THE CLIMAX to 2020 comes closer, and the heat intensifies at Alexandra Palace. Rounds one and two are complete, and we now look to phase two, the post Christmas last 32 of the biggest darts showcase on the planet. 

Big names were eliminated early, yes, but expected talents did not fall by the wayside, and now that the pre-Christmas nerves have been handled, we now fully anticipate heightened performances and World Championship winning form. 

Just because MVG, Wright and Price, the big three as they have been coined recently, are still swimming with the sharks, doesn’t mean their 3rd round matches will headline. At this stage it is more likely that two players in similar form will provide a more stellar watch and listen. And, my first pick of the third round highlighters, proves this point perfectly. 

PICK OF THE THIRD ROUND MATCHES

Krzysztof Ratajski v Simon Whitlock

Two top players of the modern game will collide here and I expect big things from this match. It is not a good draw for either player just now, but then what do you expect at this stage of a World Championship? 

Ratajski was very efficient in his defeat of Ryan Joyce in round two, and a 100 average performance will give him massive confidence going into this one. He hasn’t made the last 16 of the PDC World Championship before, and if he can, his getting closer to the top 10 in the world may come sooner than he thinks as ranking money starts to get serious at this stage. 

Whitlock was seriously tested in his previous match by the tenacious Darius Labanauskas. This test which he passed with flying colours will stand him in good stead, and if you cast your mind back to a previous piece I wrote, I stuck my head out and predicted Whitlock to do well. I am not going to change my mind. 

This match should have plenty of legs, and that is why I think it plays into the hands of the more recently battle hardened Wizard. It’s also the first game after the Christmas break, so you won’t have to wait long for it. 

Tip –  Whitlock to win and have most 180s (11/8) 

Michael Van Gerwen v Ricky Evans 

As little as 6 weeks ago, there were people saying that MVG was categorically not going to win this World title. Oh, how things have changed. The top performer from the first and second round is now firmly being talked about for a 4th crown, and with a familiar Ally Pally opponent at this stage on his radar, he will be looking to send even more warnings to the field. 

Ricky Evans has had a strange season, but he deserves a bouquet of credit for coming through against a plucky Mickey Mansell in the previous round. He came from a set to love down, and finished the 3-1 winner with decent stats. 

This isn’t enough to give him any sort of edge though, as he goes up against the same juggernaut that pounded him 4-0 in sets 12 months ago on the same stage. 

I have to think that something similar will happen once more, and the only conceivable wager for this is below. I really do think it will come in, with the highest finish being the only aspect I raise an eyebrow to. 

Tip –  MVG to be king of the oche (17/10)

WHAT A GAME THAT WAS!

Ryan Murray played superbly to test Michael van Gerwen, but the World Number One posts a stunning 108.98 average – the highest of the tournament so far – to reach the Third Round. pic.twitter.com/lsbxeXdbLB

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 19, 2020

Glen Durrant v Danny Baggish

I picked Damon Heta to win the quarter of the draw that these guys are in, and Baggish scuppered that by taking his chances against a slightly stuttering Aussie in round one. Then, he inspires not only himself but an entire public with a fabulous display against former champion Adrian Lewis to set up a clash with the current Unibet Premier League darts champion, Duzza. 

With Danny having to stay in the UK due to travel restrictions and the short turnaround, he will use darts as a way of escape from the fact his brother is severely ill, but if he can stay inspired, he has a genuine shot of being the first player from the USA to make the last 16 in the PDC Worlds since Steve Brown in 1994. 

Durrant came through his previous game with mountains of frustration and a cloud over his head, but still found a way to win. His ability to do this is astonishing, and his season will take some documenting in his book one day. One huge up, followed by a lot of downs, but in the present he still keeps believing. He is in trouble with this match though, and I didn’t see enough from the Portela win to convince me that he is back to 100%. I am nudging towards the upset. 

Tip – Baggish to win as the match goes all 7 sets (8/1)

Nathan Aspinall v Vincent Van der Voort 

It was almost a nightmare before Christmas for The Asp, as he used up another life against Scott Waites on December 23rd. A second game survived against Scotty Too Hotty in the space of a month has given Nathan the chance to keep going in this tournament, and he will feel massively relieved. 

Nathan played superbly on his doubles at the end of that round two match, and his fighting qualities were again on show. He will need them all the way from here as he has MVG’s big best pal in his road. Get through this and it doesn’t get any easier with a potential meeting with Grand Slam champions Price and De Sousa in the quarter finals looming. 

VVdV comes first though, and even though both Vincent or Nathan would have to usurp Dobey or Gurney before the other possible showdowns, this game will provide contrasting moods. 

If Vincent starts to show aggression and willingness to battle, this could be the game of the round, and don’t underestimate how well Vinnie has played this year. I think he is a massive dark horse in this quarter now, going under the radar like he has his whole career. 

My only problem with that notion is Aspinall and the fact that he always seems to have the answers. I think he may open the door to the last 16 again for a third year running, but not without a scare and this will surely have at least 6 sets. 

Tip – Aspinall and Van der Voort to score more than 12.5 x 180s (26/25)