Tuesday’s action at Alexandra Palace promises to be unmissable. Six last 16 ties will determine the quarter-final lineup, headlined by a blockbuster showdown between two of the sport’s greatest players: Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson.
The pair have won five world titles between them but haven’t met at the World Championship since 2018. Add in defending champion Luke Humphries facing the man who knocked out Nathan Aspinall, debutants battling for quarter-final spots, and you’ve got a day that could shape the entire tournament.
Afternoon Session (12:30 GMT)
Luke Woodhouse vs Krzysztof Ratajski
The winner of this tie will face Luke Littler in the quarter-finals. It’s a prize and a curse in equal measure.
Woodhouse has been impressive, averaging over 103 across the final three sets of his 4-1 victory over Andrew Gilding. He’s in the last 16 for the second consecutive year and playing with genuine belief.
Ratajski, however, showed championship-winning resilience against Wesley Plaisier. Trailing 3-1 and staring down three match darts, the Polish Eagle produced four ton-plus finishes including a nerveless 116 to complete a remarkable 4-3 comeback. That mental fortitude could be crucial against Woodhouse, and even more so against Littler should he progress.
Jonny Clayton vs Andreas Harrysson
The story of the tournament so far? It might just be Andreas Harrysson. The Swedish qualifier has been sensational on debut, winning three matches without ever trailing against Ricardo Pietreczko in round three and averaging over 96 throughout.
What makes this even more remarkable: a victory would guarantee Harrysson a PDC Tour card for 2025. The 27-year-old from Gothenburg could transform his career with one more win.
Standing in his way is seventh seed Jonny Clayton, but ‘The Ferret’ wasn’t at his fluent best against Niels Zonneveld. That 4-3 battle produced 18 maximums between the pair, suggesting Clayton can find the treble 20, but his checkout percentage has been a concern. Harrysson will fancy his chances of causing another upset.
Justin Hood vs Josh Rock
Another debutant with a genuine chance of reaching the quarter-finals. Justin Hood arrived at Ally Pally ranked 86th in the world and has torn through the draw like a man possessed.
His second-round demolition of sixth seed Danny Noppert was decided by a sudden-death leg after Hood narrowly missed a dart at the bull that would have won it in straight sets. That victory announced him as a serious threat, and his 4-2 win over Ryan Meikle in round three only reinforced that impression.
Hood’s tournament average of 101.97 is the second-highest in the competition. The American isn’t here to make up the numbers.
Rock has been quietly efficient, dispatching Callan Rydz 4-1 in a match where both players threatened nine-darters in successive legs. The Northern Irishman’s big-stage experience and 11th seed status make him favourite, but Hood has shown he can handle the pressure when it matters most.
Evening Session (19:00 GMT)
Charlie Manby vs Gian van Veen
The youth movement continues. Charlie Manby, a 20-year-old bricklayer from Huddersfield, has been the feel-good story of the championship. Victories over Fallon Sherrock and Raymond van Barneveld, both 3-0, announced his arrival in emphatic fashion before a 4-2 win over Ricky Evans secured his spot in the last 16.
“I like Gian, I like the way he plays, quick and young player,” Manby said of his opponent. “He’s doing well but so am I.”
Van Veen, the European Champion and 10th seed, is equally exciting. At 24, the Dutchman represents the new wave threatening to dominate the sport alongside Luke Littler. His 4-1 dismissal of Madars Razma was clinical and ruthless.
This could be a preview of many World Championship battles to come. Whoever wins faces the daunting prospect of MVG or Anderson in the quarters.
Michael van Gerwen vs Gary Anderson
The headline act. Five world titles between them. A combined 72 wins at Alexandra Palace since the tournament moved there in 2008. And remarkably, they haven’t met at the World Championship since 2018.
“When you play Gary, there’s always room for fireworks,” Van Gerwen said with a knowing grin.
MVG has been building nicely through the tournament, hitting 50% on his doubles and firing nine maximums against Arno Merk in a comfortable 4-1 third-round victory. He leads the head-to-head 50-22 in competitive matches, a statistic that tells only part of the story. When these two throw, form books get torn up.
Anderson, meanwhile, came within a whisker of a nine-darter against Jermaine Wattimena. The Flying Scotsman missed several match darts before finally prevailing 4-3 in a thrilling decider, but his 14 maximums and 100+ average showed he still has the tungsten to trouble anyone on his day.
“I bottled it a few times,” Anderson admitted afterwards. “But I can still play.”
At 54, this could realistically be Anderson’s last shot at a third world title. At 35, Van Gerwen is desperate to add to his three. Neither man will want to leave anything in the tank.
Luke Humphries vs Kevin Doets
The defending champion’s path to retaining his title took a difficult turn when Kevin Doets produced Monday afternoon’s biggest upset.
Trailing 3-2 to Nathan Aspinall and seemingly heading for the exit, Doets found another gear entirely. The Dutchman won 12 of the final 14 legs to complete a stunning 4-3 victory that sent shockwaves through Ally Pally. It was a capitulation from Aspinall that few saw coming, and a statement from Doets that he belongs at this level.
Humphries, meanwhile, had his own scare against Gabriel Clemens in round three. The German twice levelled the match at 2-2 and 3-3 before ‘Cool Hand’ Luke finally steadied the ship. It wasn’t vintage Humphries, and he knows it.
The world number two will need to raise his game significantly against Doets, who arrives with absolutely nothing to lose and the scalp of a former World Championship finalist already in his pocket.
Quarter-Final Picture
The quarter-final lineup is taking shape. Luke Littler and Ryan Searle have already booked their spots after Monday’s action, and Tuesday’s six matches will complete the last eight.
Confirmed quarter-finalists:
- Luke Littler (awaits Woodhouse/Ratajski winner)
- Ryan Searle (awaits Clayton/Harrysson or Hood/Rock)
Tuesday’s winners will join them on New Year’s Day when the quarter-finals begin. With £100,000 on offer for reaching the semis, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The road to the Sid Waddell Trophy narrows. Don’t miss a dart.