
The Friday schedule for the PDC World Championship features eight players who may all fancy their chances.
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Play begins with the 30th seed, Benito van de Pas, facing a crucial match in his fledgling career. In the past year, the Dutchman has appeared in four majors; the 2018 World Championship, where he went out in the first round. The Masters, where he posted the lowest average by far and again went out right away. A first round exit also beckoned in the Players Championship Finals. Then there was the UK Open, where he met his end at the second stage. It means Storm Emma has knocked more players out of majors in the past 12 months than Big Ben. Jim Long is a big underdog here. But the Canadian beat the odds in a 3-1 win over Micky Mansell. Why can't history repeat itself here?
John Henderson wouldn't mind a re-run. Last year, he saw off a European player and toppled a big seed, before losing in the last 16. If he can see off a European player (Gabriel Clemens) and topple a big seed (Michael Smith) he'd have Ryan Searle or William O'Connor in the last 16. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Clemens barely broke a sweat in thrashing Aden Kirk. The big German is capable of more, and in this battle of behemoths, one must muscle the other out of contention.
John Henderson wouldn't mind a re-run. Last year, he saw off a European player and toppled a big seed, before losing in the last 16. If he can see off a European player (Gabriel Clemens) and topple a big seed (Michael Smith) he'd have Ryan Searle or William O'Connor in the last 16. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Clemens barely broke a sweat in thrashing Aden Kirk. The big German is capable of more, and in this battle of behemoths, one must muscle the other out of contention.
Last of the Steves
We've seen two Steves and two Stephens depart already, along with a Stevenson. It means Steve West is the last man standing among his namesakes. He won't be feeling the pressure to progress on behalf of Steve-kind, but the Englishman will relish the opportunity to be here beyond Christmas. He plays Richard North, a man who isn't known for imaginative nicknames (his is 'Northy'), but is known for being a solid player who is more than capable of winning this. He was pushed hard by Robert Marijanovic, but the steel shown in a 3-2 win will stand him in good stead going forward.
A member of the World Championship's elite nine dart club brings the session to a close. It's been five years since Kyle Anderson managed perfection against Ian White; he went on to lose the game. His Ally Pally form is such that he turns up here having already matched his best ever result in the tournament. A maiden third round appearance is certainly within his grasp. Noel Malicdem struck a blow for Asian darts in a win over Jeffrey de Graaf. His PDC Asian Tour counterparts are all gone, but Malicdem could yet claim a famous win and set up a tasty third round tie against Gerwyn Price or Nathan Aspinall.
Click here for more information about the PDC World Darts Championship, including schedules and the prize fund breakdown.
A member of the World Championship's elite nine dart club brings the session to a close. It's been five years since Kyle Anderson managed perfection against Ian White; he went on to lose the game. His Ally Pally form is such that he turns up here having already matched his best ever result in the tournament. A maiden third round appearance is certainly within his grasp. Noel Malicdem struck a blow for Asian darts in a win over Jeffrey de Graaf. His PDC Asian Tour counterparts are all gone, but Malicdem could yet claim a famous win and set up a tasty third round tie against Gerwyn Price or Nathan Aspinall.
Click here for more information about the PDC World Darts Championship, including schedules and the prize fund breakdown.
Afternoon session schedule:
12:40 Benito van de Pas vs Jim Long (R2)
13:45 John Henderson vs Gabriel Clemens (R2)
14:50 Steve West vs Richard North (R2)
16:00 Kyle Anderson vs Noel Malicdem (R2)
13:45 John Henderson vs Gabriel Clemens (R2)
14:50 Steve West vs Richard North (R2)
16:00 Kyle Anderson vs Noel Malicdem (R2)
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- Well,I suppose if you don't play the tournaments ,then why should any player qualify? There are players who enter every tournament,and if they don't win it,they carry on, spending money they haven't won,yet certain players seem to think they should qualify. Winners only I thinkrick6714-11-2026
- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026





