Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen takes to the Alley Pally stage on Friday night in what should be a blockbuster evening at the World Darts Championships.

Van Gerwen – winner of the PDC in 2014, 2017 and 2019 – has slowed in recent years but the 35-year-old is still ranked third in the world and is again a real threat.

He will face James Hurrell in the second round in the final on day six, a quarter-finalist in 2022.

The big game of the afternoon pits heavily populated Stephen Bunting against Kai Gothardt.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐧 🏆🎯 It’s time to step up again and fight for that prestigious trophy. 💚 Let’s make it unforgettable. Who’s ready? Let’s do this! pic.twitter.com/Ms3tNGXRhf

— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) December 15, 2024

Bunting, 39, has never progressed past the semi-final stage at the PDC but will be hoping to go into round three with little fuss.

Order of Play

Afternoon Session (from 12:30 GMT)

Stephen Burton vs. Alex Merckx (R1)

Vasal Nijman vs Cameron Carolison (R1)

Ian White vs Sandro Sosing (R1)

Stephen Bunting vs Kai Gothardt (R2)

Evening Session (from 19:00 GMT)

Mickey Mansell vs. Tomoya Goto (R1)

Florian Hempel vs Jeffrey De Zawan (R1)

William O’Connor vs. Dylan Slavin (R1)

Michael van Gerwen vs James Hurrell (R2)

How to see

The PDC World Championship is being shown on Sky Sports in the UK.
You can watch the afternoon session on Sky Sports Darts and Main Event from 12:30 GMT, the evening session on both channels from 19:00.

Predictions

Routine wins ahead for Bunting and Van Gerwen, who are hungry to reclaim their titles on the biggest stage.