The Main Event
The final day of action at Alexandra Palace before the Christmas break sees some festive crackers, none more so than the final game on stage.
It features two players not short on confidence going head to head for a place in round three.
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World number six Nathan Aspinall is a dark horse for the title but will have to first get past Ricky Evans, who cruised past Simon Adams in his opener.
Aspinall has returned from a wrist injury that threatened his career in 2021, claiming the World Matchplay in July.
“I’m in the best headspace I’ve ever been in,” said the Stockport man.
“I won the second biggest tournament in the world, and I didn’t even feel like I played that well.
“I’m provisionally world number four going into 2024, and now I’m thinking ‘how good can I actually be at this game?’
“I know I have so many more gears to go through, but the only way I am going to get to that level is by working harder than I ever have before.”
He could have asked for an easier opener than to face Evans, who has won their last two meetings.
You can always rely on Ricky Evans to bring the Christmas cheer… 🎅🤣 PIC.TWITTER.COM/SXKNZOR2UE
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) DECEMBER 17, 2023
The world number 53 can be a tricky opponent on his day and goes into the clash in bullish mood.
“I’m not the favourite for this one. I’ve got nothing to lose,” he said.
“I’ve been beaten him a few times on the floor and had a few good Euro Tour games against him so if I play well I’ve got a chance.
“I’ve had a game on that stage again, and he knows he will have a game on his hands if I turn up.
“But you don’t know what Ricky Evans is going to turn up. I can go out and average 102, or 82, it is just one of them, but I do feel good.”
World number nine Jonny Clayton opens his campaign against Steve Lennon while the evergreen Steve Beaton, who will retire at the end of the season, could play his final game at the Worlds when he takes on Daryl Gurney.
Order of Play
Afternoon session (from 1230 UK time)
Kim Huybrechts v Richard Veenstra
Callan Rydz v Ricardo Pietreczko
Jonny Clayton v Steve Lennon
Daryl Gurney v Steve Beaton
Evening session (from 1900 UK time)
Ryan Searle v Tomoya Goto
Josh Rock v Berry van Peer
Stephen Bunting v Ryan Joyce
Nathan Aspinall v Ricky Evans
How to watch
The PDC World Championship is being screened on Sky Sports in the UK.
You can watch the afternoon session on Sky Sports Arena from 1230 and Sky Sports Main Event from 1500. The evening session is on Sky Sports Arena at 1900 and Sky Sports Main Event at 2030.
Predictions
Aspinall/Evans is an intriguing encounter. Aspinall has the pedigree but Evans the personal edge. Expect a tight contest with Aspinall edging it in five.
Elsewhere, there should be wins for Clayton, Gurney, Ryan Searle, Josh Rock and Stephen Bunting.
