Three men to watch this week at the 2019 PDC Darts World Championship

Eyes on Gurney, Lewis and Wade

It’s been a rip-roaring start to this year’s PDC Darts World Championships at Alexandra Palace, and the drama isn’t set to end anytime soon.

Tournament favourite Michael van Gerwen threw a 102 average in his four-set second round win over Alan Tabern.

That was beaten by reigning champion Rob Cross, with Voltage in fighting form to down the impressive Jeffrey de Zwaan.

But third seed Peter Wright is the first big-name casualty at Ally Pally. Snakebite came up against an inspired Toni Alcinas, with the Spaniard prevailing 3-1 on Sunday night.

There are plenty more thrills and spills on the way, with several big names playing their first matches of the tournament this week. Here are three to look out for…

Daryl Gurney

Fifth seed Daryl Gurney has only gone beyond the second round at the Worlds once before, but he has a great chance to go far this year.

SuperChin could meet Gary Anderson in the quarters, but first off he must beat Ross Smith on Tuesday night.

Gurney is 1/6 to go through, but Smith knocked out crowd favourite Paul Lim in round one, and has troubled Gurney in each of their four prior meetings. There’s 4/1 about Smudger causing a big upset.

James Wade

After a couple of seasons in the wilderness, James Wade looks to be returning to form. The three-time semi-finalist is in a difficult quarter, however.