The semi-final of the World Darts Championship is here, and we are in for two potential classics at the Alexandra Palace on Friday night.
The first match of the night will see the all-conquering Luke Littler face his toughest test of the tournament to date when he meets Ryan Searle.
The second match is an even more tantalising prospect, with the resurgent Gary Anderson facing the supremely talented Gian van Veen in a clash between the old and the new.
Before the action gets underway at 19:40 UK time, check out our World Darts Championship semi-final tips below.
World Darts Championship semi-final tips
Ryan Searle vs Luke Littler over 8.5 sets – 5/4
Luke Littler going off as the 1/10 favourite in this match is woefully inaccurate and completely disrespectful to Ryan Searle and how he has performed throughout the World Championship so far.
So far, both men have only dropped two sets apiece in their run to the final, and while Littler has averaged over 100 in four of his five matches, Searle isn't a million miles behind with two ton-plus averages from his five matches.
While Littler is capable of blasting through anyone on tour, Searle has only ever been handed a beatdown by the Nuke in one of their five previous meetings, so this one is going to be closer than most people, including the bookies, believe.
A 6-3 win for Littler would see this bet come in, and this is the scoreline I am predicting.
Gary Anderson to beat Gian van Veen – 13/8
Gary Anderson is having a sensational campaign, and he will undoubtedly go off as the favourite with the crowd when his match with Gian van Veen begins.
That isn't in any way disrespectful to Van Veen, but the rapport Anderson has with darts fans is effortless and not related to just his walk-on song, like is the case with some other players.
Anderson will know he has it all to do if he is to beat the young Dutchman on Friday, but his averages have stacked up with Van Veen's in each round of the tournament, with the exception of the quarter-finals.
What perhaps gives the Flying Scotsman the edge is his Ally Pally experience. Van Veen has never reached this stage of the tournament before, while Anderson is a two-time champion. If we reach crunch time, we know Anderson won't wilt. Can we say the same about Van Veen?
World Darts Championship semi-final double
- Ryan Searle vs Luke Littler over 8.5 sets – 5/4
- Gary Anderson to beat Gian van Veen – 13/8
- Double: 6/1 @ Bet365
Andy is tipster who has been calling Golf tournaments for several years across many different platforms. He has covered all tournaments from the Asian Tour to the Masters. He's also a keen football fan and is an expert on European football.
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