The 2025 World Darts Championship, taking place at Alexandra Palace, is heating up as the final matches of the third round conclude. On Sunday, December 29, the championship features two Dutch competitors, Jeffrey de Graaf and Kevin Doets, among the remaining players vying for the title.
Jeffrey de Graaf kicks off the day's events against Paolo Nebrida at 1:30 PM. Nebrida has proven to be a surprising contender, having knocked out top players Jim Williams and Ross Smith earlier. Following De Graaf's match, Kevin Doets will face Krzysztof Ratajski, with Doets riding high on confidence after eliminating World No. 2 Michael Smith.
Michael van Gerwen showcased his talent and determination by defeating Brendan Dolan 4-2, securing his spot among the last sixteen competitors. This victory underlines van Gerwen's prowess as he continues to advance through the tournament. His friend and advisor, Vincent van der Voort, expressed eager anticipation for Van Gerwen's performance. Meanwhile, Dimitri Van den Bergh is set to fight against Callan Rydz, representing the last hopes for Belgium after the early exits of Mike De Decker and Kim Huybrechts.
On the evening of December 29, the championship heats up with two pivotal fourth-round matches. Jonny Clayton will take on Gerwyn Price, and reigning world champion Luke Humphries is against Peter Wright—who recently eliminated Jermaine Wattimena. This stage of the championship promises high-stakes competition and thrilling displays of dart-throwing skill.
The championship kicked off on December 15 and spans until January 3, 2025, featuring some of the world's best players. Initially, 16 Dutch participants entered the fray, but after the holiday break, only two are left, striving to claim the world title.
Luke Littler is currently the bookmakers' favorite to win the championship with odds of 27%, followed by Luke Humphries at 22% and Michael van Gerwen at 17%. This indicates the fierce competition as the championship nears its climax.
Fans are keeping up with the latest news through dedicated streaming and updates, showcasing the excitement surrounding this iconic sporting event. Live updates and detailed match coverage can be accessed on designated websites, including links to the podcast "Darts Draait Door." This daily discussion features insights from Van der Voort and Damian Vlottes, keeping listeners informed about all developments.
With the championship set to crown its champion on January 3, every match could potentially change the tournament's course. The remaining players are not just fighting for glory, but also striving to cement their legacy within the sport.
Stay tuned for the exciting culmination of this year's World Darts Championship as fans celebrate the sport's most prestigious event of the year.