A delightful program awaits us Wednesday night at the World Darts Championship, including a Dutch cracker. Also in action is a 16-year-old mega-talent, as well as the reigning world champion.
The evening will open with a clash between
Matt Campbell and
Luke Littler, two players who have already won two matches this year. Campbell had started the tournament with a difficult 3-2 victory over Lourence Ilagan, before claiming a shock 3-2 victory against James Wade. However, 16-year-old talent Littler was the story of the first round. With an average of 106, he outclassed Christian Kist 3-0. After that, Littler also sent reigning UK Open champion Andrew Gilding home 3-`1.
The eyes of the Dutch fans will be on the second match of the evening, when
Michael van Gerwen and
Richard Veenstra face each other. It will be only the second time these two Dutchmen meet. That is, of course, mainly because Veenstra has only had a PDC Tour Card since this season. In March they met at a Players Championship tournament and that encounter was won 6-2 by Van Gerwen.
The Vlijmen native had a delightful opening match at the World Darts Championship. After a fine match at a nice pace, he defeated Keane Barry 3-0 in sets. Veenstra already has two matches in his legs. Against Ben Robb, 'Flyers' was not convincing, but did win 3-0 in sets. His second game was much better. After an excellent match he left Kim Huybrechts defenseless 3-0 thanks to an average of 99. Veenstra may have to at least match that form to stand a chance against the three-time world champion.
The defending champion in London continues his hunt for title prolongation against
Madars Razma.
Michael Smith had to go deep in the second round to deal with Kevin Doets, but the brave Dutchman was still brushed aside 3-2. Bullyboy' now faces Madars Razma, number 32 on the ranking list. The dart player from Latvia won 3-1 against Mike de Decker in his previous match.
World Darts Championship 2024 schedule
Wednesday, Dec. 27
Evening session (from 7 p.m.)
3x Third Round
Matt Campbell v Luke Littler
Michael van Gerwen v Richard Veenstra
Michael Smith v Madars Razma