NUKE TO ROCK ON

Josh the closest rival to Littler winning another World darts title

- BY JOHN O'DOWD

IT wouldn't be the Christmas buildup without the PDC World Darts Championship, with the biggest version ever beginning at Alexandra Palace next Thursday evening.

A massive 128 players will be taking part and there is a million pounds on offer to the eventual champion, which is pretty mind-boggling stuff in itself.

We can go into it in more detail as the competition progresses but, before a dart is thrown, it’s time to get off the fence and make a few predictions.

Luke Littler has been cleaning up the big TV events all year, and the 10/11 overall favourite will go all the way to the final, for the third time in a row.

Gerwyn Price is the only clear and present threat in his half.

The other side of the draw is, most certainly, up for grabs, and, while Luke Humphries (9/2) is the Nuke’s biggest rival right now, there is no guarantee of his progression to the decider.