Darts Tips: World Championship Day 8 Thursday Predictions & Odds
Pack your wasp spray and your novelty glasses — we’re back at the darts on Thursday for another day of unmissable first round action.
Darts Tips: World Championship Day 8
And who better to watch than the three-time champion of the biggun’ than Michael van Gerwen?
“Mighty Mike” may not be as mighty as he was a decade ago, but the dazzling Dutchman will still make a tilt towards this year’s title, getting going against Japan’s Mitsuhiko Tatsunami on Thursday evening.
Here on Free Bets, let’s take a look at some of the best betting for Day 8 of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship:
Tip 1: Dave Chisnall — match winner, most 180s and highest checkout vs Fallon Sherrock at 21/20 with William Hill
Since making history at the 2020 PDC World Championship, Fallon Sherrock has struggled to reach those impressive highs again.
She’s been dumped out in the first round of all four subsequent trips to the Ally Pally and things don’t look like getting any easier against the world No. 21 Dave Chisnall.
“Chizzy” is a former semi-finalist here and the ‘bridesmaid’ of the PDC Tour having reached six major PDC finals without bagging a trophy.
The 45-year-old has been patchy on tour in recent months, but won’t have any problem in beating Sherrock at a canter if he is anywhere close to his average.
Tip 2: Michael van Gerwen vs Mitsuhiko Tatsunami — Under 3.5 180s at 11/4 with bet365
It’s now six years since Michael van Gerwen claimed the last of his three world titles.
“The Green Machine” has reached a further three finals since then, but came up short against Peter Wright, Michael Smith and Luke Littler in last year’s showpiece.
He hasn’t stumbled in the first round of the Worlds since 2011 and it would be a seismic shock if he was to do so this year against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami.
The popular Tatsunami is making his debut at the Ally Pally and the 52-year-old will have his work cut out against one of the most experienced players on this famous oche.
This one could be over in as little as nine legs, meaning MVG doesn’t get a chance to get his teeth stuck into the big scores. The Dutchman isn’t a massive 180 hitter these days, so backing under 3.5 from the three-time champion prices up well.
Tip 3: Krzysztof Ratajski 3-1 Alexis Toylo at 11/5 with bet365
Krzysztof Ratajski can often prove a tricky customer on the big stage.
He’s a World Championship quarter-finalist from 2021 but has struggled to drag that form into the last couple of seasons, dropping down to No. 37 in the world.
His slow style is awkward enough to frustrate any player, and someone with the lack of big stage experience like Alexis Toylo will struggle with the Pole.
This is a repeat fixture from last year’s second round where Ratajski won 3-1 — expect a repeat scoreline here.
Darts World Championship Day 8 Schedule
Alongside our darts betting tips for the day, here's a look at Thursday's schedule, with two sessions to enjoy.
Thursday, 18 December
- Afternoon Session - 12:30pm Start
- Matt Campbell v Adam Sevada
- Raymond van Barneveld v Stefan Bellmont
- James Wade v Ryusei Azemoto
- Martin Schindler v Stephen Burton
- Evening Session - 7:00pm Start
- Jermaine Wattimena v Dominik Gruellich
- Dave Chisnall v Fallon Sherrock
- Michael van Gerwen v Mitsuhiko Tatsunami
- Krzysztof Ratajski v Alexis Toylo
Darts World Championship Latest Odds
You can bet on the winner of the tournament throughout with the best betting sites and below you will find the very latest competition odds.
And of course, don't forget, we'll have betting tips for every single day of action from the Darts World Championships on Free Bets!
