The PDC World Darts Championship continues its festive run at Alexandra Palace, with a thrilling line-up of second-round clashes set for Monday, December 22. The action promises a blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans, headlined by Kenyan history-maker David Munyua and Singaporean legend Paul Lim.
Afternoon Session: A Global Showcase
The day's play begins at 12:45pm with Scottish qualifier Darren Beveridge taking on Latvia's Madars Razma. Beveridge earned his spot by defeating Dimitri Van Den Bergh, while Razma saw off Jamai van den Herik.
At 1:30pm, Dutch youngster Wessel Nijman faces a formidable challenge against German powerhouse Gabriel Clemens, a former semi-finalist at this event. This match offers a huge opportunity for both to secure a place in the third round after the Christmas break.
All eyes will then turn to 2:30pm and the remarkable story of David Munyua. The Kenyan, who caused a major upset by beating Mike De Decker in round one, continues his dream debut. His next hurdle is the skilled Dutch player Kevin Doets.
The afternoon concludes with a blockbuster all-English tie at 3:30pm. The experienced James Wade, known as 'The Machine', clashes with the rapid-fire thrower Ricky 'Rapid' Evans. It's a fascinating contrast in styles and tempo.
Evening Session: Stars and Entertainers Collide
The evening session kicks off at 7:15pm with another Dutch prospect, Gian van Veen, who has enjoyed a stellar year. He meets Scotland's Alan Soutar, who narrowly avoided a first-round exit against Teemu Harju.
At 8:00pm, one of the tournament favourites, England's Nathan Aspinall, takes to the stage. He faces the charismatic American Leonard Gates, a player known for his entertaining stage presence and unpredictable, sometimes brilliant, performances.
A highly anticipated rematch follows at 9:00pm. Former world champion Luke Humphries of England meets Singapore's darting icon Paul Lim. Lim famously defeated Humphries when they met in 2020, and the English star will be keen to avoid another upset.
The day's play concludes at 10:00pm with another transatlantic battle. England's Charlie Manby, who produced a first-round shock, faces America's Adam Sevada, who also caused an upset. Both now have a golden chance to reach the third round.
What This Means for the Tournament
Monday's schedule is crucial in shaping the latter stages of the championship. Potential giant-killings, particularly in the Munyua and Lim matches, could dramatically alter the draw. For established names like Aspinall and Humphries, it's a test of focus and form as they aim to build momentum towards the latter stages after Christmas. The blend of global talent on display underscores the ever-growing international appeal of the sport.
