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Day 15 preview, line-up and predictions as Littler eyes another final

Rachel07 mins


Luke Littler is just one match away from reaching the World Darts Championship final, with Stephen Bunting standing in his way.

Littler, 17, produced an impressive performance to send Nathan Aspinall into the quarter-finals on New Year’s Day.

Now, he faces Bunting, who knocked out two-time champion Peter Wright in his last fight.

Wright, who had earlier dismissed Luke Humphries, had expressed his ability to challenge the top players.

However, Bunting put an end to those aspirations, setting up a showdown with Littler, last year’s beaten finalist.

For Littler, this year brings added pressure. He acknowledges that expectations are higher now compared to his breakout run last season.

“Obviously, Michael (van Gerwen) has been there a lot of times, Chris is in his first, I’m in second, and I know Bunting, I think, is in first or second, so it’s going to be a good night. Littler said.

“I felt the best I have in this tournament so far, so hopefully I can regroup and come back again and it can be the same feeling.

“We all know the expectation and it’s very different from last year. But tonight, I felt the best, and hopefully I can regroup and feel like I did on that stage.”

Van Gerwen fueled up ahead of Dobey showdown

Michael van Gerwen will start Thursday’s action in the semifinals against Chris Dobey.

The Dutchman, a three-time world champion, was quick to dismiss Dobey’s recent comments before the fight.

Dobey had suggested that facing Van Gerwen in the last four might be “a bit easier” than playing Callan Rydz, a Bedlington compatriot. Van Gerwen, who got past Rydz in the previous round, was not shy in his response.

“People, when they win, say a lot of nonsense,” Van Gerwen said.

“Dobey is a very interesting player to play against because he can produce something very good. So you always have to make sure you keep your own fire and everything because he’s a good player.”

Van Gerwen is chasing his fourth world title and will be appearing in his ninth World Championship semi-final. However, it has been a few years since he tasted victory at Alexandra Palace, with his last triumph coming in 2019.

Notably, 2024 marked the first year since 2011 that Van Gerwen failed to win a televised tournament. When asked about reclaiming the title of ‘King of the Palace’, he remained confident but realistic.

“That would be nice. People probably know the answer, but no, it’s hard. It’s a tough battle, but I love to face battles, and as long as I continue to believe in my abilities, then the King will return.”

Thursday night schedule

The semi-final starts at 7.30pm, with Van Gerwen taking on Dobey before Littler takes on Bunting in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the penultimate stage of the World Darts Championship.

Michael van Gerwen vs Chris Dobey

Luke Littler vs Steven Bunting

How to watch

The PDC World Championship is shown on Sky Sports in the UK.

You can watch the semi-finals on Sky Sports Darts and the Main Event from 19:30 GMT.

Predictions

With only four players left in the tournament, it really is anyone’s game in Ally Pally now.

In the first match of the evening, the favorite is Van Gerwen. The Dutchman is playing his best darts of the year, but Dobey is certainly no pushover.

If Van Gerwen can get off to a strong start, it’s very hard to imagine his challenger coming back and beating him.

As for the main event, Littler will feel the pressure more than ever. He’s a fan favorite, but so is Bunting. The crowd will be cheering for both sides on this card.

The 17-year-old was sensational against Aspinall, making it look easy in the quarters. He’s favored to advance to another final, but if he’s even slightly off his game, Bunting will be there to pounce.



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