Zipster

Without a doubt, the most competitive match on the opening night, Madars Razma generally starts well at the Worlds. He has made the last 32 of the last two tournaments. He is up against the 22-year-old Dutchman Jamai van den Herik, who has got here via the Development tour. His record in the Players Championship, however, has not been great. He has gone out in the opening round of the last five of those, which doesn't exactly bode well here. His average is not the worst compared to Razma; it's 90.21 vs 85.19 in Razma's favour, but Jamai does have a decent win rate this year (72%) compared to Razma's 50%. I think Madars should come through here with his big stage experience; however, I think the young Dutchman will make him work for it via a deciding set.

Smith has met Ashton four times so far, and he has won all four; however, only one of those was a whitewash. The last time they met was in 2022 at the Grand Slam of Darts, and Smith was made to work for it in a 5-3 win. And I think Lisa is good enough to take a set here against a Smith, let's not forget who is still getting his game back after a long absence with injury, but should still be good enough to overcome Ashton here.

It's not the most thrilling opener for the tournament. We have Huybrechts, who looks to be on the decline, against Merk, who has never hit the heights. Huybrechts' win rate of just 43% this year is quite alarming, but the key here is experience; this will be his 15th Worlds compared to Merk, who is making his debut at the age of 33. Merk has averaged over 10 points less than Huybrechts this year alone. There will be nerves from the German, and I think that probably results in a clean sweep for Kim in this opener.