"My winner is Luke Littler! Sorry Luke Humphries" - Emma Paton makes her PDC World Darts Championship predictions

Emma Paton has been the regular host of darts broadcasts on Sky Sports over recent years. The Englishwoman is therefore well placed to make some predictions for the upcoming PDC World Darts Championship.

As to who will be world champion, Paton does not have to think long. "My winner is Luke Littler! Sorry Luke Humphries, I'm a big 'Cool Hand' fan, but I'm going for Littler this time round. He's been sensational this year with 10 titles and in other events, like the Players Championship Finals, he's come pretty close. So I'm going for Litter. This time, he's going to go one step further and lift the Sid Waddell Trophy" Paton predicts for Sky Sports.

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As for surprises packages? "Chris Dobey," Paton opts for. "He's been brilliant on the floor this year, three Pro Tour titles and although things haven't really come together on the big TV stage, why not at the biggest tournament of the lot. The third quarter as well, is where I think there's some real opportunity."

Traditionally, a lot of seeds also always fall early at the Alexandra Palace. As for who's in most danger this year, Paton has a couple of names. "Joe Cullen, who could face Wessel Nijman. Also, I think James Wade. He's had some early exits the last couple years and could well face Jermaine Wattimena, the European Championship finalist this year."

Wessel Nijman could face Joe Cullen in second round

The walk-ons are also traditionally something to look forward to. "Yes, we all love Mr Brightside, but I'm not going to say Nathan Aspinall this time. I'm going to say Titanium, Stephen Bunting."

And finally, Paton also has one match she is particularly looking forward to. "Pretty obvious one, but Ryan Meikle, who's in brilliant form recently, up against Fallon Sherrock, the Queen of the Palace and the only woman ever to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship."

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