over Austria’s Rodriguez with four 180s and 50 per cent on the doubles to move through.

“I was so nervous today, because I knew that game meant a lot,” revealed Menzies, who prepared for his opening round clash with a plumbing shift this morning.

“Winning that game meant the world to me, and I think going to work today helped me relax, because it made me realise that darts is a hobby for me.

“Obviously I would like to be in a situation in the future where I can give up work, because I know in spells I can score as well as the best, but it’s still my finishing that separates the top ten from a player like me.”

Rusty-Jake Rodriguez threw his darts off the table after going down two sets to Cameron Menzies

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Rusty-Jake Rodriguez threw his darts off the table after going down two sets to Cameron Menzies

Rusty-Jake Rodriguez threw his darts off the table after going down two sets to Cameron Menzies

Live World Darts Championship

December 16, 2023, 12:30pm

Live on Sky Sports Arena

Live World Darts Championship

December 16, 2023, 7:00pm

Live on Sky Sports Arena

What’s happening on Saturday at the World Darts Championship?

Dave 'Chizzy' Chisnall headlines he action on Saturday afternoon at Alexandra Palace

Dave ‘Chizzy’ Chisnall headlines he action on Saturday afternoon at Alexandra Palace

The first double session at this year’s tournament will take place, as two-time world champion Gary Anderson opens his title challenge with a clash against Simon Whitlock.

World Darts Championship: Saturday Afternoon Fixtures

Lee Evans vs Sandro Eric Sosing (R1)
Connor Scutt vs Krzysztof Kciuk (R1)
Jules van Dongen vs Darren Penhall (R1)
Dave Chisnall vs Cameron Menzies (R2)

World Darts Championship: Saturday Evening Fixtures

Jamie Hughes vs David Cameron (R1)
Keane Barry vs Reynaldo Rivera (R1)
Scott Williams vs Haruki Muramatsu (R1)
Gary Anderson vs Simon Whitlock (R2)

Dave Chisnall, a 2021 semi-finalist, takes centre stage in the afternoon when he faces Cameron Menzies, while American No 1 Jules van Dongen makes his debut against DPA qualifier Darren Penhall.

The sport’s biggest event sees 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months



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Badshah marks his maiden innings in hospitality sector; invests in three brands Sago Spice Symphony, Seville and Sidera : Bollywood News – Bollywood Hungama

While illustrious rapper and hip-hop mogul Badshah is known the world over for his anthemic records and elite collaborations, his inner circle also know him for being an impeccable host and entertainer in his time, which has now translated through a first-of-its-kind world-class multi-brand food and beverage venture. A culinary connoisseur at heart; the 39-year-old rapper, and entrepreneur t is gearing up to mark his maiden innings in the hospitality industry with the launch of three brands- Sago Spice Symphony, Seville and Sidera in partnership with Babita Puri Gupta and Udayveer Gupta.

Badshah marks his maiden innings in hospitality sector; invests in three brands Sago Spice Symphony, Seville and Sidera

Located in the heart of Chandigarh; the upscale neighbourhood of Sector-26, the aesthetically constructed spanking new venture is inspired by the principles of community, pluralism and identity and aspires to serve as a sumptuous indulgence for the city’s epicureans. A 9,000 sq. ft. expanse is sculpted into three culinary masterpieces- an invitingly earthy indoor dining space presented in the form of an Indian fine dining restaurant ‘Sago Spice Symphony’, a basement Pan-Asian cocktail bar ‘Sidera’ and an atmospheric Continental Lebanese restaurant and lounge ‘Seville’. Sago implying tapioca pearls, pays a sublime poetic ode to authentic Indian food from different corners of the country and exhibits a congenial vibe that makes it a diner’s delight for the entire family with elements of earthy warm palettes, terracotta pottery, cream floral upholstery, glazed tiles, gold and marble accents coupled with natural stonework.

Seville which draws inspiration from a Spanish city imbibes colonial designs, full of cultural richness, eclectic luxury and exuding sophistication. The venue embraces a timeless-yet-chic style with an illuminated open-to-sky roof, rustic wooden chandeliers dangling from the tall ceiling, mosaic flooring and wooden carved wall murals accentuating the neutral color palettes. The standout element of the venue is the elongated bar counter made of handcrafted ripple natural stone cladding.

Sidera referencing the constellations and stars in Latin, is spruced up with luxe leather furnishing, electric statement LED lighting, textured walls highlighted with fluorescent abstract wall accents, dune-shaped arched ceiling with LUMOSX glow in the dark stars and a backlit marble and onyx bar, to cater to a lively and sensorial after-hours experience for young audiences.

Promising chefs from various regions of India have been onboarded to helm the kitchen with an immersive menu that marries modernity with tradition and spans across Indian, Lebanese, Continental and Pan-Asian fare. The eclectic menu prides itself in the luxurious utilization of homemade sauces, freshly grounded spices and flavourful condiments. Sago includes signature dishes such as ‘Sona Murgh Kebab’, ‘Lagan Ka Murgh’, ‘Sago Dal Makhni, ‘Chupa Rustam Beetroot Kebab’ while chef recommendations at Sidera include ‘Asparagus Philadelphia Roll’, ‘Stuffed Lotus Stem Fritters’ and Seville comprises distinctive specialities like ‘Chicken Krapow Bowl’, ‘Edamame Truffle Rice & Burnt Garlic Sauce’ and ‘Wild Mushroom With Cream Cheese Dimsum’.

The music hitmaker enlists dishes such as ‘Classic Mapo Tofu’, ‘Moroccan Chicken’, ‘Classic Yaki Udon Noodles’, ‘The Gourmet’, ‘Dal Khushk Awadhi’, ‘Multani Bhuna Paneer’ and ‘Bhutani Makai Palak’ as his favorite top picks on the menu. The craft cocktail menu is a modern and experimental reincarnation of classic cocktails, and will include multi-dimensional concoctions. Sago signature blends include ‘Grecian Glaze’, ‘Basil & Lychee Spritzer’, ‘Spicy Love’ and ‘Clarified New York Sour’ while Seville enlists ‘The Greek Door’, ‘Blue Sea’, ‘Santorin Secret’, ‘Mediterranean Mirage’, ‘Hellen’, ‘Ladybug’, ‘Forbidden Spiced Fruit’ and ‘Queen & Tonic’ as its specialities. On the other hand, Sidera classics include ‘Temple Run’, ‘Green Velvet’, ‘Flower Power’, ‘Paradise Found’ and ‘Roses In Bloom’.

Interestingly, the rapper has a drink named after him called ‘Badshahi’ which is a blend of milk, rose, gulkand, fresh cream, rim with edible gold flakes and also tops his favorites list. In addition, patrons can also look forward to sampling an intoxicating range of confections and delectable desserts such as Turkish Delight , Tiramisu, Hare matar ka halwa and Vanilla Cheesecake with seasonal strawberry compote which will make for a dazzling finish to a hearty meal.

Badshah states, “My love for gastronomy has been a long-standing one and one of my biggest passions after music is food. I’m extremely excited to embark on this brand-new journey and spearhead it from a city that has given me so much and made me who I am today. The brand’s vision is to indulge culinary aficionados seeking an out-of-the-ordinary gastronomical experience. Traditionally homegrown at its core, but globally experimentative in spirit, the offering is poised to be rich, deep and varied as we aim to blend tradition with modernity.”

Udayveer Gupta states, “Spearheading a one-of-its-kind but culturally ubiquitous business that amalgamates gourmet, culture and music has been a longstanding vision of mine which finally comes to fruition now. I hope to elevate the cultural exposure I have garnered over the years of travelling around the world through this new venture and present world class cuisine and a unique dining experience for our patrons.”

Badshah who is the 4th most followed Indian artist on Spotify has previously invested in a Mumbai-based nightclub Dragonfly as well as produced Punjabi films and launched a Punjab-based music channel. Additionally, he is also the founder of a clothing line called BADFIT.

ALSO READ: Rapper Badshah recalls receiving a special gift from Shah Rukh Khan; says, “I got a message from sir with a photo of…”

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World Darts Championship: Everything you need to know about the event at Alexandra Palace

Nigel Chiu

Sports Journalist

Michael Smith will defend his world title against the greatest darts players in the world as the Alexandra Palace is ready to provide drama, fun and entertainment; we’re back for the World Darts Championship from December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports

Last Updated: 07/12/23 3:04pm


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Take a look at how the world watched on as Michael Smith hit a nine-darter in the 2023 World Championship Final and Wayne Mardle lost his voice!

Take a look at how the world watched on as Michael Smith hit a nine-darter in the 2023 World Championship Final and Wayne Mardle lost his voice!

Sit back, put your feet up and switch on the darts. It’s that time of year when the sporting world turns their attention to the Alexandra Palace in London for the World Darts Championship.

It’s been 30 years since the PDC’s first World Championship began and we have seen pretty much everything over the last three decades.

From iconic walk-ons, arguments on the oche, huge upsets and nine-darters, including a certain “I can’t spake” – the World Championship always delivers.

When is the World Darts Championship 2024?

The 31st World Darts Championship takes place from Friday December 15 to Wednesday January 3.

There is action every day apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.

Where is the World Darts Championship 2024?

The World Darts Championship is held at the Alexandra Palace in London, which has been the case since 2008.

Previously, the Circus Tavern in Essex hosted the biggest darts event of the year from 1994 to 2007.

The most outrageous moments from the World Darts Championship. Includes Peter Wright dressing up as The Grinch and William Borland's memorable nine-darter!

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The most outrageous moments from the World Darts Championship. Includes Peter Wright dressing up as The Grinch and William Borland’s memorable nine-darter!

The most outrageous moments from the World Darts Championship. Includes Peter Wright dressing up as The Grinch and William Borland’s memorable nine-darter!

Why is the Alexandra Palace so special?

There’s no definitive answers for this but hosting a renowned tournament each year which sells out every time probably helps.

‘Ally Pally’ also hosts the Masters snooker tournament in January and Pool’s Mosconi cup biannually during the winter too, so it feels like the home of cue sports in this period.

How to watch the World Darts Championship

You won’t miss an arrow in the World Championship on the dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel, with the best of the action also on Sky Sports Main Event.

Coverage begins on Friday December 15 at 7pm, with afternoon sessions at 12.30pm and evening sessions at 7pm taking place for the rest of the tournament up to the quarter-finals on Monday January 1.

The semi-finals are on Tuesday January 2 from 7.30pm and the final is on Wednesday January 3 at 7pm.

Wayne Mardle breaks down the World Darts Championship draw and picks out the tough games for the seeded players.

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Wayne Mardle breaks down the World Darts Championship draw and picks out the tough games for the seeded players.

Wayne Mardle breaks down the World Darts Championship draw and picks out the tough games for the seeded players.

World Darts Championship format

The World Championship uses the sets format, with each set being the first to three legs. The deciding set must be won by at least two legs, so if it’s 2-2 in the final set, a player must win 4-2 or 5-3. If it’s 5-5, a sudden-death leg will take place with no throw for the bull, so the alteration of whoever throws first simply continues.

World Darts Championship format

Round First to (sets)
1 and 2 3
3 and 4 4
Quarter-finals 5
Semi-finals 6
Final 7

Is Fallon Sherrock playing?

Fallon Sherrock is one of two female players in the World Championship, along with two-time BDO Women’s world champion Mikuru Suzuki.

Sherrock has a historic run to the third round in 2020 when she beat Ted Evetts to become the first female player to win a match at a PDC World Championship. The ‘Queen of the Palace’ then defeated Mensur Suljovic before losing in the last 32 to Chris Dobey.

Sherrock faces Jermaine Wattimena on December 17 with the winner progressing to a round two date with Martin Schindler.

Suzuki played in the 2020 tournament but lost in the first round to James Richardson and is making her second appearance at the Ally Pally this year. She plays Ricardo Pietreczko on December 19.

Watch Fallon Sherrock become the first female to hit a televised nine-darter earlier this year

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Watch Fallon Sherrock become the first female to hit a televised nine-darter earlier this year

Watch Fallon Sherrock become the first female to hit a televised nine-darter earlier this year

Who is the defending champion?

Michael Smith is the defending champion, therefore seeded first, after beating Michael van Gerwen in a final which is remember for THAT nine-darter. No player has defended their title since Gary Anderson in 2015 and 2016.

Van Gerwen will be among the big favourites but the form player is Luke Humphries, who has won three of the four tournaments.

Throw in the likes of Gerwyn Price, Peter Wright and fan favourites such as Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld and the ingredients are all there for a spectacular tournament.

PDC World Darts Championship winners

PDC World Champions

Year Player
1994 Dennis Priestley
1995 Phil Taylor
1996 Phil Taylor
1997 Phil Taylor
1998 Phil Taylor
1999 Phil Taylor
2000 Phil Taylor
2001 Phil Taylor
2002 Phil Taylor
2003 John Part
2004 Phil Taylor
2005 Phil Taylor
2006 Phil Taylor
2007 Raymond van Barneveld
2008 John Part
2009 Phil Taylor
2010 Phil Taylor
2011 Adrian Lewis
2012 Adrian Lewis
2013 Phil Taylor
2014 Michael van Gerwen
2015 Gary Anderson
2016 Gary Anderson
2017 Michael van Gerwen
2018 Rob Cross
2019 Michael van Gerwen
2020 Peter Wright
2021 Gerwyn Price
2022 Peter Wright
2023 Michael Smith

How many world titles has Phil Taylor won?

Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor won 14 PDC world titles but also became world champion twice before the PDC era.

It’s a record which many think will be impossible to beat. Van Gerwen has won three titles, with John Part, Gary Anderson, Adrian Lewis and Peter Wright the only other multiple winners.

How many nine-darters have there been?

It’s fair to say nine-darters have become more common in the sport but there have only been 14 in the history of the PDC World Championship.

The first only came in 2009 when Raymond van Barneveld nailed the perfect leg. Barney did it again a year later, then Adrian Lewis made the first nine-darter in a final in 2011.

Watch every nine-darter hit at the PDC World Championship.

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Watch every nine-darter hit at the PDC World Championship.

Watch every nine-darter hit at the PDC World Championship.

Two nines were done in 2013 thanks to Dean Winstanley and Van Gerwen. Terry Jenkins and Kyle Anderson joined the illustrious nine-dart list in 2014, with Lewis making a second nine in 2015.

In 2016, Gary Anderson made a nine in the semi-finals and there was a five-year gap until the next perfect leg.

The player who’s faced so many nine-darters against him, James Wade, became the eighth player to do a nine, then there were three in 2022 from William Borland, Darius Labanauskas and Gerwyn Price.

And, of course, Michael Smith’s nine-darter in the 2023 final against Van Gerwen has been etched in darting folklore in what has to be the best leg of darts ever.

Watch how Wayne Mardle and Stuart Pyke reacted to the sensational leg between Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith in the World Championship Final that culminated in a nine-darter for Bully Boy.

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Watch how Wayne Mardle and Stuart Pyke reacted to the sensational leg between Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith in the World Championship Final that culminated in a nine-darter for Bully Boy.

Watch how Wayne Mardle and Stuart Pyke reacted to the sensational leg between Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith in the World Championship Final that culminated in a nine-darter for Bully Boy.

How much beer is drunk at the World Championship?

Around 90,000 darts fans will flock the Ally Pally from the middle of December to early January. As the crowd stand up to love the darts, they may have a pint in their hand too.

How many pints are drunk you ask? Around half a million across the event apparently.

What’s the song they play at the darts in between breaks?

Ever had that annoying feeling when you know how a song goes but don’t know what it’s called? You may think that about the song which is played during breaks in the match at the end of a leg during the World Championship.

It’s called Chase the Sun by Planet Funk and you just have to join in when it comes on.

Watch the World Darts Championship from December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports. Stream your favourite sports and more with NOW



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Christian Horner and Red Bull expect 2024 F1 field to ‘converge’ after record-breaking Max Verstappen season

Max Verstappen and Red Bull were utterly dominant in F1 2023; Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin are all looking to get closer next year after each challenging at different points in the season; watch the whole 2024 F1 season live on Sky Sports F1

Last Updated: 04/12/23 5:11pm


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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says his team are ‘aiming for the stars’, but admits they must be realistic in their expectations in 2024.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says his team are ‘aiming for the stars’, but admits they must be realistic in their expectations in 2024.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner expects the 2024 Formula 1 field to close up after his team’s record-breaking campaign this year.

Max Verstappen won an unprecedented 19 races from 22 events, a winning percentage of 86 per cent, and Red Bull finished one-two in the Drivers’ Championship for the first time.

The Milton Keynes-based team failed to win just one race, the Singapore Grand Prix which saw Carlos Sainz take victory, and Verstappen was often unchallenged on some weekends.

Since F1 introduced new ground effect regulations in 2022, Red Bull have won every championship and their dominance began in the middle of that season after Ferrari’s early title challenge faded away.

Ferrari were the team closest to Red Bull at the end of 2023 but McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin also got close at various points across the year.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner expects their rivals to be more competitive next season and insists his team cannot afford to stand still.

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Red Bull boss Christian Horner expects their rivals to be more competitive next season and insists his team cannot afford to stand still.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner expects their rivals to be more competitive next season and insists his team cannot afford to stand still.

“Nobody stands still. We’ve got a great basis, so it’s more evolution [of the car] than revolution. But I’m sure it’s going to converge a bit next year, so we can’t rest on our laurels,” Horner told Sky Sports News at the Autosport Awards.

“They [competitors] are all great teams. McLaren’s form at the back end of the season, Ferrari, Mercedes. Those big teams are going to be coming out all guns blazing next year.”

Wolff confirms ‘completely new car’ for Mercedes

Karun Chandhok, Ted Kravitz and Bernie Collins discuss which drivers impressed the most this season beyond Max Verstappen.

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Karun Chandhok, Ted Kravitz and Bernie Collins discuss which drivers impressed the most this season beyond Max Verstappen.

Karun Chandhok, Ted Kravitz and Bernie Collins discuss which drivers impressed the most this season beyond Max Verstappen.

Mercedes finished runners-up to Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship but went winless in a season for the first time since 2011.

Lewis Hamilton hasn’t won since December 2021 at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and played down his chances to challenge for the title next year.

There was a glimmer of hope for Mercedes when Hamilton took pole position in Hungary and showed strong pace in the second half of the season but Toto Wolff feels his team have a big deficit to close.

Ted Kravitz, Bernie Collins and Karun Chandhok look back at their favourite races of the season.

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Ted Kravitz, Bernie Collins and Karun Chandhok look back at their favourite races of the season.

Ted Kravitz, Bernie Collins and Karun Chandhok look back at their favourite races of the season.

“A new season starts with a completely new car, and that gives opportunities but also risks,” said Wolff.

“I think we’ve got to be realistic. We are aiming for the stars, but we finished only second against a team who was outperforming everybody else.

“I’ve always said this is a meritocracy and the best driver and car wins. Therefore, we have to get our act together, and I hope it’s us [to put Red Bull under pressure].”

What are McLaren’s chances?

McLaren boss Zak Brown is hoping for a strong start to the new season as they aim to narrow the gap on the Red Bulls in 2024.

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McLaren boss Zak Brown is hoping for a strong start to the new season as they aim to narrow the gap on the Red Bulls in 2024.

McLaren boss Zak Brown is hoping for a strong start to the new season as they aim to narrow the gap on the Red Bulls in 2024.

McLaren made remarkable progress throughout 2023 after starting the season as one of the worst cars in terms of pace at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

A big upgrade ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix in July saw them leap up the pecking order and Lando Norris led the early stages of the British GP on home soil at Silverstone.

Norris’ four consecutive podiums and Oscar Piastri’s Sprint win in Qatar have given McLaren plenty of hope to continue their upward curve into 2024.

Relive the 10 most dramatic crashes from this year's Formula One season.

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Relive the 10 most dramatic crashes from this year’s Formula One season.

Relive the 10 most dramatic crashes from this year’s Formula One season.

“We hope to start the season where we finished off. It’ll be interesting to see where everybody starts next year, but we’re feeling good about our development,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

“I think we learned a lot this year, so I anticipate a much stronger start to 2024 than we had in 2023.”

Piastri’s impressive rookie campaign and Norris’ consistency has made McLaren a genuine force again for the first time in over a decade.

Brown thinks the team have a driver pairing which can challenge for the title.

Ted Kravitz and Karun Chandhok discuss Max Verstappen's dominance of the 2023 F1 season.

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Ted Kravitz and Karun Chandhok discuss Max Verstappen’s dominance of the 2023 F1 season.

Ted Kravitz and Karun Chandhok discuss Max Verstappen’s dominance of the 2023 F1 season.

“I think he [Oscar Piastri] already is [challenging Lando Norris], which is great to have the driver line-up that we have,” Brown said.

“We look at what we need to be a world championship team again, you need to have two great drivers, and we’re comfortable we can tick that box.

“It’s weird, on Max’s [Verstappen] level, there’s never been a less competitive season, but behind Max, there’s never been a more competitive season. The grid was unbelievably close.

“We had five teams with seven or more podiums, which is a record. So there was one car which was uncompetitive with the rest of the field, and the rest of the field is unbelievably competitive. I’m not worried about that.”

24 races in 2024! Watch every round of next season live on Sky Sports F1, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix from February 29-March 2. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW



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