09.12.2013. The Ladbrokes World Darts Championship returns to Alexandra Palace on Friday 13th December and the stage is set for another memorable tournament with Taylor, Van Gerwen and Lewis set to battle for the title.
Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor will be the overwhelming favourite to win the World Darts Championship for the 17th time in his illustrious career come January 1st when the final takes place. Taylor triumphed in last year’s tournament at the Alexandra Palace in an eventful final which saw ‘The Power’ come back from 4-2 down to defeat Michael Van Gerwen 7-4 in a match that included an incredible 170 checkout from Taylor. Taylor had to be at the top of his game at the 2013 Grand Slam of Darts to see off the challenge from Adrian Lewis in the semi-final and if Taylor can continue his current form over the festive period it is difficult to see the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship trophy ending up anywhere else.
Phil Taylor’s protégé, Adrian Lewis will be desperate to win his third World Darts Championship this year and will no doubt push his previous mentor all the way. Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis can take plenty of positives from his recent defeat to Taylor in the Grand Slam of Darts semi-final which saw Lewis record a three-dart average of 110.99 over the course of the match. If Lewis plays like this in the upcoming tournament it is extremely likely he will face a showdown with Taylor at some stage in the competition; a match that must not be missed if recent encounters are anything to go by. Lewis is proving he can compete with Taylor in terms of his average and the 28 year old from Stoke has shown on two occasions he can win this title so has to be considered one of the favourites for the trophy.
One of the stories of the 2012/13 World Darts Championships was the performance of emerging talent Michael Van Gerwen and the Dutchman will once again be looking for success on the big stage. Should Van Gerwen lift the trophy for the first time on January 1st 2014 it would signify a big power shift in darts competition and could pave the way for a new era in the sport. Despite ultimately losing to Phil Taylor in last year’s final, Van Gerwen impressed many fans and fellow professionals with his win over reigning champion Adrian Lewis in the quarter-final and incredible 9-dart finish in the semi-final of the tournament. Michael Van Gerwen is one of the most exciting players on the darts circuit at the moment due to his fast paced throwing style and a repeat matchup with Adrian Lewis at the World Darts Championship could see fans in for a classic.
Besides the ‘big three’ of Taylor, Lewis and Van Gerwen, there are many other players capable of winning the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship. James Wade undoubtedly has the talent to go all the way in the tournament however question marks still remain over ‘the machine’ and his mental ability as he has been known to crumble in pressure situations. Raymond Van Barneveld also possesses incredible talent at the oche and the five time World Darts Champion is more than a match for anyone when on top of his game. Aussie Simon Whitlock has also proved over the years what incredible ability he has, especially when hitting the doubles, and will relish the opportunity to showcase his talent on the Alexandra Palace stage.
The quality of the players involved at the 2013/14 World Darts Championship will definitely make for some incredible matches and hopefully a tournament that will live long in the memory of darts fans.
