NOT so very long ago I distinctly remember allowing two small children to attend the PDC World Championships as a treat. This month I cannot have been in Benidorm celebrating the eldest’s 21st birthday, surely?
The return of Ally Pally, within what seems like the blink of an eye since Michael Smith’s win, should serve as a reminder of how fast time goes, if you don’t stop and appreciate things every now and then.
Potential good early games at this year’s event feature Benn Robb, who has been in good shape at the MODUS Super Series, and Richard Veenstra who has had a decent year in a quiet way. But also keep any eye out for Luke Woodhouse. He has made the TV breakthrough this year and has always had the ability, his opener against another 2023 form man, Berry van Peer, for the right to play Josh Rock, is another that could be worth a watch.
Stephen Bunting has had decent tournaments at the palace previously, a couple of years back he had chances against Gerwyn Price in a semi final? The Bullet has been playing very well again and seems to have regained his focus as well. He could go far again.
This year many can’t see beyond Luke Humphries for the title. He has just hit one of those purple patches that come to players with talent and desire to work hard enough to overcome obstacles as Cool Hand has done. However, I have an instinct that MVG is heading back to something like his best and will prevail as champion this time.
Lakeside was certainly interesting and congratulations to Beau and Andy on their respective wins. My tipster efforts proved pretty poor again but it’s mainly down to the WDF being a very open arena with almost anyone capable of upsetting another. At least that’s my excuse.
One worrying thing though is that I cannot remember an event that was moved on from so quickly. Due partly to the volume of darts being played at this time of year, and partly due to a lack of wider coverage, everyone seemed to be talking about something else by Tuesday!
I shall be prepping for a busy start to 2024, plenty of open action over the festive period will be followed by a welcome visit to MODUS Super Series and then PDC Q-School!
Wishing everyone a superb Christmas and may you get your desires for 2024!
—–ENDS—–
Colin Osborne has won 7 PDC (Pro Tour) event winner and a Champions League of Darts. He is sponsored by Winmau, Sidekick Sport UK and is a Darts World contributor.
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