PDC World Series of Darts Finals preview - Friday sessions

Plenty of surprises sprung up in the recent European Championships. Michael van Gerwen lost out on a fifth consecutive title in Dortmund. But he still has a formidable run to continue in the World Series. The PDC world number one could yet make it four wins in a row. There's a new dimension to the event, with Vienna hosting. And there are some faces more unfamiliar to majors than others. But at the end of it all, one will emerge victorious, as per usual.
The seeds are the favourites, and none enter until the second round. But some first round contenders will be desperate to cause a surprise. Raymond Smith and Keegan Brown are in that category. Smith stunned namesake Michael in the Brisbane Darts Masters. Should he beat Brown, Raymond van Barneveld would be in his sights.
Damon Heta beat Kyle Anderson and took seven legs off Gary Anderson at the Melbourne Darts Masters. He'll want to beat Maik Langendorf, who fought through the hotly contested qualifiers to make it to Vienna, so he can meet Michael van Gerwen in round two. Then Anderson - Kyle, that is - faces off against Ian White. In the fourth tie, Max Hopp steps in for Dawson Murschell (sick) and will be looking to bring his European Tour form to the World Series Finals as he takes on Dave Chisnall.
Jamie Lewis and Dimitri van den Bergh both earned a World Series invite thanks to their World Championship exploits. The Belgian made it to the first final of the season as well. But Lewis won't make it easy for the German Masters runner-up. Gerwyn Price meets Royden Lam, and then comes a heavyweight clash as Daryl Gurney locks horns with Steve Beaton.
James Wade, fresh off his European Championship title win, will want to keep the momentum going. Ross Smith stands in his way. The winner of this one will take on home favourite Mensur Suljovic, as well as the Vienna crowd, so a good start is vital.
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19:00 Raymond Smith v Keegan Brown 19:30 Maik Langendorf v Damon Heta 20:00 Ian White v Kyle Anderson 20:30 Dave Chisnall v Max Hopp 21:00 Jamie Lewis v Dimitri Van den Bergh 21:30 Gerwyn Price v Royden Lam 22:00 Steve Beaton v Daryl Gurney 22:30 Ross Smith v James Wade