PDC Darts Betting Tips

A dozen seeds were knocked out in round two of the PDC World Darts Championship, meaning more than half of the top 32 failed to make it through to Christmas.

The biggest upset saw Gerwyn Price suffer a straight-sets defeat to Wesley Plaisier. Other notable exits included in-form Danny Noppert, 11-time PDC major winner James Wade, and 2025 semi-finalist Chris Dobey.

Defending champion Luke Littler is yet to drop a set in the tournament, while world number two Luke Humphries enjoyed a far more comfortable round two than round one, losing just a single leg against Paul Lim on Monday night.

Michael van Gerwen answered his critics with a 100 average in what looked a tricky match-up against William O’Connor. Meanwhile, third favourite Gian van Veen produced the standout performance of the last 64, averaging 108 as he came from behind to beat Alan Soutar.

Looking ahead to round three, tipster Ben Smith has selected four bets, all available with BetMGM, one of the top darts betting sites for this event.

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Dec 28: Damon Heta vs Rob Cross - Over 6.5 Sets (11/5)

Judging by his pre-tournament outright odds on PDC World Darts Championship betting sites, many appeared to have written off Damon Heta as a serious contender in televised events. After first-round exits at the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, European Championship, Grand Slam and Players Championship Finals, it is easy to see why few took his chances seriously at Alexandra Palace. Heta has only once made it beyond the third round there and has never reached the quarter-finals.

Rob Cross was also unfancied. His televised performances this year have been similarly underwhelming, while his Euro Tour results have fallen well short of his usual standards.

Both players have taken comparable routes to the third round, averaging just over 90 in each of their matches, which proved sufficient against opponents operating in the 80s. It has not been high quality, but it has been just about good enough.

With doubts surrounding both, it is difficult to make a convincing case for either. Whoever gets into a winning position may find closing it out a challenge. This looks set to be a scrappy contest, and a long match would come as no surprise.

Dec 28: Luke Humphries vs Gabriel Clemens - Humphries to Win 4-0 (6/5)

One of the biggest surprises of round two was Gabriel Clemens defeating Wessel Nijman, one of the heaviest scorers on the circuit and a player widely expected to enjoy long-term success in the sport.

Clemens is more of a known quantity, but while he did reach a semi-final at Alexandra Palace in 2023, his overall game remains limited, and this season has been below his best. He was tidy enough against Nijman, but his 89 average tells its own story, with the Dutchman repeatedly missing chances and allowing the match to slip away.

Humphries has not fully hit top gear yet by his own standards, but he is unlikely to be concerned by that. His win over Lim suggested plenty was still in reserve, and this could be the stage where he raises his level to secure a straightforward victory.

Dec 29: Justin Hood vs Ryan Meikle - Hood to Win, Most 180s & Highest Checkout (31/20)

Justin Hood’s win over Noppert is arguably the standout result of the tournament so far. On his debut at Alexandra Palace, Hood impressed with a 99 average against Nick Kenny, but few could have predicted an even higher level against Noppert. The Dutchman arrived with realistic hopes of a deep run, possible title contention, and was firmly in the discussion for a Premier League place in 2026.

Noppert did little wrong. He averaged 102, but Hood was simply better when it mattered. In the deciding fifth set, the Englishman averaged 107, hit six 180s, and closed out the match with a 156 finish.

Ryan Meikle, meanwhile, has progressed with minimal attention, reaching round three of the World Championship for the first time.

So far, their performances have been some distance apart. There is no guarantee Hood can repeat his peak level, but even a drop-off may still be enough against Meikle, whose tournament averages to date have both been in the 80s.

Dec 29: Josh Rock vs Callan Rydz - Over 19.5 180s (29/10)

Callan Rydz continues to justify his reputation as an Alexandra Palace specialist. He was not at his sharpest in round one against Patrik Kovacs, but he did not need to be.

Rydz raised his level against Daryl Gurney, coming from behind to claim a 3-2 triumph. He averaged 96 and landed eight maximums in a match that showed his ability to find extra gears when required.

On Monday, he faces Josh Rock, the second most prolific 180 hitter in the world. This pairing could easily push each other towards big maximum numbers.

The total 180s line sits at 15.5, but this feels like a match worth exploring at higher totals. If Rock’s finishing falters, as it occasionally can, the contest could stretch to six or seven sets, opening the door to some very large 180 counts.

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