The main event
A reduced schedule sees four games in an evening session tomorrow, led by 12th seed Nathan Aspinall.
The Asp has had a disappointing season and has fallen out of the top 10 in the world rankings.
However, the Stockport man is confident he can erase the memory of last year’s opening defeat to Ricky Evans and go deeper at Alexandra Palace after changing his game plan.
He told Online Darts: “Last year I took a different approach. I didn’t play in any tournaments, I just practiced, practiced, practiced and you know what, I played really well before the World Cup.
“I spent many hours with Michael Smith, but of course we all know how that ended.
“This year, I thought, you know what, I’m going to work, I’m going to do a lot of exhibitions and shows, but not alone. With these big productions where you play on big stages. I played in front of 10,000 spectators on two evenings. What’s better than that, you know?”
Gates dances his way into the second round! 🕺
📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqZ5tR #WCDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/Z7Fe1QazE2
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 16, 2024
Aspinall has struggled with both his fitness and form in 2024 but will be hoping to end the year on a high note and work his way back into the top 10.
“I’m not outside the top 16. In my opinion I’m a top 10 player, people may disagree but I’m a top 10 player and I just have to work hard, play in everything, and “You know that.” Try not to be complacent,” he added.
“I’m giving 110% and I know everyone says that and after a week they stop playing, but I’m going to do everything this year.”
Aspinall was to be too strong for Gates, who beat a tearful Cameron Menzies 3-1 in his opening game.
The pair will follow Evans on the Ally Pally stage. In the first two games of the evening, Jim Williams will face Paolo Nebrida and Christian Kist will face Madars Razma.
Order of Play (from 1900 British period)
Jim Williams vs. Paolo Nebrida (R1)
Madars Razma vs. Christian Kist (R1)
Ricky Evans vs Gordon Mathers (R1)
Nathan Aspinall vs Leonard Gates (R2)
Here’s how to watch
The PDC World Championship will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK.
You can watch the evening session on Sky Sports Darts at 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event at 9.30pm.
Predictions
Expect wins for Williams and Evans and a close battle between Razma and Kist. We think Kist might just be shadowing it.
As for Aspinall, he’ll have to put in a good performance to prevail against the dancing American Gates. A clear win would not only make it easier for him to reach the third round, but also give him the confidence that his game has been lacking in recent months.
