Fourth and final of Darts World’s focus on the quarter breakdown of the post Christmas battle royal that is the PDC’s World Darts Championship.
Last – but by absolutely no means least – we arrive at section four, the bottom quarter of the draw and a section that reads less like a pathway and more like a bare-knuckle alley fight.
Headed by the third seed and three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen, sprinkled with a two-time title-winning Scotsman, and featuring a Northern Irishman many believe will one day wear the crown himself, this is not a place for the faint-hearted. Survive this lot and you’ve earned your semi-final seat the hard way.
SECTION FOUR
(3) Michael van Gerwen v Arno Merk (Q)
(14) Gary Anderson v Jermaine Wattimena
Justin Hood v Ryan Meikle
(11) Josh Rock v Callan Rydz
German qualifier Arno Merk has already gone beyond expectations, not least by dispatching two-time Ally Pally champion Peter Wright in the previous round. Context matters, though.
That, though, was not vintage Snakebite – no fireworks, no venom. Michael van Gerwen will be quietly thrilled with this draw. Merk can play, no doubt, but over a race of this magnitude, it feels like this is where his journey ends. If MVG is even remotely functional, he should move on.
The second match is box-office. Gary Anderson would dearly love to add a third world title before easing into a life of family time and fishing rods. Against Connor Scutt, the Flying Scotsman was majestic – a reminder that when he’s on song, very few can live with him. Standing in his way is Jermaine Wattimena, finally enjoying the season his talent has long promised.
Two Players Championship titles have suspended the “nearly man” tag, and The Machine Gun looked sharp against Scott Williams, even if he briefly lost his way before re-engaging the turbo.
Anderson is unlikely to grant him that sort of head start. This one has the potential of a real belter.
Then there’s the sneaky little beauty in the middle. Both Justin Hood and Ryan Meikle will be absolutely delighted when they look at this bracket.
At this stage of the World Championship, it’s a draw you circle in red.
Hood has become the new darling of the Palace after his extraordinary epic with Danny Noppert – arguably the match of the tournament so far. Meikle, meanwhile, has quietly gone about his business with minimal fuss and maximum efficiency.
This has “distance” written all over it. Probably another decider. Possibly another classic.
And finally – Josh Rock. One of the most exhilarating talents on planet darts and already being spoken about for the 2026 Premier League, long before this tournament kicked off. A few more wins at Ally Pally and that debate is over.
Standing opposite is Callan Rydz, who has already removed one half of Northern Ireland’s World Cup-winning duo by beating Daryl Gurney and will absolutely believe he can complete the set.
Rock starts favourite, but the Geordie has the scoring power and stage presence to make this seriously uncomfortable.When the smoke clears, logic suggests this section delivers MVG or Anderson against Rock.
The problem? Logic has been a fragile companion at this tournament. Which version of Michael van Gerwen turns up remains the great unknown – and truthfully, you could say the same of Gary Anderson. Add in the very real menace of Wattimena, and suddenly nothing feels nailed on.Messy. Brutal. Fascinating.
—–Emds—–
Images: PDC
