The World Darts Championship resumes with third round action on Saturday afternoon following a short Christmas break.
A number of big hitters have already been sent packing, with Danny Noppert, Gerwyn Price, James Wade, Michael Smith and Peter Wright all falling at the second-round hurdle.
Several intriguing-looking third round ties now await at the Ally Pally.
With round three just around the corner, take a look at our value tips below.
Andrew Gilding vs Luke Woodhouse – Andrew Gilding Win
Andrew Gilding has been one of the standout performers in the opening two rounds of this year’s World Darts Championship. Goldfinger averaged a huge 97.89 when seeing off Cameron Crabtree 3-1 in round one and followed it up with an average of 99.01 to cause a mini upset when winning by the same scoreline against Chris Dobey in round two.
If Gilding can keep that level going in round three, he could be too hot to handle for Woodhouse.
Woodhouse has been solid rather than spectacular in his opening wins over Boris Krcmar and Max Hopp, but he now faces a much tougher test against 2023 UK Open winner Gilding.
The pair have met twice this year, with Gilding coming out on top both occasions, and on current form, he looks well placed to repeat the trick on Saturday afternoon.
Andreas Harrysson vs Ricardo Pietreczko – Ricardo Pietreczko Win
Ricardo Pietreczko is in a strong position to reach the last 16 of the World Darts Championship for the second year in succession. The German ace, who goes by the name of Pickachu, has produced a couple of professional displays to dispatch both Jose de Sousa and Dave Chisnall.
That bodes well for Pietreczko ahead of his clash with Andreas Harrysson in Saturday night’s curtain raiser.
Swedish arrowsmith Harrysson made a positive impression on his Ally Pally debut, causing a shock in round one to see off Ross Smith before making light work of Motomu Sakai with a straight-sets victory.
However, this could prove a step too far for Harrysson, with Pietreczko’s greater big-stage experience likely to be decisive, especially now that we’re moving into the first four-sets format.
Justin Hood vs Ryan Meikle – Justin Hood Win
Justin Hood, riding high off an Ally Pally epic with Danny Noppert, will face Ryan Meikle in Monday afternoon’s opener. After a flying start with a 3-0 demolition of Nick Kenny, Happy Feet put on a fantastic display to edge out Dutch star Noppert in a five-set thriller in round two.
That form has seen Hood’s outright odds slashed to 80/1 in some places. While a shock world title win may be unlikely, Hood is fancied to progress past Meikle.
The Barber brushed aside outsider Jesus Salate in round one before making heavy weather of his second round win over another underdog in the shape of Jonny Tata.
After racking up 16 180s and averages of 99.59 and 103.01 in his first two matches, Hood’s scoring firepower should keep his Ally Pally adventure alive.
World Darts Championship round three treble
- Andrew Gilding Win
- Ricardo Pietreczko Win
- Justin Hood Win
- Treble: 3/1 @ bet365
Grant Heaney, aka SlipsTips, is a Freelance Football and Darts Writer with over six years experience. Grant has written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. He is a Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. You can find all of his tips on X @SlipsTips
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