The tension is palpable as the PDC World Darts Championship heats up with the second-round clash between former champion Rob Cross and upstart Scott Williams, taking place tonight at the iconic Alexandra Palace. With Cross, the 2018 champion, aiming for his second title against Williams, this matchup has all the makings of a thrilling showdown.
Cross, who has been to the pinnacle of the darting world, knows he must bring his best game if he wants to fend off Williams, who has gained notoriety for his ability to upset higher-ranked opponents. According to Sky Bet, Cross is the favorite at odds of 1/2 to win, reflecting his significant experience and pedigree. Conversely, Williams enters the competition as the underdog at 6/4, but his recent performances will certainly have crossed the minds of many pundits.
This dramatic matchup becomes particularly intriguing when reviewing both players' journeys to this point. Rob Cross has had his fair share of highs and lows over the past few years. The London native burst onto the scene by winning the World Championship on his debut in 2018 but faced setback last year when he was eliminated by the teenage sensation Luke Littler during the semi-finals. Williams, on the other hand, reached the semifinals himself last season, famously defeating Michael Van Gerwen before being knocked out.
Cross, now residing in Lincolnshire, reflected on the challenges players like him and Williams face. "I’d gone from being a normal worker nine-to-five to suddenly being away from my wife and kids, sometimes six days a week," he shared during recent interviews. He credits his manager Rab Bain with reigniting his passion for the sport during tough times, stating, "Rab dragged me up by the b***s. He just found a way off kicking me up the backside in a good way." Cross is grateful for the support and feels rejuvenated heading back to the oche tonight.
For Scott Williams, the challenge of taking on his close friend means putting aside their camaraderie once they step onto the stage. They have been practice partners, but Williams acknowledges the need to treat their encounter as strictly business. "It’s tough, and I gave him far too much respect last time we played. This time will be different," Williams stated confidently. He emphasized the importance of the competition and his determination to win, noting, "Once we get on stage, the gloves will be off; we’re there to win the match." Williams added, "I'm absolutely looking forward to it regardless and hoping to get the win."
The stakes are high, and the competitive spirit is evident as both players are determined to advance farther up the tournament ladder. The atmosphere will be electric tonight, with fans eagerly anticipating how this face-off at Ally Pally will unfurl. Punters can expect top-notch performances, especially with Cross' impressive track record of 14 100+ checkouts during the recent Premier League, placing him fifth among all players.
Williams' prior experience and his ability to perform under pressure could prove advantageous as the crowd at Alexandra Palace rounds out to support their favorites. His confidence was on display following his victory over Niko Springer, where his unique celebration, including pulling off what he coined as the 'no-look' 180, left fans buzzing. Williams expressed excitement for the challenge, emphasizing, "I had played so well there made me feel good and confident. There was no reason at all why I couldn’t win against Cross."
The betting lines reflect the precarious nature of this matchup. Sky Bet has declared Cross the odds-on favorite, but as any seasoned darts fan knows, surprises can and do happen. The odds for Williams achieving victory at 6/4 showcase the respect for his talents and potential impact, especially considering all the lively narratives leading up to their face-off.
The overall prize money for the World Darts Championship stands at £2.5 million, with £500,000 reserved for the winner. This substantial incentive propels the players to deliver their utmost performance, underlining the importance of this encounter.
With anticipation high among fans and experts alike, the evening is set for some fireworks as both Cross and Williams prepare to settle the score. It's not just another match; it’s about pride, career momentum, and the quest for glory at the PDC World Darts Championship.
Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports or through their online streaming platform, NOW TV. The first darts will fly at 7:00 PM GMT, and for many, it serves as the highlight of their sports calendar.
