PDC Darts World Championship Final Preview – Monday, January 3

It’s final time at the PDC Darts World Championships, as Peter Wright and Michael Smith slug it out for the Sid Waddell Trophy.

We’re still fresh into 2022, but the pinnacle of world darts is already on the line this Monday evening.

Only ten men have lifted the PDC Darts World Championship and Michael Smith is aiming to become number 11 as he takes on the champion from 2020, Peter Wright.

So pour yourself a tipple, get a witty catchphrase written out on your paper placard and settle down for an evening of thrills and spills on the Alexandra Palace oche.

Lets. Play. Darts!

“Bully Boy” A Champion In Waiting?

Owning three of the top 11 match averages in the 2022 World Championship, “Bully Boy” Michael Smith has hit the form of his career.

The maximums have been flowing in typical style for the 31-year-old and finally he has been able to rely on his doubling in the pressure moments.

Smith looks like a different animal on stage – cool, composed and reluctant to let anything distract his tungsten tunnel vision. 

Smith is determined to banish the ghosts of his 2019 final loss to Michael van Gerwen and this new and improved version of the St. Helens man has one hell of a shot at doing so.

Peter Wright’s More Than Alright

Peter Wright threw 24 maximums in his 6-4 semi-final win over Gary Anderson, the most ever 180s thrown in a PDC World Championship darts match.

If that doesn’t convince you of his credentials at the 2022 tournament, then nothing will.

It’s a third final for “Snakebite” with a 1-1 record so far in north London, and the Scot can no longer be accused of choking in pressure situations as he continues to add to his trophy haul.

Wright’s reference to a knee injury may hamper him down the stretch if the final goes long, but he’s got the experience to rally when the going gets tough.

The Verdict

Listen, both Smith and Wright fully deserve to contest Monday’s final and the result is bound to be decided by the smallest of margins. 

Both pepper the 180 bed, both have looked controlled on doubles and both have shown grit in battling their way through last-set deciders.

But with 20 years and one world title’s difference between “Bully Boy” and “Snakebite”, we’re backing the hungrier, young(er) buck to clinch his maiden title on Monday night.

Smith has come so close to landing major titles throughout his impressive career and all the hurt will be worthwhile if he can get over the line in north London.