World Darts Championships – Round 2: Five standout fixtures you MUST watch - 180UK.com
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World Darts Championships – Round 2: Five standout fixtures you MUST watch

22 December 2025
Charlie Elliott

By Stan Ashcroft

Round one of the PDC 2026 World Darts Championships was like no other. Crazy dance moves, emotions overboiling, and frequent cameos from the Ally Pally wasp, were just some of the highlights from round one.

The drama has only just begun as round two kicked off straight away on Saturday afternoon. Here are five key games which you cannot afford to miss!

1 James Wade vs Ricky Evans

Monday 22nd December, Afternoon session

A four-time World Championship semi-finalist and serial winner, James Wade, will want to better his record overhanging from last year as he exited in the last 64. But ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans will be a tough opponent. Labelled as the fastest thrower in the world, Evans won his first game 3-0 against Man Lok Leung and is a tough opponent when on top form.

Both players can be on and off with their quality of darts, but that’s exactly why it’ll be such a good match up. The unpredictability of this fixture will be worth the watch, as will be Evan’s Christmas themed walk-on. Always an Ally Pally favorite. 

2 Gian van Veen vs Alan Soutar

Monday 22nd December, Evening session

Alan Soutar was involved in one of the most high pressured and entertaining games of round one. After taking a two nil lead in sets, with an average of over 100 in his first, he continued to miss 15 match darts as Teemu Harju pushed the Scotsman to sudden death in the tie-break.

Gian van Veen is unstoppable on his day, one of the few players capable of beating Luke Littler. The Dutchman is a must watch this tournament as third favourite to win the whole thing.

A combination of their ability to produce high scoring games, and the historical drama of Soutar’s World Championship matches is why this match is included in the list. Expect plenty of 140s and both players raising each other’s game to produce a highly entertaining game with plenty ‘Scotland get battered everywhere they go’ chants from the crowd.

3 Charlie Manby vs Adam Sevada

Monday 22nd December, Evening session

Debutant vs debutant in the World Darts Championships as both players got off to a dream start in round one.

Manby beat Cameron Menzies 3-2 in an emotional fixture which shockingly ended in Menzies burning his hand and punching a table. The 21-year-old became a fan favourite and is a known friend of Luke Littler. He is showing great potential and is certainly one to watch this year.

His opponent, Adam Sevada, is known for his success on the North American Tour circuit (CDC) and is the CDC top-ranked American. He overcame the odds to defeat Matt Campbell 3-1. This match will see an Ally Pally debutant reaching round three, expect emotions to be high as for whoever wins, this fixture will feel that extra bit more special.

4 Daryl Gurney vs Callan Rydz

Tuesday 23rd December, Afternoon session

Odds of 5/6 and 9/10 respectively, to win the tie (Paddy Power odds as of 20/12). This game is one of, if not the most evenly matched games of round two. This makes it a must watch.

Both are fantastic players, as Gurney overcame the extremely tough challenge of Beau Greaves in round one, coming away victorious after going into it as second favourite.

Callan Rydz produced a memorable campaign last year, reaching the quarter-final and earnt his own song, sang by the Ally Pally faithful. With an improved haircut this year,  Rydz dispatched Patrik Kovacs 3-0 on the same night as Gurney defeated Greaves.

Expect a tight affair, possibly going all the way.

5 Michael van Gerwen vs William O’Connor

Tuesday 23rd December, Evening session

Michael Van Gerwen was the supporting act for the main show, in his win over Mitsuhiko Tatsunami who won the hearts and minds of the nation. ‘The Japanese Stephen Bunting’ unnerved MVG and forced him to make errors, with treble-less visits and missed doubles. Fans have come to expect inconsistency from ‘Mighty Mike’ as he’s failed to reach his world champion standards over the past few years.

However, someone who has shown world class form already this tournament is his round two opponent William O’Connor. A 167 checkout, seven 180s, and an average of 102.36 (which he showed in a 3-0 win against Krzysztof Kciuk) would be enough to beat anyone in the world. But it will be MVG who ‘The Magpie’ needs to beat next.

Any match which could see the former three-time world champion walking home, is well worth the watch. Chuck some top-quality darts in there too, and it’s a must watch!

AS IT HAPPENS: 2025/26 PDC WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIPS

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