Overview, order of play, way to watch and predict

Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen takes to the Ally Pally stage on Friday night in what should be a blockbuster night at the World Darts Championship.

Van Gerwen – PDC winner in 2014, 2017 and 2019 – has seen his momentum slow in recent years, but the 35-year-old is still ranked third in the world and is once again a real threat.

In the final match on day six, in the second round, against 2022 quarter-finalist James Hurrell.

The big game in the afternoon pits the very popular Stephen Bunting against Kai Gotthardt.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐡____ 🏆🎯 It’s time to step up and fight for that iconic trophy again. 💚 Let’s make it unforgettable. Who’s ready? Let’s do it! pic.twitter.com/Ms3tNGXRhf

— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) December 15, 2024

Bunting, 39, has never gone beyond the semi-final stage at the PDC but will be hoping to get through to the third round without too much trouble.

Order of play

Afternoon session (from 12:30 GMT)

Stephen Burton vs. Alex Merkx (R1)

Wessel Nijman vs. Cameron Carolissen (R1)

Ian White vs Sandro Sosing (R1)

Stephen Bunting vs. Kai Gotthardt (R2)

Evening session (from 19:00 GMT)

Mickey Mansell vs. Tomoya Goto (R1)

Florian Hempel vs Jeffrey de Zwaan (R1)

William O’Connor vs. Dylan Slevin (R1)

Michael van Gerwen vs James Hurrell (R2)

How to watch

The PDC World Championship is shown on Sky Sports in the UK.
You can watch the afternoon session on Sky Sports Darts and Main Event from 12:30 GMT, with the evening session on both channels from 19:00.

Predictions

Routine beats Bunting and Van Gerwen, who is hungry to reclaim his title on the biggest stage.