The PDC World Masters, also known as Winmau Darts Masters, gets under way today in Milton Keynes, England. It is the second major PDC event of the calendar year, following the World Championship, and it promises to be another thrilling showcase in a sport that continues to grow in popularity.
After a disappointing start to the year by his lofty standards, Luke Humphries will be determined to defend his title. But, as ever, much of the spotlight will fall on teenage sensation Luke Littler, who has continued to exert his dominance on the sport, already adding a second world title and the inaugural Saudi Darts Masters this year to an ever-growing trophy haul.
Tournament Format: Schedule and Set-Play Explained
The tournament runs from Thursday 29th January to Sunday 1st February. The opening two days will feature eight first-round matches per day, before Saturday hosts afternoon and evening sessions consisting of four second-round matches each. Sunday provides us the blockbuster finale, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final all taking place on the same day.
Unlike most tournaments on the calendar, which are played in a leg-play format, the PDC World Masters will be contested using set play. Each set will be best of three legs, with the number of sets increasing from best of 5 in rounds one and two to best of 11 in the final.
The set-play format places a greater emphasis on finishing rather than sheer scoring power, as even a huge average can count for little without consistent doubling. A notable example came at last year’s Masters, when Luke Littler posted a superb 108 three-dart average but still fell to a 4–2 defeat against Jonny Clayton.
First Round Highlights, Favourites and Contenders to Watch
The first round has already thrown up a couple of top-level contests for viewers. The standout tie sees Michael van Gerwen take on Damon Heta. Van Gerwen has made a strong start to the year, lifting the Bahrain Darts Masters earlier this month, but Heta is a proven big-stage performer, making this one a finely balanced match up, though one Van Gerwen will be expected to get through.
Luke Littler faces a stern examination against Mike De Decker, while defending champion Luke Humphries meets Dave Chisnall. Chisnall may no longer be at his peak, but when he finds his rhythm he remains capable of troubling anyone on the circuit.
Tips for the Tournament
It’s hardly a revelation to say that the favourites for the tournament would be Luke’s Littler and Humphies as well as Dutch duo Michael Van Gerwen and Gian van Veen. But outside of this there are a few more to look out for.
Northern Ireland’s No. 1 Josh Rock has been knocking on the door at major events, and this could yet prove to be his moment. The only drawback is that he sits in the same half of the draw as Littler, who has become something of a thorn in Rock’s side, having beaten him three times last year from losing positions.
A few other names are worth a shout should they come through the opening round – with Chris Dobey, Nathan Aspinall and Gerwyn Price all capable of putting together a strong run if they can maintain consistency.
If you are looking for an outsider, James Wade is a perfect example of how set play can work in a player’s favour. He may not post the eye-catching averages of some of the other top names, but if his finishing catches fire, he has the experience and composure to grind his way deep into the tournament.
First Round Line Ups and How to Watch
- Thursday January 29 (7pm GMT/2pm Eastern)
- Chris Dobey v Jermaine Wattimena
- Gary Anderson v Niels Zonneveld
- James Wade v Madars Razma
- Nathan Aspinall v Shane McGuirk
- Jonny Clayton v Wessel Nijman
- Gerwyn Price v James Hurrell
- Michael van Gerwen v Damon Heta
- Gian van Veen v Ryan Joyce
- Friday January 30 (7pm GMT/2pm Eastern)
- Martin Schindler v Luke Woodhouse
- Ross Smith v Jimmy van Schie
- Danny Noppert v Daryl Gurney
- Ryan Searle v Rob Cross
- Josh Rock v Connor Scutt
- Luke Littler v Mike De Decker
- Luke Humphries v Dave Chisnall
- Stephen Bunting v Jeffrey de Graaf
How to Watch
A full list of broadcasters for the event can be found here but in the US & Canada the event is free to watch on FanDuel TV Extra.
