The PDC World Darts Championship keeps on churning out shocks, and it is in no way shocking that it does. I have been banging this drum for some time now, but with the plethora of new major winners and a lack of one single authoritative figure at the very top of the sport, there are a wider range of potential champions than ever.
The last two years have seen Danny Noppert, Ross Smith, Michael Smith, Chris Dobey, Andrew Gilding and Luke Humphries all secure maiden major titles, and look what we have at Alexandra Palace this year – only one previous world title holder in the final four. Granted, Rob Cross was the 2018 champion and Luke Humphries has this year ascended to the very elite, but the unseeded Scott Williams and the teenage debutant Luke Littler are in there alongside them. You can be surprised at the specific line-up, but it is not too surprising that something like this happened.
Scott Williams was the star of the show on quarter-finals day, not just by outplaying and overcoming the title favourite Michael van Gerwen, but because he hit more 180s than him as well – landing our rather fanciful tip in the process. Our other two bets also landed thanks to the myriad of maximums produced in the Dobey versus Cross and Humphries/Chisnall games, so even in this tournament of surprises, there have been predictable outcomes upon which we can rely. Now we are down to the final four though, is there room for any more surprises?
The Kid
Is it even a surprise anymore that Luke Littler continues to win and to win so comfortably? It is not to the people who have seen him play his way up to number six in the WDF men’s rankings, nor those that have seen him develop on the various youth systems. They all firmly believed he had the capability to do some real damage at this tournament, but the manner in which he has powered through to the penultimate day of action has to be considered breathtaking.
His former England captain in the WDF system, James Hurrell, believes he is the best player in the world right now, and said before a dart was thrown here that “The Nuke” could go all the way to the title. Having dropped no more than one set per match, you can see why other people are now coming round to that opinion. The question remains of the 16 year old though, how does he handle a tight game? A deciding set? A player who is playing brilliantly and putting him under constant pressure? These are the sorts of inquiries Littler will have to answer at some point, and with Rob Cross awaiting him in the semis, it is likely to be sooner rather than later.
I cannot wait to see the outcome, especially as Cross has already demonstrated remarkable resilience to produce that unlikely comeback from four sets down to beat Dobey 5-4. We are still learning about this prodigious young talent, and I believe he is still learning about himself in this environment – we may have more answers by Tuesday night.
Cool Hand Comes Good
For those of you who shared my faith in Luke Humphries, you have been rewarded. “Cool Hand” was so underwhelming in his opener against Lee Evans that he was deposed as favourite for the title. He had to mount a comeback against Ricardo Pietreczko, and even had to survive match darts in his epic encounter with Joe Cullen. The real Humphries finally arrived at Ally Pally in the quarter-finals though, blazing his way past Dave Chisnall and producing his first ever ton-topping average at Alexandra Palace.
Now he has arrived, do not expect him to disappear anytime soon. He has been the best player in the world for the last few months, and his huge scoring power was in full effect against “Chizzy”, who has been the biggest thorn in his side all year.
A 5-1 win to reach his first world semi-final was a statement victory, and I do not think he is done with making statements yet. Scott Williams was superb in overcoming MvG, but even though I thought he could hit more maximums than “Mighty Mike”, I cannot see him doing so over a potential 11 set match with Humphries.
The handicap of -2.5 for Humphries on the 180s is so low that it cannot be overlooked – back him to hit more at (1.88) with plenty of confidence. The set handicap of -3.5 for Humphries to win also looks tempting (at 2.00), and while I would not be as confident in that bet landing, it is without doubt a good value option for a man whose Ally Pally campaign is now in full flight.
PDC World Darts Championship 2024 Selected Bets
– Luke Humphries (-2.5) to hit more 180s that Scott Williams at 1.88
– Luke Humphries (-3.5 sets) to beat Scott Williams at 2.00
Prices are correct at the time of publication, but can fluctuate. Please Gamble Responsibly.
Please note that the information provided in this article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
Supercharge your bets with kwiff.
By Dan Dawson
Related Articles
– PDC World Darts Championship Final Preview
– PDC World Darts Championship Quarter Finals Preview
– PDC World Darts Championship Round 4 Preview
– PDC World Darts Championship Round 3 Preview
