Darts Tips: World Championship Quarter-Final Thursday Predictions & Odds
The PDC World Darts Championship is down to its final eight players, with several familiar names joined by a couple of shock contenders.
Justin Hood has been the standout story so far, while Ryan Searle has also impressed. Even so, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries remain firmly on track for a repeat of their 2024 final.
Darts Tips: World Championship Quarter-Finals
Here at Free Bets we have selections for three of the four quarter-final ties, all taking place on New Year’s Day.
Tip 1: Luke Littler to Win, Krzysztof Ratajski Over 3.5 180s & +4.5 Set Handicap
Luke Littler came through his first real test at this year’s World Championship when Rob Cross pushed him to six sets and went close to a seventh. It took one of the best displays we’ve seen in a while from Voltage, who was backed by most of the crowd, which clearly irritated Littler.
Krzysztof Ratajski could receive similar support as the underdog on New Year’s Day. He has looked highly motivated and more comfortable with each round, posting averages of 96 and 98 in his last two outings.
In a race to five sets, he is capable of taking at least one. If the match goes six sets, four 180s for Ratajski looks realistic based on his usual rate, so we’ll combine those two selections into a bet builder with a Littler triumph.
Tip 2: Ryan Searle Over 8.5 180s vs Jonny Clayton
This quarter-final is a tough one to call, and it is no surprise the oddsmakers priced it as a pick ’em initially before support came for Ryan Searle.
Jonny Clayton brings far greater experience on the big stage, but Searle has clearly operated at a higher level across this tournament.
This feels like the type of match that could feature plenty of momentum swings, along with missed chances at key moments. While Clayton has achieved a great deal in his career, neither player has ever reached a World Championship semi-final, which could show when the pressure builds.
Total sets is one obvious angle, but the 180s market also appeals, particularly with Searle. He is a heavier maximum hitter than he has shown so far. Normally, you would hesitate after just two 180s in four sets last time out, but he still recorded 20 visits of 140+, which would usually translate into more maximums. With plenty of legs expected, I am happy to take Heavy Metal to land nine 180s.
Tip 3: Either Luke Humphries or Gian van Veen to Throw 6+ Perfect Darts of a 9 Dart Finish
Gian van Veen had six perfect darts twice during his win over Charlie Manby, leaving himself a nine-dart chance on both occasions. Luke Humphries is also well used to threatening the perfect leg.
A high-quality contest is expected here and, given the level Van Veen is showing, this could go long. Both play at a quick pace that suits them, which should lead to plenty of power scoring.
With that in mind, it would be disappointing if this match does not produce a handful of nine-dart attempts. Even money about either player reaching six perfect darts looks a very generous price.
Darts World Championship Schedule
Alongside our darts tips for the day, here's a complete look at Thursday's schedule, with two action-packed sessions to enjoy.
Thursday, 1 January
- Afternoon Session - 12:30pm Start
- Ryan Searle vs Jonny Clayton
- Gary Anderson vs Justin Hood
- Evening Session - 7:00pm Start
- Luke Littler vs Kryzsztof Ratajski
- Luke Humphries vs Gian van Veen
Darts World Championship Latest Odds
You can back the outright tournament winner at any stage with sports betting sites and the latest tournament odds from brands are updated and displayed below.
And don't forget - we'll be bringing you expert tips for every day of action throughout the tournament.
