December 10th 2024.
As the World Darts Championship draws near, all eyes are on defending champion Luke Humphries and teenage sensation Luke Littler. However, there are other contenders who could potentially lift the coveted trophy on 3 January.
The bookmakers have labeled this event as a two-horse race, and it's no surprise as last year's finalists, Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith, have both had an exceptional year. But let's not forget that there are many other skilled players in the mix, and with Humphries and Littler both in the same half of the draw, we won't be seeing a repeat of last year's final.
The other half of the draw is filled with seasoned players, including some former winners of the tournament. And let's not discount the possibility of some surprises in the top half of the draw. While Humphries and Littler are favorites to meet in the semi-finals, they could potentially be upset before then.
There is no doubt that the World Championship field is filled with talent, but here are five players who could potentially upset the "Luke Show".
Gary Anderson, who will turn 54 during the championship, may not practice as much as he used to, but his natural talent keeps him in the running for the title. His epic semi-final match against Littler earlier this year showed that he can still hold his own against the younger players. Seeded 14th, Anderson may have a tough draw early on, including a potential showdown with old rival MVG in the fourth round.
Speaking of MVG, the three-time world champion and current world number three is definitely a contender for the crown. While he may not be the dominant force he once was, he is still a dangerous player and capable of pulling off some sensational moves. However, he has not been performing as well in major tournaments lately, and with a tough draw that could potentially lead to an early match against Anderson, it's not a sure bet that he'll make it to the top.
Michael Smith, the former champion and three-time finalist, may not be in the best form coming into the championship, but he is still considered a threat. Despite a forgettable couple of years, Smith remains confident and is determined to make a strong showing at Ally Pally. With two finals appearances in the last three years and a favorable draw that avoids Humphries and Littler, Smith should not be underestimated.
Wessel Nijman may be a new name to some viewers, but he is a player to keep an eye on. The 24-year-old has had a delayed development due to a match-fixing ban, but he has shown great promise in his first season on the Pro Tour. In fact, some bookmakers have him at a shorter price than Smith for the title. However, with a tough first-round match against Joe Cullen and potential matches against Gerwyn Price and others, Nijman will have to work hard to make it to the top.
Finally, there's Damon Heta, who is in top form and could potentially come out on top in a tough half of the draw. The Australian has yet to win a major individual title, but he's getting closer and closer. With an impressive record on the floor and a recent UK Open semi-final appearance, Heta is definitely a long shot with a chance to upset the favorites.
As the World Championship approaches, it's clear that there are many contenders who could potentially lift the trophy. While Humphries and Littler may be dominating the headlines, players like Anderson, MVG, Smith, Nijman, and Heta are all determined to make their mark and prove that they are not to be overlooked. It's going to be an exciting tournament, and anything can happen on the big stage at Alexandra Palace.
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