We enter the new darts year with eight more players competing for the world title at the World Darts Championship. Saturday afternoon the first two quarter-finals will be played at Alexandra Palace.
And what a tasty fixture is waiting to continue the tournament. In the first match of 2024, Chris Dobey and Rob Cross face each other. Of these two players, Dobey managed to impress the most so far. He defeated successively William O'Connor (3-2), Ross Smith (4-2) and Michael Smith (4-0) and threw an average of over a hundred in all his matches. Cross dealt with Thibault Tricole (3-0), Jeffrey de Graaf (4-2) and Jonny Clayton (4-0), but only managed to record a 100+ average against De Graaf.
Follow the 2024 World Darts Championship via our LIVE SCORE!
Both players have faced each other 15 times in the past. Cross won seven times and Dobey took the win in eight encounters between them. Incidentally, the last four encounters were all won by Dobey, including the final of the 2023 Masters. That final victory then earned Dobey a spot in the Premier League Darts. Perhaps the winner of this match can again claim an invitation to the prestigious darts competition.
Teenage sensation Luke Littler will take the stage for the fifth time at the World Darts Championship on Monday afternoon. After sensational victories over Christian Kist (3-0), Andrew Gilding (3-1), Matt Campbell (4-1) and Raymond van Barneveld (4-1), Brendan Dolan should be the next prey for 'The Nuke'.
Opponent Dolan, however, has emerged as the giant killer of the tournament. After a hard-fought victory over good friend Mickey Mansell after a sudden-death leg, 'The History Maker' succeeded in defeating Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson. Will Dolan be able to pull off another surprise in London?
Monday night, the other two quarterfinals will be played at the World Darts Championship. Michael van Gerwen will then take on Scott Williams, while Luke Humphries faces Dave Chisnall.
Monday, Jan. 1
Quarterfinals
Afternoon session (from 12:30 p.m.)
Chris Dobey v Rob Cross
Luke Littler v Brendan Dolan