Christmas and New Year may have come and gone for most, but for Darts fans that’s certainly not the case with the World Championship Final taking place from Alexandra Palace.
Ante Post favourite Luke Littler will face Michael Van Gerwen in what promises to be a cracking contest. Littler only 17, who was a relative unknown outside of the darts world prior to his breakthrough performance at last years PDC Championship where he made it through to the final but failing to beat Luke Humphries. The World Number 1 Humphries didn’t make it past the last 16 losing 4-1 to Peter Wright.
Both Littler and Van Gerwen won their semi finals convincingly beating their opponents Bunting and Dobey 6-1 to reach the £500,000 decider this evening.
It was a case of the eldest player left in the competition against the youngest with the opening set being a tough tussle between the pair but Littler coming out on top with the more clinical doubling. Both were averaging over 100 in the first so it was clear to see it was going to be a high scoring contest.
Bunting found his doubling was really costing him progress and that allowed Littler to take advantage and secure a 3-0 lead with a 158 checkout and 105.75 set average coming in extremely handy.
World Number 5 Bunting did show character to claw a setback to make it 4-1 but after missing set darts to make it 4-2 Littler took out 84 finishing with the bullseye to put himself a set away from victory.
Van Gerwen looked to be relaxed and in the zone taking to the stage for his semi and after taking the first set against the throw he then went on to take the second in a deciding leg. It could have been a different match outcome looking back as Dobey missed three darts at double to make it level 1-1.
Dobey had a somewhat tricky start but after taking the third set, winning all three legs brought him back into the contest. The momentum was taken straight back with Van Gerwen taking the next set without Dobey getting a leg on the board. The Dutchman then took the fifth set and with a four set lead the match was all but over.
The Final show piece takes place at 7.30pm live on Sky Sports. Currently 6-6 in head to head an early lead for either player will settle the nerves for both.
Here are the current best betting odds on various markets
American Betting Sites For UK:
Outright winner – Littler 2/5 and Van Gerwen 2/1.
Most 180s – Littler 1/9 and Van German 8/1
170 Checkout – Yes 7/4 and No 1/2
Non UKGC Casinos:
Outright winner – Littler 2/5 and Van Gerwen 19/20.
Most 180s – Littler 1/10 and Van German 8/1
170 Checkout – Yes 13/8 and No 1/2
Betting Sites Without ID Verification:
Outright winner – Littler 4/9 and Van Gerwen 15/8.
Most 180s – Littler 1/10 and Van German 8/1
170 Checkout – Yes 13/8 and No 8/15
Sports Betting Sites That Accept Credit Cards:
Outright winner – Littler 4/9 and Van Gerwen 7/4.
Most 180s – Littler 1/12 and Van German 9/1
170 Checkout – Yes 15/8 and No 2/5
Enjoy the match and please gamble responsibly.
