The mammoth first round of the World Darts Championship is complete, and on Saturday, 20 December, second round action begins at the Alexandra Palace.
It wasn't a round full of upsets, but there was room for one major shock as Kenya's David Munyua came from two sets to nil down to beat world number 18, Mike de Decker.
Round two should provide us with more big performances, as the quality that remains in the tournament is at an incredibly high standard across the board, especially when you consider there are still 64 players involved.
Ahead of action getting underway this afternoon, check out our round two tips below.
World Darts Championship round two tips
Ricardo Pietreczko to beat Dave Chisnall – 19/20
Ricardo Pietreczko was very assured in his first-round win over Jose de Sousa, a match that had banana skin written all over it. The German averaged 90.86 with 44% finishing accuracy, and a similar consistent display should be enough to down the erratic Dave Chisnall.
While ‘Chizzy' is a big name in the sport, his form isn't the best. He lost five of his last seven matches coming into the tournament and averaged below 90 in his first-round win over Fallon Sherrock.
What's more, Pietreczko often raises his game when he takes on the biggest names in the sport. In the build-up to the tournament, he defeated Josh Rock and Gary Anderson in the Players Championship. While de Sousa is also a big name, having once been a part of the Premier League.
Michael Smith to beat Niels Zonneveld – 10/11
Michael Smith was ultimately relieved to get over the line in his first round win over Lisa Ashton, but there is more to come from Bully Boy.
The former World Champion found some form in the build-up to the event, making it to the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam, where he succumbed to the brilliant Luke Humphries.
Although Smith wasn't at his best in his win over Ashton, he still averaged over 91, which bodes well considering there are plenty more gears for him to click through.
Niel Zonneveld is a dangerous opponent, but the overall H2H record between these two men makes for ominous reading for the Dutchman. In five previous meetings, Smith has won four, with Zonneveld's only win over Bully Boy coming back in 2022.
Luke Littler over 5.5 180s – 1/1
I made the grave error of backing Luke Littler to make a slow start on the 180 count in round one, and I'm not prepared to make the same mistake again.
The Nuke averaged 101.54 and hit seven 180s in his win over Labanauskas, and if last year is anything to go by, that is simply the floor that he will now work up from.
Last year, Littler hit ten 180s in his opening round win over Ryan Murkle, before then going two better to hit 12 in his second round win over Ian White.
World Darts Championship round two treble
- Ricardo Pietreczko to beat Jose de Sousa – 19/20
- Michael Smith to beat Niels Zonneveld – 10/11
- Luke Littler over 5.5 180s – 1/1
- Treble: 15/2 @ Ladbrokes
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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