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The main event
A reduced schedule tomorrow includes four matches in an evening session headlined by 12th-ranked Nathan Aspinall.
Asp has endured a disappointing season and, as a result, fell outside the top 10 in the world rankings.
The Stockport man is confident, however, that he can erase the memory of last year’s opening match defeat to Ricky Evans and go deeper into Alexandra Palace having changed his preparation.
He told Online Darts: “Last year I took a different approach. I didn’t do any exhibitions, I just practiced, practiced, practiced and you know what, I was playing very well heading into the World Cup.
“I spent a lot of hours with Michael Smith, but obviously we all know how that ended.
“This year I thought, you know what? I am going to work, I will do many exhibitions, many shows, but not alone. With these big productions where you perform on big stages. I’ve played in front of 10,000 people in two nights. What better practice than that, you know?
Gates dances his way into round two! 🕺
📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqZ5tR #WCDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/Z7Fe1QazE2
– PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 16, 2024
Aspinall has struggled to stay fit and in shape in 2024, but will be hoping to finish the year on a high and return to the top 10.
“I don’t belong outside the top 16. In my opinion, I’m a top 10 player, people may not agree, but I’m a top 10 player and I just have to work hard, play at everything and you know. “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 should be too strong for Gates, who tearfully beat Cameron Menzies 3-1 in his first match.
The pair will follow Evans on the Ally Pally stage and in the first two matches of the night, Jim Williams will face Paolo Nebrida and Christian Kist will face Madars Razma.
Order of play (starting at 7pm UK time)
Jim Williams vs. Paolo Nebrida (R1)
Madars Razma vs. Christian Kist (R1)
Ricky Evans vs. Gordon Mathers (R1)
Nathan Aspinall vs. Leonard Gates (R2)
how to look
The PDC World Championship is broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK.
You can watch the night session on Sky Sports Darts at 7pm and the main event on Sky Sports at 9.30pm.
Predictions
Expect wins for Williams and Evans and a close fight between Razma and Kist. We think Kist might just shade him.
As for Aspinall, he will need to perform well to defeat the dancer American Gates. A solid victory would not only allow him to advance to the third round, but would also give him the self-confidence that has been missing from his game in recent months.
