.jpeg)
The 2023 WDF World Darts Championships seemed to have a clear favourite, with Andy Baetens, who went on to went the title in fairly comfortable fashion.
The 2024 Championships is very different, with a host of names that could take the crown.
Jimmy van Schie is the bookmakers favourite, and this is about right. Van Schie's form this year, especially of late, shows he is hitting his peak at the right time. Winning in the Modus Super Series and WDF events across Europe makes him a very strong contender
The number one seed is Australian Danny Porter. Another player with multiple WDF tournament wind this year, he has arguably the 'easier' half of the draw and will be there or thereabouts.
Former WDF World Champion Neil Duff is always consistent and has been here before. Nerves shouldn't affect him and his experience will count a lot. A tenacious player ,he will make any player work very hard if they are to beat him.
Two younger players may also have a say. Reece Colley has made it to a few Pro Tour events this year and he is a big scorer. Shane McGuirk is also another 180 specialist. He's had some good results on the Modus stage and the Challenge Tour. He could be a dark horse.
If he plays to his best Gary Stone could be a real contender. He often comes into tournaments as the favourite but occasionally seems to play below par. He has bags of experience though, so cannot be written off.
Mike Gillet is another dark horse. The draw has been reasonably kind and if he gets going, could find himself deep into the competition.
So,in summary, it will be a close and exciting tournament. I think van Schie will just edge it with McGuirk having a run to the final.
