World Darts Championship: Who is playing on Thursday?
Monday 18 December 2017 16:17, UK
The opening night of the World Darts Championship is on Thursday with Michael van Gerwen, the defending champion, in action. We asked Wayne Mardle to preview the four matches...
Steve Beaton vs William O'Connor
Wayne Mardle's verdict: William is starting to play well having changed his throw, which is interesting. I'm an advocate of change rather than just waiting for something to happen. I spoke to William when he qualified and he said: 'nobody has seen how good I can be'. He has a lot of confidence but has under-performed. He gets there, then falters. This is a tough game for the pair of them - it will be close, it will go five sets, and will be a tight opener which is a good start to the tournament.
Live World Darts Championship
James Wilson vs Krzysztof Ratajski
Wayne Mardle's verdict: Ratajski dips his toe between the PDC and BDO so he's not at all the events, but he won the BDO World Masters so he can play. He is very much improved. Wilson is the better player - he looks a million dollars but then finds the treble 20 elusive. Wilson should win but it will be a close game.
Michael van Gerwen vs Christian Kist
Wayne Mardle's verdict: A couple of years ago Van Gerwen played René Eidams in the first round and we all thought he would have no trouble, and would win 3-0. This is similar to that. Van Gerwen should win 3-0 but Kist is capable, when fit. Kist isn't fit because he has chronic arthritis. Kist may nick a set but that's as dramatic as it gets.
Gerwyn Price vs Ted Evetts
Wayne Mardle's verdict: Price will come through this but it's a banana skin. When Price plays well he is a very good player. He won't need to be at his best to win this game, he just needs to be accurate at the right time. Price needs to stay on top of Evetts and make him panic. Evetts is on the up, but is inexperienced and the World Championship stage can find you out.
The 2018 World Championship from Alexandra Palace starts on Thursday, December 14 and ends New Year's Day.
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