PDC World Championship Final Preview: Littler vs Van Veen – From Development Tour Rivals to the Biggest Stage

 It feels almost surreal to be writing this. The PDC World Darts Championship final will be contested by Luke Littler and Gian van Veen , two players who not long ago were pushing each other week after week on the Development Tour, dreaming of nights like this rather than living them.

And yet, here they are.

Luke Littler’s route to the final has been built on expectation. Ever since his breakthrough, every tournament has come with the weight of assumption that he should go deep, and once again, he’s delivered. Along the way, he’s had to deal with pressure, tough opposition,tough crowd and the knowledge that anything less than a title run would be seen as a disappointment.

He’s overcome seasoned professionals, navigated tricky moments, and used his experience brilliantly. Matches against established names tested his composure, but Littler did what champions do, he found gears when needed and managed games superbly. For all his youth, he now plays like someone who understands exactly what it takes to win on this stage.

Gian van Veen’s journey, though, has felt different. Quieter. More understated. But perhaps even more impressive.

This year has been a genuine breakthrough for Van Veen. He’s taken huge steps forward, claiming his first televised title, climbing the rankings, and proving he belongs among the elite. His performances throughout this World Championship have been a continuation of that upward curve.

The standout moment for me was his semi-final against Gary Anderson. Many players freeze against a two-time world champion on that stage,but Van Veen didn’t. He was calm, controlled, and utterly unfazed by the moment. He managed the pace, trusted his throw, and never looked like the occasion was getting to him. That composure will serve him well in the final.

What makes this matchup so compelling is their shared history. Littler and Van Veen know each other’s games inside out. They’ve been rivals for years, trading blows on the Development Tour, pushing standards higher with every meeting. There’s no mystery here, just two players who know exactly what the other is capable of.

On the night, Littler will arrive with more big-stage experience. He’s been here before, felt the noise, and understands the mental demands of an Ally Pally final. That matters. But Van Veen has something else - freedom. He’s the underdog, and I suspect the crowd will gravitate towards him, drawn to the calm challenger looking to complete an incredible rise.

This final feels like more than just a title decider. It feels like a marker for the next era of darts. Whether Littler asserts himself once again, or Van Veen completes his remarkable ascent, one thing is certain: this rivalry is only just beginning.

And we might be watching the first chapter of something special.

Back to PDC Marking: Challenge Tour Season Begins

 After a short break, I’m back at it with PDC marking and just in time for the first Challenge Tour of the year in a couple of weeks. 

I always look forward to this one because it’s usually the biggest Challenge Tour event in terms of entries. 

The mix of players is incredible: you’ve got names from last year’s Pro Tour, former world champions, and plenty of fresh faces making their debut.

 That’s what makes this event so exciting, you never know when you’ll see unearthed talent ready to make a splash. The atmosphere is electric, and the level of competition is fierce.

 For me, it’s a reminder of how deep the talent pool in darts really is. Here’s to another great season of Challenge Tour action. Let’s see who steps up and makes headlines this time!

Changing of the Guard? PDC World Championship Semi-Final Thoughts

 As we edge closer to the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship, one question keeps buzzing in my mind: are we witnessing a changing of the guard? 

This tournament has been anything but predictable, and that’s what makes it so compelling. We’ve seen some big names fall early such as Chris Dobey, Rob Cross, Peter Wright and Damon Heta . All gone before the business end of the competition. These are players who, not long ago, you’d have penciled in for deep runs. 

Their exits have opened the door for a new wave of talent, and wow, have they seized the moment. Charlie Manby has announced himself on the big stage, and Ryan Searle looks like he’s finally realising his full potential. But the standout story? Justin 'Happy Feet' Hood. His performances have been nothing short of sensational,especially that match against Josh Rock, where he hit 11 out of 11 doubles. That’s the kind of stat that becomes folklore. 

And then there’s the Littler factor. Yes, we expected him to go far, but the narrative isn’t just about him anymore. Gian van Veen has stepped up in a big way, climbing to world number three and looking every bit a future champion. Add in Gary Anderson, rolling back the years and reminding us that experience still counts for plenty, and you’ve got a tournament that feels like a crossroads moment for the sport. 

Looking ahead to 2026, I think we’re in for more surprises, more new names, and more unpredictability. Forget the 'two Lukes' storyline, this feels like it’s shaping into Littler vs Van Veen as the rivalry to watch. 

One thing’s for sure: darts is evolving, and this World Championship might just be the turning point.

Resetting for 2026: Fresh Goals and Renewed Focus

 First off, apologies for the radio silence.I’ve been away over Christmas and, to top it off, was unwell.

 Thankfully, I’m back to normal now and ready to hit the ground running. The downside? I lost some valuable practice time. So, I’ve decided to reset and start fresh from January 1st. My plan is simple: start from a 50 average and aim to hit high 70s by this time next year. If I can get there, I’ll head into Q School with a half-decent chance of not getting completely thrashed!

 I’ve got a few new practice games on my laptop that have been helping my grouping immensely. My goal is to get them polished and shareable soon—they’ve been a game-changer for me. Now it’s all about keeping control of my mind and trusting that the mechanics will take care of themselves. I did miss signing up for a couple of tournaments, which is frustrating, but I’m planning for my first tournament of 2026 next week. 

Honestly, I’m feeling really positive about my game. With focus and determination, I believe I can raise my levels significantly this year. Here’s to a big year ahead so  let’s make it happen!

Practice Update: Back to Basics and Building Confidence

 My practice over the last couple of weeks has been very much about stripping things back. I’ve stuck with the games I recently created on my laptop, all designed with one aim in mind, and that is getting back to basics.

Rather than chasing big checkout routines or endless 501s, the focus has been on hitting big numbers consistently, tightening up grouping, and cutting out the wild darts that have crept in during matches. I’ve been applying the same approach to doubles as well  with repetition, rhythm, and confidence rather than forcing finishes.

So far, it seems to be going in the right direction. The darts feel more controlled, and perhaps more importantly, I feel more confident standing at the oche. There’s still work to do, but the throw feels more natural and less forced, which has been missing for a while.

A big part of this phase has also been mental. I’m making a conscious effort to quiet the noise in my head and stop overthinking every movement. When I allow the throw to flow, everything looks and feels better  and I’m starting to trust that again.

Last Wednesday’s Under 55 Average Tournament was encouraging. I played reasonably well and felt far more settled than in previous weeks. With that in mind, I’m confident I can make a real impression tomorrow if I keep things simple and relaxed.

Unfortunately, the Thursday open tournament sold out in record time, so I missed out on that one. It looks likely to be the same again this week, although I’ll put my name on the reserve list just in case. That said, I’m not too worried about tournaments right now.

At this stage, it’s less about chasing results and more about rebuilding confidence, sharpening fundamentals, and finding a smooth, fluid throw again. If I can do that, the results will take care of themselves.

The goal is to head into the new year in a strong place, calm, confident, and throwing darts the way I know I can.

Three More New Names Making an Impression at the World Championship

 One of the great traditions of the PDC World Darts Championship is the emergence of players many fans may not know in depth.Players who arrive quietly, win a match or two, and suddenly demand attention.

This year has been no different. Three more names have already earned their place in the conversation after first-round victories: Jonny Tata, Darren Beveridge, and Nitin Kumar. Each represents a different darts nation, each took a big scalp, and each has a story worth telling.

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Jonny Tata – New Zealand’s Calm Operator

Jonny Tata came into the tournament as one of New Zealand’s leading players, but outside Oceania he was still relatively under the radar. That changed when he produced a composed and mature performance to defeat Ritchie Edhouse in the opening round.

Tata has been a regular presence on the DPNZ circuit and has represented New Zealand internationally on multiple occasions. His game is built around control and consistency rather than explosive scoring, and he plays with a calm, unflustered rhythm that suits long-format matches.

Against Edhouse, Tata never looked rushed. He took his chances well, punished mistakes, and handled the Ally Pally stage with surprising ease. It was the performance of a player who had done his homework and believed he belonged at this level.

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Darren Beveridge – Scotland’s Big Moment

Scottish darts has a long tradition of producing tough competitors, and Darren Beveridge added his name to that list with a memorable first-round win over Dimitri Van den Bergh.

While Van den Bergh was clearly not at his best, Beveridge deserves full credit for taking advantage. Too often debutants shrink when handed an opportunity like that, but Beveridge did the opposite. He stayed disciplined, took out key finishes, and kept pressure on throughout the match.

Beveridge has spent years grinding away on the Scottish circuit and WDF events, gradually building experience and resilience. His game isn’t flashy, but it is solid, and his ability to stay composed under pressure was the standout feature of his performance.

That win will do wonders for his confidence and could be the platform for a deeper run than many expected.

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Nitin Kumar – A Landmark Win for India

Perhaps one of the most significant results of the opening round came from Nitin Kumar, who defeated Richard Veenstra to secure a historic victory for Indian darts.

Kumar has been a pioneer for the sport in India, competing regularly on the Asian Tour and representing his country at multiple World Championships. His presence on the PDC stage is part of the broader growth of darts across Asia, and his win felt like a real milestone.

Against Veenstra, Kumar showed impressive mental strength. He handled pressure moments well, stayed aggressive when needed, and never allowed the occasion to overwhelm him. It was a performance built on belief as much as ability.

For Indian darts, this result sends a powerful message  that players from emerging nations are no longer just making up the numbers.

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Why These Wins Matter

What connects Tata, Beveridge and Kumar is not just that they won first-round matches, it’s that they did so with control and conviction. None of them looked like tourists. Each played with a sense of purpose and showed they were capable of competing at this level.

These are the stories that make the World Championship special. New names, new nations, and new narratives emerging on the biggest stage in the sport.

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Final Thought

The World Championship isn’t only about lifting the trophy. It’s also about moments — moments that can define careers, inspire countries, and introduce fans to players they’ll be watching for years to come.

Jonny Tata, Darren Beveridge and Nitin Kumar have already made their mark. Now the question is: how far can they go?

World Championship Breakouts So far: Three Names You Might Not Know

 One of the enduring charms of the World Darts Championship is the way it shines a spotlight on players outside the usual headline acts. Every year, a handful of competitors arrive with little fanfare  and leave having made a real impression.

This year,, in the first few days, Arno Merk, Andreas Harrysson, and David Davies have all done exactly that, each announcing themselves in very different ways. 

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Arno Merk – Germany’s Calm Competitor

Arno Merk represents an ever growing darts nation in Germany, and his presence at the World Championship is no accident. A consistent performer in the German Super, League Merk has built his game on composure, discipline, and control rather than raw power.

In his first-round match, Merk showed impressive maturity, settling quickly and never looking overawed by the occasion. He played with a relaxed rhythm, managed the pace of the match well, and demonstrated a calmness on doubles that many debutants struggle to find. That was all key in defeating the vastly experiened Kim Huybrechts.

What stands out is his mindset. Merk throws like someone who expects to compete at this level, not someone simply happy to be involved. That confidence, combined with his steady style, makes him a dangerous opponent in any format.

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Andreas Harrysson – Sweden’s Scoring Force

Where Merk is measured and methodical, Andreas Harrysson is all about firepower. One of Sweden’s most talked-about players in recent seasons, Harrysson has long been known for his ability to score heavily when in rhythm.

That scoring power was on display in his opening-round victory against Ross Smith, where he immediately caught the eye with sustained pressure and aggressive finishing. Those on the inside may not have seen it as a big upset as Harrysson plays at a positive tempo, commits fully to his shots, and doesn’t shy away from big moments.

His performance suggested a player who is ready for this stage. If he continues to tighten up on doubles, his ceiling is very high  and he looks capable of causing problems for more established names.

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David Davies – Experience Paying Off

Welshman David Davies may not be new to high-level darts, but the World Championship has given him a platform to show just how far his game has progressed.

A regular on the Challenge Tour and a familiar face on the MODUS Super Series, Davies has built resilience through experience. That background was evident in his first-round win againt Mario Vandenbogarde, where he stayed composed under pressure and showed strong match awareness.

Davies doesn’t rely on flashy scoring spells, instead he grinds opponents down, takes his chances when they come, and rarely gives easy legs away. It’s a style that often goes under the radar but is incredibly effective on a big stage.

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Why These Performances Matter

What links Merk, Harrysson and Davies is not just that they won early matches — it’s how they did it:

• They looked comfortable on the biggest stage

• They played with belief rather than nerves

• They showed styles that can trouble higher-ranked opponents

These are the kinds of performances that turn 'unknown names' into players fans start watching more closely.

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Final Thought

Not every World Championship story is about lifting the trophy. Some are about making a statement and Arno Merk, Andreas Harrysson and David Davies have all done just that.

They may not go all the way this year, but they’ve already achieved something important: they’ve announced themselves.

And in darts, that’s often the first step toward much bigger things.