PDC World Championship

In nine days time the sixty-four best players will begin their battle for the PDC World Championship trophy. This year will mark the inaugural Sid Waddell Trophy presented to the winner, in commemoration of the late legendary commentator Sid Waddell. Adrian Lewis is looking to make it three successive World Titles on the bounce, but faces strong competition from a talented and respected field. If Lewis wins it would cap a fantastic couple of months for the Stokie, after he became a father for the second time.

Adrian Lewis (left), Phil Taylor (right) and Sid Waddell's son Dan at the unveiling of the new trophy.

The First Round was drawn yesterday and threw up some interesting ties. Defending champion Adrian Lewis faces Dutch debutant Gino Vos; who qualified by finishing sixth on the European Order of Merit. One of Adrian's main rivals, Phil Taylor will be vying for his 16th World Title and he opens up against Northern Ireland's Michael Mansell. 'The Power' is a man back in form following his victory during the Players Championships last weekend held in Minehead. Both Lewis and Taylor are from the Potteries and another Stoke thrower Andy Hamilton could spring a surprise, just like last year, and reach the final, he opens up against James Richardson. The form player going into the tournament has to be 'Mighty' Michael Van Gerwen, the Dutch ace will face a Preliminary Round winner in his first round, but is one of the main contenders for the prestigious title. 

The usual suspects are also in with a shout. Raymond Van Barneveld, who won the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton last month, looks rejuvenated and back to his best. He faces Michael Smith in the First Round. Gary Anderson & Simon Whitlock will both face Preliminary Round winners in their First Round encounters and both have a chance to win the title, however they are both in the same half of the draw as Phil Taylor. Scotsman Robert Thornton, who beat Phil Taylor in the UK Open Final, faces Magnus Caris in the First Round, with the knowledge that he could face Taylor in the Third Round.

There could be a few early shocks and this is could be down to the short format of the First Round; which is the best of five sets, first to three sets. If a player doesn't find a good early rhythm then they could be struggling to respond and will be able to enjoy a Christmas with their family instead of preparing for the 'after Christmas' rounds.

Fifteen time champion Phil Taylor is the favourite for the title, which will be awarded on New Years Day to the Champion, however I think Michael Van Gerwen will be his main challenger, for now and the foreseeable future. The future of darts is looking very bright with Van Gerwen and Lewis leading the way for players such as Arron Monk and Joe Cullen in the future.