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.

PDC World Championship 2025 Preview – The Eight Who Could Win It, and Four to Watch

 The most magical time of the darts year is here again. The PDC World Championship returns to Alexandra Palace, and for all the talk about form, rankings and seedings, one truth always remains: the Worlds has a mind of its own. Every year, a new story writes itself.

But in 2025, the landscape feels different. A new world number one. A defending champion who is still a teenager. A chasing pack with point to prove. And a handful of dangerous floaters capable of blowing up the draw.

Here is my comprehensive preview — two favourites, two major contenders, two maybes, two wildcards, and four players every fan should keep a close eye on.

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⭐ THE FAVOURITES

Luke Littler – The One to Beat

The newly crowned world number one and defending champion returns to Ally Pally with the weight of expectation  and yet somehow, he seems the least bothered by it. Littler has already rewritten what is possible for a young player, and his victory at the Players Championship Finals has only strengthened the argument that he is the best in the world right now.

He scores heavier than anyone, finishes ruthlessly when under pressure, and has the aura of a player who believes he is destined for more world titles. If he hits his level, very few can live with him.

Josh Rock – The Form Man of 2024–25

Josh Rock’s rise has been steady, methodical and impressive. This season, he has looked like the second-best player in the world, and some would argue he has been the most consistent performer on the floor and stage for months.

His scoring power is elite, and his temperament has matured massively. Rock has beaten the very best repeatedly this year  and perhaps arrives at Ally Pally looking like the most realistic challenger to the Littler crown.

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🔥 THE CONTENDERS

Gian van Veen – The New Generation’s Other Star

Back-to-back World Youth Championship titles tell you all you need to know about Gian van Veen. His ceiling is sky-high, and he has already proven he can take out top-ten talent on the biggest stages.

If he settles early and finds his natural rhythm, his scoring bursts make him a genuine threat to reach the back end of the event.

Gerwyn Price – Peaking at the Perfect Moment

For much of the year, Price has been searching for his A-game… and right when it matters, he appears to have found it. He’s playing with freedom again, averaging big, and showing flashes of the intensity that took him to the world title in 2021.

If he brings that level to the Worlds, he is far too dangerous to ignore  and his draw really opens up if he finds early momentum.

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⚡ THE MAYBES

Danny Noppert – Quietly Becoming a Real Problem

Noppert rarely gets the headlines, but he might be the most quietly consistent player on tour right now. Deep runs in multiple tournaments and a level of control that frustrates opponents makes him a nightmare draw.
He doesn’t blow players away,he he suffocates them. If the field takes their eyes off him, he could easily go deep.

Michael van Gerwen – Can You Ever Write Him Off?

It has been a strange season for MVG. There have been brilliant moments, patches of form where he looks unstoppable… and then long spells where the old dominance isn’t there. But this is still Michael van Gerwen, and Ally Pally has always brought something different out of him.

If he gets a spark early, just a couple of great legs, a couple of big finishes and he could build a title run from nowhere.

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🎯 THE SURPRISE PACKETS

Ryan Searle – The Dangerous Dark Horse

Searle is trending upwards at exactly the right time. His scoring has sharpened, his confidence appears to be returning, and he has the kind of explosive spell-scoring that wins matches at Ally Pally.
If he strings a few good sessions together, he is more than capable of taking out top seeds.

Ross Smith – Still Underrated, Still Lethal

Ross Smith played superbly against Luke Littler at the Players Championship Finals  despite losing. The level was there, the composure was there, and his groupings looked as good as they’ve ever been.
He is the type of player who, if he gets hot, could blow up a section of the draw.

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👀 FOUR PLAYERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON

Beau Greaves

Greaves has the talent to cause real damage. Her natural scoring and composure under pressure make her dangerous in any format.
But a tough opener against Daryl Gurney awaits. If she wins that, her tournament opens up beautifully.

Jesus Salate – A Historic Debut for Argentina

The first Argentinian player ever to grace the PDC World Championship stage. He plays an aggressive, high-tempo game. If he settles early, he’s capable of springing an upset and becoming one of the stories of the tournament.

David Munyua – Kenya’s First Representative

Another groundbreaking debut. Munyua arrives with nothing to lose and everything to gain. He has improved massively on the African circuit and has already beaten several established players in recent months.
Crowd could really warm to him  and that makes him dangerous.

Fallon Sherrock – A Potential Upset Brewing

Sherrock drew Dave Chisnall which is normally a nightmare opening match, but Chisnall is out of form, and Sherrock has produced decent darts this season. If she wins the big moments, a shock is very possible.

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🏆 Final Thoughts

This World Championship feels unusually open. Littler and Rock lead the field, but there are at least eight players with a real shot at lifting the trophy, and several potential breakthrough stories waiting to unfold.

Whether you're watching for the favourites, the form players, the dangerous outsiders or the historic debutants, this year’s Worlds could be something special.

Practice Update: Signs of Life… and a New Training Game That’s Actually Working

 Over the past few days, I’ve been trying something different with my practice.A game I created myself where I 'race' 20 bots around the board. Each of us has to hit 30 darts at each target before we’re allowed to move on to the next number. It sounds simple, but in reality it demands a level of consistency and focus that standard 501 practice sometimes doesn’t.

The early part of each round is usually a bit chaotic. Whenever I move to a new number, my darts start off quite wild as I try to adjust. But the interesting thing is what happens after those first few minutes is the grouping tightens, the rhythm settles, and suddenly I’m throwing with control again. It’s actually teaching me to settle quicker and trust my throw instead of forcing it.

Later on I played a match, and although I was still slightly on the wild side, there was definitely more control creeping in. Small steps, but steps in the right direction. At this point, any movement away from the inconsistency I’ve had recently feels like genuine progress.

Of course, the real test comes tomorrow at the Under 55 Average Tournament. That’s where everything gets exposed like the mind, the nerves, the grip, the mechanics. And if I’m honest, my biggest weakness lately hasn’t been scoring; it’s been doubles. They’ve cost me matches I should have won.

So between now and tomorrow, I’ll be spending a bit of crucial time on finishing. I’d rather be clinical on doubles than hit big scores.Finishing wins matches, not ton-40s with no end product. If I can combine the improved grouping from my bot game with sharper doubles, I might just feel a bit more settled on the oche.

Small improvements, but noticeable ones. Hopefully the corner is starting to turn.