This is all you need to know about 2022/23 PDC World Darts Championship

The 30th edition of the PDC World Darts Championship is set to begin on December 15 and after two years of COVID-19 affecting the tournament, there will be no restrictions.

Two years ago, the World Darts Championship was played behind closed doors, except for the opening day.

Last year, players, including Michael van Gerwen and Dave Chisnall tested positive so were out of contention during the tournament.

When will be played?

The tournament begins at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15. During the first tournament days, the first two rounds will be played. The first round ends on Wednesday, December 21. Until Friday, December 23, the remaining matches from the second round will be finished. After that is the traditional Christmas break, which lasts three days.

From December 27, the battle for the World title will resume with the third round. On Thursday evening, Dec. 29, the fourth round will begin, then be completed on Friday, Dec. 30.

At the start of the new year, eight darters remain in the tournament. They will play in the quarterfinals on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2021. The semifinals will be played on Monday, Jan. 2, followed by the World Championship final on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

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Who are the favourites?

Michael van Gerwen stands out as the main favourite having won the most major titles on the PDC Tour this season and having a glaring gap since his last World title as he aims for four.

Peter Wright and Gerwyn Price with the former defending the title will also be up there with bookmakers but Wright has had to deal with personal issues as of late with his wife Jo being in and out of hospital.

While Price has shown glimmers of previous form but has not won a major this calendar year. Others in contention include Michael Smith, last year's finalist and now a major winner at the Grand Slam of Darts. As well as Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall and debutant Josh Rock who some see as having a Rob Cross type run potentially.

Where can the World Championship be seen?

From December 15, the action will be shown on Sky Sports with Arena and Main Event barring two days carrying the tournament.

Most Afternoon Sessions start at the 12:30pm slot with 7:00pm for evening sessions but some will be affected by the World Cup.

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How much prize money can they earn?

During the World Darts Championship, as much as £2,500,000 in prize money will be distributed. This makes the prize money more than three times bigger than any other ranking tournament.

All players receive at least 7,500 pounds in starting money. This can increase to a sum of 500,000 pounds upon winning the world title.

Besides the battle for the world title, the number-one position in the world rankings is also at stake. In theory, Peter Wright, Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith and Gerwyn Price can all grab the number one spot at the World Darts Championship.

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