main event

Tomorrow’s reduced schedule sees four matches in an evening session headlined by 12th seed Nathan Aspinall.

ASP has endured a disappointing season and has fallen out of the top 10 in the world rankings as a result.

The Stockport man is confident, however, that he can erase the memory of last year’s opening-match defeat to Ricky Evans and go deep at Alexandra Palace with a changed build-up.

He told Darts Online: “Last year I took a different approach. I didn’t perform, I just practiced, practiced, practiced and you know what, I was going to worlds and playing really well.

“I did a lot of hours with Michael Smith, but obviously, we all know how that ended.

“This year, I thought you know what, I’m going to work, I’m going to do a lot of exhibitions, a lot of shows, but not by myself. With these big productions where you’re playing on a big stage. I played in front of 10,000 in two nights. What better practice do you know?”

Gates dances round two! 🕺

📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqZ5tR #WCDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/Z7Fe1QazE2

– PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 16, 2024

Aspinall has struggled for fitness and form in 2024 but hopes to end the year on a high and back into the top 10.

“I’m not out of the top 16. In my opinion I am a top 10 player, people may disagree, but I am a top 10 player and I just have to work hard, play everything and you know. , try not to get complacent,” he added.

“I give 110% and I know everyone says that, and after a week they stop playing, but I will do everything this year.”

Aspinal should be too strong for Gates, who beat a tearful Cameron Menzies 3-1 in his opener.

The pair will follow Evans on the Alley Pally stage, watching Jim Williams take on Paolo Nebrida and Christian Kist against Madars Razma in the first two matches of the evening.

Order of Play (since 1900 UK)

Jim Williams vs Paolo Nebrida (R1)
Madar Razma vs Christian Kist (R1)
Ricky Evans vs Gordon Mathers (R1)
Nathan Aspinall vs Leonard Gates (R2)

How to see

The PDC World Championship is being shown on Sky Sports in the UK.
You can watch the evening session at 1900 and the Sky Sports Main Event at 2130 on Sky Sports Darts.

Predictions

Expect wins for Williams and Evans and a close fight between Razma and Kist. We think Kist can only shed it.

As for Aspinall, he will have to do well to see the American Gates dance. A solid win will not only ease him into round three but also give him the confidence that his game has lacked in recent months.