The 2024/25 PDC World Darts Championship is heating up as the competition at Alexandra Palace enters its ninth day, with Northern Ireland players shining bright on the grand stage. The festive atmosphere paired with elite darts action has fans on the edge of their seats.
Brendan Dolan, one of the notable Northern Irish players, has had quite the run this year. After putting together commendable performances, including reaching the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Luke Littler, the Fermanagh native is eager to make waves again. Currently seeded 30th, Dolan's confidence is notable, especially since he has succeeded where others have faltered—dismissing both Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson last year. Facing three-time champion Michael van Gerwen after Christmas, Dolan knows he needs to channel his best form and hopes for another surprising upset.
Young gun Josh Rock, the highest-ranked player from Northern Ireland and seeded 18th, made his impression felt following his World Youth Championship victory. His performance spiked last year when he reached the fourth round, but things took a surprising turn last year when he faltered against qualifier Berry van Peer. This year, Rock's ambitions are sky-high after clinching his first European title at the Dutch Darts Championship and multiple Players Championship Series titles. He looks forward to opening his World Championship campaign against Wales' Rhys Griffin, who is not to be underestimated after recently showcasing strong abilities.
Then there’s Daryl Gurney, the seasoned competitor who has tasted quarter-final success multiple times at this tournament. Despite having challenges since his last top-eight finish, the 38-year-old still harbors dreams of returning to form. Gurney, seeded 26th, is set to clash with Germany's Florian Hempel, and should he emerge victorious, the prospect of meeting fellow Northern Irish competitor Mickey Mansell looms close.
Speaking of Mansell, the veteran is determined to move past his second-round ceiling at the World Championship, where he has historically stumbled. Eager to reverse his fortunes after last year’s exit to Dolan, the 51-year-old surged through the opening round against Japan’s Tomoya Goto and is on course to face Jonny Clayton. A victory here would put him on track for more surprising outcomes, as seen during his unexpected semi-final run at the Grand Slam of Darts earlier this year.
This year's championship has not just been showcasing the hopefuls; it has shifted gears continuously as favorites occasionally faltered. On Monday, December 23, the action includes head-to-heads featuring top seeds, with Rob Cross enthusiastically recommencing his title defense against Scott Williams. Other high-profile matches feature Dave Chisnall, Jonny Clayton, and Gian van Veen as the second round races toward conclusion.
For darts enthusiasts, the championship continues to be broadcasted live, bringing the thrill of each match straight from Alexandra Palace to fans tuning in on platforms like Sky Sports and other PDC broadcast partners.
Having reached this stage of the competition, predictions become dicey, especially with Northern Irish players bringing their A-game. Fans brace themselves for potential upsets with the likes of Dolan, Rock, Gurney, and Mansell giving it their all, aiming to engrain their names as future champions of this glorious tournament.
