Hogsback Darts Tips

It would be the shock of the century should Luke Littler lose this opening match against Lithuanian Darius Labanauskas. It just won't happen.

Karel Sedláček will give Wessel Nijman a run for his money in a difficult opening match for the Dutchman. Sedláček has had a solid enough season to warrant a decent chance of an upset.

Richard Veenstra is a very short price against the experienced Indian player Nitin Kumar. The experience Kumar gained at the Doubles World Cup and in previous World Championship matches should prove invaluable.

Up-and-coming Bradley Brooks can surely end Joe Cullen's World Championship campaign for another year. Cullen has voiced concerns about not loving the game anymore.

German player Max Hopp is coming back into form after a long injury layoff. He enjoys playing and can get the better of the slumping Martin Lukeman.

Paolo Nebrida can pull off a win over 'Shaggy' Scott Williams. Paolo Nebrida has done it before and had a good run at the World Championship. Williams is a middle-of-the-road type of player.

Ricardo Pietreczko has put in some decent performances over the past year. He continues to progress on the European circuit. José de Sousa has faded from his glory days.

Stefan Bellmont is a young player on the rise. He has started to get results now, such as in the Grand Slam of Darts. Raymond van Barneveld does not inspire confidence anymore and is close to retirement.