No Peterson But Darts' Best Ready for World Championships

Petersen, nicknamed the African Warrior, failed to qualify for the showpiece event, but fans can still look forward to seeing the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, and Gerwyn Price take to the stage.

Can Smith Retain His Title?

A year ago it was Englishman Michael Smith who came away victorious at the World Championships, and 'Bully Boy' will be hoping to lift the coveted trophy once again. Once again one of the favourites in the sports betting markets, Smith will have to recover from what has been a disappointing year if he is to have any chance of retaining his crown.

In contrast to last year where Smith came into the tournament in red-hot form, his performances this year have been well below par and this has left the 33-year-old utterly frustrated. Of course, he showed last year that he thrives on the World Championship stage, and there is nothing to say that the world number one won't bounce back to form.

Who Are the Favourites for Victory?

Michael van Gerwen

One of the greatest players to have ever stepped up to the oche, Michael van Gerwen will once again be going into the tournament as one of the hot favourites.

Already a three-time world champ, the Dutchman has not quite been at his brilliant best this year, but he has proven on many occasions that he has the game to blow away any rival he may face.

Luke Humphries

Arguably the best player on the planet right now, Luke Humphries' rise to the top of the game has been a gradual one.

The Englishman has always been a top performer, but this year he has taken his game to a completely new level.

He has already won the Grand Slam, World Grand Prix, and Players Championships this year, and has risen to a career-high of number three in the world rankings.

With three quarter-final appearances already to his name in the World Championships, he is likely to go a lot closer to winning this year.

Gerwyn Price

He is the man that fans love to hate, but Gerwyn Price couldn't care less as he goes in search of a second World Championship win.

The Welshman was victorious in 2021, but let the crowd get to him last year as he bowed out at the quarter-final stage.

His performances in the early part of this year were phenomenal, including when he finished runner-up to Michael van Gerwen in the Premier League.

His form has petered out in the past few months, however, but if he can bounce back to his brilliant best, he will be a player to be feared at Ally Pally.

'The Iceman' will have to control his emotions which can get the best of him at times and he will have to ignore the noise of the raucous crowd that will be in attendance.