• Darts World Championship 2025

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 12:15 am**

The Darts started on Sunday with top seed, world number one and reigning world champion, but not the favourite, Luke Humphries breezing through. This afternoon saw the first seed fall, the unpredictable James Wade. Gerwyn Price then powered through this evening.

A few more days of watching the lower lights fight it out and a few upsets no doubt before the real business starts after Xmas. I’ll be there on Thursday night when Michael Smith, number two seed starts his progress.

All eyes will be on Luke Littler though as he tries to go one better than last year. Seeded 4 with just one years winning on the Order of Merit.

Anyone else heading to The Ally Pally?

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 7:16 am**

Heading down to see MVG in Friday’s evening session. Hoping to see Michael Smith go far this year, bookies giving odds of 33/1 is naive. Lumped on!

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 7:26 am**

A good few opening days. Absolutely no surprise to see Wattimena blow Wade away after the year he has had.

As for the last few years, I’m all in on Humphries and Dimi VdB.

Littler the favourite, but for me, Humphries is undoubtedly the best and most consistent player in the world.

Think Ando will go well too

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 8:03 am**

Tough watch the closing stages of the Cameron Menzies match, some absolute bellends in the crowd seemingly enjoying his struggles

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 9:03 am**

claretonthecoast1882 wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 17, 2024 8:03 am
Tough watch the closing stages of the Cameron Menzies match, some absolute bellends in the crowd seemingly enjoying his struggles

Always interesting to watch the old finals at Lakeside and the Circus tavern where best of order was always the norm. I went to Matchplay for years and this was the case then. Since the Premier League and the encouragement of audience participation this has now taken over as the default. Players know what they are coming into and have to learn to manage the crowd. As Leo Gates said post game yesterday you need to use the audiences energy. Doesn’t excuse the cheering of missed throws though.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 9:05 am**

claret wizard wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 17, 2024 9:03 am
Always interesting to watch the old finals at Lakeside and the Circus tavern where best of order was always the norm. I went to Matchplay for years and this was the case then. Since the Premier League and the encouragement of audience participation this has now taken over as the default. Players know what they are coming into and have to learn to manage the crowd. As Leo Gates said post game yesterday you need to use the audiences energy. Doesn’t excuse the cheering of missed throws though.

Agreed, part of the reason Darts has taken off the way it has is because of the crowd but every single person in that venue last night could see he was really struggling to cope. This shouldn't be a sign of encouragement for the crowd to carry on as they did.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 9:12 am**

Football crowds have managed to get past this kind of drunken nonsense. Still some whoppers with a nose full of powder and a belly full of strong lager that make fools of themselves, but for the amount of people watching I think it does quite well to support those who really need it.
Darts crowd is almost a competition of who can get the drunkest, and who can act like the biggest dick.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 10:46 am**

I've never been to watch live darts, always fancied it, especially at the Lakeside but have absolutely no interest now. If anything, a load of drunken bores singing "Stand up if you love the darts" every 5 minutes diminishes the experience rather than enhancing it.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 11:17 am**

TheFamilyCat wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 17, 2024 10:46 am
I've never been to watch live darts, always fancied it, especially at the Lakeside but have absolutely no interest now. If anything, a load of drunken bores singing "Stand up if you love the darts" every 5 minutes diminishes the experience rather than enhancing it.

I've not been to the Ally Pally but been to watch the Premier League darts.

If you're not on the tables (in the stands), then take binoculars. You're right at the back and can see naff all. Ironically, they have TVs up which you need to use to tell what's going on. Then there's the plastic cups and the half hour wait for it.

Like with the snooker, I prefer to watch it on TV. You can see what's going on, normally decent commentary and highlights, best camera angles.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 12:43 pm**

Menzies reminds me of the Scottish singer capaldi, doesn’t seem to cope with the pressure unfortunately on stage. He has been smashing the floor tournaments all year up there with the best. But he can’t cope with the pressure on stage he is own worst enemy. But obviously as a few issues feel sorry for him.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 5:00 pm**

De Decker crashes out with am awful average. No one setting the Palace alight so far.

Will be interesting to see what the atmosphere is like on Thursday. I've been to many darts over the years, including the 3rd ever Premier League night.
As mentioned above the crowd behavior has definetly changed since then. Not too far away from the way that Cricket crowds have changed in a similar period.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 5:14 pm**

Any value in the betting? Don't really follow much darts but always end up watching a bit over Xmas.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 5:18 pm**

by bobinho » Tue Dec 17, 2024 9:12 am

Football crowds have managed to get past this kind of drunken nonsense.

You could have fooled me... I stopped going on with the Normies 2 seasons ago at the Turf as everyone seemed to be completely off their nut lol so I only do corporate now when I watch Burnley.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 5:18 pm**

jrgbfc wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 17, 2024 5:14 pm
Any value in the betting? Don't really follow much darts but always end up watching a bit over Xmas.

I used to be well into my darts watching it all the time but the last few years not seen much of it. I've seen MVG at 10/1 who when I was watching, was always someone that could win it again. Same with Gary Anderson also 10/1. Price at 22/1 too.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 5:28 pm**

jrgbfc wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 17, 2024 5:14 pm
Any value in the betting? Don't really follow much darts but always end up watching a bit over Xmas.

Michael Smith was about 28/1 which seems like good value. Presume there's an each way option for the last 4.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 7:08 pm**

I went to the Worlds at Ally Pally few years back. Enjoyed every second of it. Fantastic party atmosphere... you'd have to be a right miserable bugger not to enjoy it. The lasting impression I had was a celebration of the human spirit... a together as one feeling. That's what football does at its very best. The beauty of darts is that it's pretty much guarantee every time you go.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 7:11 pm**

TheFamilyCat wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 17, 2024 5:28 pm
Michael Smith was about 28/1 which seems like good value. Presume there's an each way option for the last 4.

That does look like decent value.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 7:21 pm**

TheFamilyCat wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 17, 2024 5:28 pm
Michael Smith was about 28/1 which seems like good value. Presume there's an each way option for the last 4.

Think all the each way terms are just the 2 places.
28s pretty big for Smith but he’ll probably have to beat one of the Lukes to get to the final.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 7:56 pm**

If you were squinting you could mistake this game for Vincent Kompany v Michael Keane.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 9:53 pm**

Big Vinny K wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 17, 2024 7:21 pm
Think all the each way terms are just the 2 places.
28s pretty big for Smith but he’ll probably have to beat one of the Lukes to get to the final.

The Luke’s are in the other side of the draw. Smith is due to meet MVG in the semis.

Posted: **Tue Dec 17, 2024 9:59 pm**

claret wizard wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 17, 2024 9:53 pm
The Luke’s are in the other side of the draw. Smith is due to meet MVG in the semis.

Oh right - didn’t realise that. Makes Smith’s odds even more attractive then to reach the final.

Posted: **Wed Dec 18, 2024 8:11 am**

Had a little go at Wessel Nijman (never heard of him) to win his quarter final at 5/1 and also 33/1 each way to win it

Posted: **Wed Dec 18, 2024 10:09 pm**

We lost the Queen of the Palace last night, but saw the first 9 darter tonight by Christian Kist. He still lost though. Impressive by Paddy Power for every 9 darter, £60k to the player, £60K to charity and £60K to a random punter in the crowd! That on top of £1K to charity for every 180 thrown. Also last night Rashad Sweeting went for the 180 leaving a tricky double 7 just to get the £1K, Paddy Power have offered to pay for his flight costs from The Bahamas. Anything to do with you Dande?

Posted: **Wed Dec 18, 2024 10:12 pm**

claretonthecoast1882 wrote: ↑
Wed Dec 18, 2024 8:11 am
Had a little go at Wessel Nijman (never heard of him) to win his quarter final at 5/1 and also 33/1 each way to win it

Ha, always the best when you bet on someone you've not heard of.

Posted: **Thu Dec 19, 2024 8:02 am**

hoosier-daddy wrote: ↑
Wed Dec 18, 2024 10:12 pm
Ha, always the best when you bet on someone you've not heard of.

I saw an article which said he could be this years Luke Littler, seemed a good enough reason to have a bit of interest.

Posted: **Thu Dec 19, 2024 2:08 pm**

claret wizard wrote: ↑
Wed Dec 18, 2024 10:09 pm
We lost the Queen of the Palace last night, but saw the first 9 darter tonight by Christian Kist. He still lost though. Impressive by Paddy Power for every 9 darter, £60k to the player, £60K to charity and £60K to a random punter in the crowd! That on top of £1K to charity for every 180 thrown. Also last night Rashad Sweeting went for the 180 leaving a tricky double 7 just to get the £1K, Paddy Power have offered to pay for his flight costs from The Bahamas. Anything to do with you Dande?

Definitely not my area, but good to see. I'm really pleased with how the campaign last year, and this year have gone, the business does loads of stuff like this to help people. I see Luke Humphries has asked if Paddy Power will cover his flights to go over and practice with him

Posted: **Thu Dec 19, 2024 11:11 pm**

SkiptonBob wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 17, 2024 7:16 am
Heading down to see MVG in Friday’s evening session. Hoping to see Michael Smith go far this year, bookies giving odds of 33/1 is naive. Lumped on!

Cheers for the betting tip

Posted: **Thu Dec 19, 2024 11:12 pm**

Smith OUT

Scott Williams beat Nico Springer, 3-1, in what was probably the game of the tournament so far.

Posted: **Thu Dec 19, 2024 11:23 pm**

Went to the afternoon session today and got to say the set up is brilliant. Easy to get in, get drinks, get food, loads of free stuff going on and even the worst seats aren't that bad

The atmosphere was buzzing from start to finish even though bar a couple of players it was a list of unknowns and I reckon getting tickets from the quarters to the final would be like going to the finals at Wimbledon or Wembley

Posted: **Thu Dec 19, 2024 11:32 pm**

I doubt skiptonbob is having turkey for Xmas LUMPED on smith.He had no form to be fair he was well out of form it’s looking likely he will be dropping out the top 16.

Posted: **Fri Dec 20, 2024 10:55 am**

Fortunately I didn’t “lump on” Smith. His form has been patchy and his OOM place down to his now expiring World Title prize money. So strong is the World Championship cash that he’ll drop out of the top ten come the new rankings. No Premier League for Bully Boy.

I was there last night and got to say the organisation is a level above what it has been in previous visits. No queues for anything (oh apart from the free games pre start). Hit a bullseye and get a free drink. Hit 3 in one visit and win £5k.

We went into the arena early. This is how we found out this. The 9 dart 60 - 60 - 60 thing. Whilst it can be won by any punter, it’s only if that punter is in their seat 60 mins before that start and is asked to register with the Paddy Power people. Fill out lots of details , marketing, image stuff contact etc. Then if there is a 9 darter one of the few people is chosen (no idea how ) and they have to be sat in seat allocated to them. If you’re not there then they move on to someone else. I reckon the list would have been 20 people maximum. Only got to 6 perfect darts twice last night so no winners.

Posted: **Fri Dec 20, 2024 12:26 pm**

claret wizard wrote: ↑
Fri Dec 20, 2024 10:55 am
Fortunately I didn’t “lump on” Smith. His form has been patchy and his OOM place down to his now expiring World Title prize money. So strong is the World Championship cash that he’ll drop out of the top ten come the new rankings. No Premier League for Bully Boy.

I was there last night and got to say the organisation is a level above what it has been in previous visits. No queues for anything (oh apart from the free games pre start). Hit a bullseye and get a free drink. Hit 3 in one visit and win £5k.

We went into the arena early. This is how we found out this. The 9 dart 60 - 60 - 60 thing. Whilst it can be won by any punter, it’s only if that punter is in their seat 60 mins before that start and is asked to register with the Paddy Power people. Fill out lots of details , marketing, image stuff contact etc. Then if there is a 9 darter one of the few people is chosen (no idea how ) and they have to be sat in seat allocated to them. If you’re not there then they move on to someone else. I reckon the list would have been 20 people maximum. Only got to 6 perfect darts twice last night so no winners.

Thanks for clearing that last point up, we were debating how it worked yesterday in the office and we assumed it was along the lines of the 'Kiss Cam' at US sporting events where the cameramen just randomly select someone, but clearly not. It also explains why a lad who was at the darts with his Grandad won the £60k and not an excitable individual on a works night out who's up and down like a bride's nightie throughout the evening!!!!

Posted: **Fri Dec 20, 2024 2:44 pm**

Well Wessel Nijman might be more the next Ralf Little than Luke Littler.

I won't be seeing any of my stakes being returned based on that

Posted: **Fri Dec 20, 2024 3:31 pm**

Absolutely fantastic match to end last night, that's what darts is all about - was exciting. More of the same hopefully. Smith looked sick at the end.

Posted: **Sat Dec 21, 2024 9:39 am**

Devils_Advocate wrote: ↑
Thu Dec 19, 2024 11:23 pm
Went to the afternoon session today and got to say the set up is brilliant. Easy to get in, get drinks, get food, loads of free stuff going on and even the worst seats aren't that bad

The atmosphere was buzzing from start to finish even though bar a couple of players it was a list of unknowns and I reckon getting tickets from the quarters to the final would be like going to the finals at Wimbledon or Wembley

Devils, Just out of interest how easy did you find it getting tickets? Are you a pdctv annual member? Or just a priority member? Always wanted to go but just never worked out, so wanted to go for my 40th next year!! Been the PL darts and loved it!! So was wondering how easy it is to get tickets? TIA

Posted: **Sat Dec 21, 2024 5:42 pm**

koskiclaret wrote: ↑
Sat Dec 21, 2024 9:39 am
Devils, Just out of interest how easy did you find it getting tickets? Are you a pdctv annual member? Or just a priority member? Always wanted to go but just never worked out, so wanted to go for my 40th next year!! Been the PL darts and loved it!! So was wondering how easy it is to get tickets? TIA

I didnt get the tickets as one of my mates sorted it out. Not sure if he's a member of anything but he said it wasn't easy and had to sit in a virtual queue for hours and had to pretty much take or leave the tickets available hence why we ended up at an afternoon session early doors in the tournament.

Think we'll try again next years as was really impressed and Id love to get to go to anything last 16 or better but will probably just have to take what we can get again

Posted: **Sat Dec 21, 2024 7:40 pm**

Devils_Advocate wrote: ↑
Sat Dec 21, 2024 5:42 pm
I didnt get the tickets as one of my mates sorted it out. Not sure if he's a member of anything but he said it wasn't easy and had to sit in a virtual queue for hours and had to pretty much take or leave the tickets available hence why we ended up at an afternoon session early doors in the tournament.

Think we'll try again next years as was really impressed and Id love to get to go to anything last 16 or better but will probably just have to take what we can get again

I'm sure I read somewhere that Eddie Hearn was thinking of relocating from the Alexandria Palace, he reckoned Darts has outgrown the Ally Pally. Get more fans in whilst the sport Is booming, make more money.

Posted: **Sat Dec 21, 2024 8:14 pm**

Frankly, I can't see the point of it all.

Posted: **Sat Dec 21, 2024 8:20 pm**

boatshed bill wrote: ↑
Sat Dec 21, 2024 8:14 pm
Frankly, I can't see the point of it all.

You need to score 501 points as quickly as possible.

Posted: **Sat Dec 21, 2024 8:31 pm**

boatshed bill wrote: ↑
Sat Dec 21, 2024 8:14 pm
Frankly, I can't see the point of it all.

Darts have sharp points ... otherwise it would be pointless

Posted: **Sat Dec 21, 2024 8:42 pm**

It's a flight of fancy.

I'm board.

Posted: **Sat Dec 21, 2024 9:29 pm**

Great win for Burnley today. Luckily I’m dry as the back of the CFS doesn’t get wet unless the roof leaks .

On the darts, LL just being introduced, what many have been waiting for!

Posted: **Sat Dec 21, 2024 10:20 pm**

Littler’s final set average was 141, missed double 12 for a 9 in it. Just incredible.

Posted: **Sun Dec 22, 2024 12:11 am**

Aclaret wrote: ↑
Sat Dec 21, 2024 7:40 pm
I'm sure I read somewhere that Eddie Hearn was thinking of relocating from the Alexandria Palace, he reckoned Darts has outgrown the Ally Pally. Get more fans in whilst the sport Is booming, make more money.

Would be a big mistake like moving the snooker from the crucible. When something works so well why ry to change it jus t squeeze a bit more money out of it

Posted: **Sun Dec 22, 2024 9:48 am**

Devils_Advocate wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 22, 2024 12:11 am
Would be a big mistake like moving the snooker from the crucible. When something works so well why ry to change it jus t squeeze a bit more money out of it

They've already done it once.

Posted: **Sun Dec 22, 2024 11:51 am**

Aclaret wrote: ↑
Sat Dec 21, 2024 7:40 pm
I'm sure I read somewhere that Eddie Hearn was thinking of relocating from the Alexandria Palace, he reckoned Darts has outgrown the Ally Pally. Get more fans in whilst the sport Is booming, make more money.

They could always just move it to the bigger Hall, where they used to play. The real issue with the AP is the pain getting to and from it.

Posted: **Sun Dec 22, 2024 11:57 am**

Just watched a replay of that last set from Littler.
That was ridiculous.
I’ve never seen anything like that watching darts.
I would not put anything past Littler but for him or any other player to have a better set than that you are looking at throwing 3 nine darters in a row.

Posted: **Sun Dec 22, 2024 11:52 pm**

A lot of seeded players have gone out early already! Gary Anderson another on that list

Posted: **Mon Dec 23, 2024 4:22 pm**

TommyPicks wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 22, 2024 11:52 pm
A lot of seeded players have gone out early already! Gary Anderson another on that list

11 seeds (32 are seeded) have crashed out. Only Michael Smith (2) from the top ten though.

It does show that outside the top ten there’s not a lot of difference between the players.

Posted: **Mon Dec 23, 2024 9:13 pm**

Gurney beats Hempel by a chin.

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