“In this short format you can hurt anyone” – Mark Webster sees chances for De Decker in opening match against Littler at the Winmau World Masters

The draw for the upcoming Winmau World Masters is, as always, a talking point, and according to Mark Webster that is more than justified. Speaking to Tungsten Tales, the former major finalist examined the showpiece and saw a mix of marquee ties, tricky first rounds and, above all, plenty of uncertainty due to the short format.

“It’s a bit of a mixed draw,” Webster said. "Obviously there are still some spots to be filled. Luke Littler kicking things off against Mike De Decker is a tricky one. You’ve also got Luke Humphries, the defending champion, against Dave Chisnall, and Ryan Joyce in there as well — so there are some decent ties."

Webster believes that’s exactly what makes the tournament so compelling. Until we get the qualifiers through and the draw is complete, you can’t really map it out properly, but it’s an exciting tournament. I like the format — the quick-fire sets. It was a real success 12 months ago, and I’m sure it will be again."

The match many eyes are on is Luke Littler versus Mike De Decker. For Littler, the World Masters is a title still missing from his résumé, which adds extra weight to the meeting.

“Is it a free hit for Mike? Yes and no,” Webster analysed. "If he can find the form he had towards the back end of 2024 — when he won the Grand Prix — then he should have beaten Luke Littler at the Grand Slam. If he finds that form over this short format, he’s got a chance. But there’s a bit of fragility in Mike De Decker at the minute."

Still, Webster also sees vulnerability. “There’s a bit of uncertainty in his game right now. Mike has openly said he had to mute social media to get out of that Worlds bubble. That says something. But he’s training hard, he’s a good player and a good lad. This is his draw, he has to make do with it.”

Dave Chisnall also faces a gruelling start, with defending champion Luke Humphries as his opponent. Webster believes Chisnall is at a crossroads in his career. “Dave will be thinking: it’s time to reset,” he said. "He’s a top performer, and he got high up in the rankings by beating players like Luke Humphries. He’s got to start doing that again. He needs to find some form and consistency."

Webster called Chisnall’s absence from the Grand Prix telling. He missed out on the Grand Prix, which is unusual for Dave — he’s never really missed majors when qualification is based on rankings. That’s the challenge for him this year: keep his head above water and start building form again."

Even so, Webster sees opportunities. "It’s a tough task, but that quick format could actually favour Dave in the opening round. Luke Humphries will be well aware of how dangerous Dave can be."

Webster calls the qualifying day one of the best elements of the tournament. “Qualifiers are a lottery. It’s a huge opportunity for someone who’s just won a tour card to put themselves on TV a month later."

Webster mentioned a few names he would like to see break through. "I’d love to see Beau Greaves get through. I’m really friendly with Joe Cullen as well, so I’d like to see him qualify and get going again — he’s a proper player and I love watching him play."

“When you get through, sometimes you get a bounce and that momentum can carry on," he continued. "That’s what makes it exciting — there’ll be some strong names and some players people might not have seen much of before. That’s the beauty of it."

Webster is unequivocally positive about Beau Greaves, who played her Worlds with plenty of attention. "It’s the start of a new project for her. She’s on the main tour now, and it all kicks off with the World Masters qualifiers. There’s a lot for her to play for."

According to Webster, no one should be surprised if Greaves makes her mark. "She’s such a good player, she can hit big averages, and I wouldn’t be gobsmacked if she came through that draw."

Finally, the Premier League also came up. Webster, himself a former participant, understands both the praise and the criticism. "From an audience point of view, it’s successful because you’re watching a mini-tournament every week."

He does not rule out changes, though. "There’s always that conversation, and to be fair it might be time for a tweak soon. The PDC don’t tend to stand still — they listen, and I think they’ll review it this year."

Webster was candid about Stephen Bunting. “I think Stephen will find it tough again. I do think he was a little fortunate, but I also understand why he’s there. He’s a good player, and I don’t like the idea of someone doing okay in the Premier League, having a bad run, and then not getting another chance."

His prediction? “ I like Luke Humphries. That fourth spot is tough — I’m leaning towards Michael Smith, but Josh Rock will really enjoy the format. You can’t ignore Jonny Clayton either. Even if his form has dipped, he always seems to find his way into the top four. I think it’ll be very tight."