Alexandra Palace in London hosts World Darts Championship

Reigning champion Michael Smith is set to take on either Kevin Doets or Stowe Buntz when he begins the defence of his World Darts Championship title next month. The illustrious tournament begins today, Friday, December 15 at Alexandra Palace in London. Smith defeated Dutch ace Michael van Gerwen 7-4 in the final last time around to win the tournament for the first time in his career. The top 32 players will enter the tournament in the second round, with the other 64 unseeded players getting started in the first round. The tournament comprises seven rounds, with the final taking place on Sunday, January 3 2024.

Fallon Sherrock will take on Jermaine Wattimena in the first round, with the winner of that contest going on to face Martin Schindler. Elsewhere, second seed Michael van Gerwen, who has won the tournament on three occasions, will play against either Keane Barry or Reynaldo Rivera in the second round. Third seed Luke Humphries will face off with either Lee Evans or Sandro Eric Sosing in his first match, while fourth seed Peter Wright will go up against Jim Williams or Norman Madhoo.