Can Cross Secure Littler Tie While Anderson Claims Thrilling Victory?

The PDC World Championship has seen thrilling performances as former champions Rob Cross and Gary Anderson advance in the tournament. Cross, the 2018 winner, easily defeated Damon Heta 4-0, setting up a last-16 encounter with defending champion Luke Littler. Anderson, a two-time champion and the last back-to-back winner in 2015 and 2016, overcame Jermaine Wattimena in a nail-biting 4-3 victory, showcasing his skill and resilience.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The PDC World Championship is progressing towards the latter stages, with significant matches already played in the fourth round. Rob Cross has shown formidable form, defeating 16th seed Damon Heta without dropping a set. Meanwhile, Gary Anderson's victory over Jermaine Wattimena was marked by high drama, as he nearly lost after leading 3-1. Both players are now set to face tough opponents as they aim for further success in the tournament.

Key takeaways

Rob Cross defeated Damon Heta 4-0, advancing to face Luke Littler.
Gary Anderson edged past Jermaine Wattimena in a thrilling 4-3 match.
Anderson is aiming to be the oldest PDC World Champion at 55.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of the PDC World Championship has included several key milestones:

December 2022: The tournament commenced with a strong field of competitors.
January 2023: The fourth round of matches began, showcasing top players like Cross and Anderson.
17 October 2023: Cross and Anderson secure their spots in the next round.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Rob Cross's dominant performance against Heta has raised expectations for his upcoming match against defending champion Luke Littler. Gary Anderson's thrilling victory over Wattimena adds an exciting element to his bid for a third title.

What was already established

Anderson has been a formidable competitor in the PDC, previously winning back-to-back championships in 2015 and 2016. Cross, as a former champion, also brings a wealth of experience to the tournament.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The PDC World Championship draws significant attention from UK audiences, with many fans following the matches closely. The excitement around players like Cross and Anderson can lead to increased viewership, impacting betting markets and merchandise sales.

Businesses and jobs

Local pubs and sports bars see heightened activity during the tournament, as fans gather to watch matches. This increased patronage can boost revenue for these establishments, which are often community hubs during major sporting events.

Policy and regulation

No significant policy changes are currently associated with the tournament, but the continued popularity of darts may influence future sports funding and support from the UK government.

Numbers that matter

4-0: The scoreline by which Rob Cross defeated Damon Heta.
4-3: The final score of Gary Anderson's match against Jermaine Wattimena.
121: Anderson's impressive average in the third set of his match.
102.24: Anderson's overall average in the match, ranking eighth in the tournament.
37.5%: Anderson's checkout success rate during his match.

Definitions and jargon buster

PDC: Professional Darts Corporation, the main governing body for professional darts.
Checkout: The final dart thrown to finish a game; achieving the required score to win.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect intense matches as top players face off in the quarter-finals and beyond. The immediate focus will be on the performances of Cross and Anderson.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The outcomes of the PDC World Championship could influence players' rankings and qualifications for future tournaments. Successful performances may lead to increased sponsorship opportunities and media attention.

Signals to watch

Watch for match results as they indicate potential shifts in player momentum.
Keep an eye on the averages and checkout rates of players, as these often correlate with success.

Practical guidance

Do

Watch the remaining matches to gauge player form and strategy.
Follow betting opportunities if interested in wagering on matches.

Don’t

Discount players based on past performances; form can change rapidly in darts.
Neglect to check updates on match timings and schedules.

Checklist

Check the schedule for upcoming matches to plan viewing times.
Review players’ recent performances for better insights.
Stay updated on potential injuries or changes in player line-ups.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the tournament has seen thrilling performances, fluctuations in player form could affect outcomes. Injuries or unforeseen circumstances may also influence match results, adding an element of uncertainty to the competition.

Bottom line

The PDC World Championship is heating up, with former champions Rob Cross and Gary Anderson making significant strides. As they prepare for their next matches, the excitement among fans continues to build, signalling a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

FAQs

Who won the last PDC World Championship?

The last PDC World Championship was won by Luke Littler, who is defending his title this year.

What is the significance of Gary Anderson's performance?

Gary Anderson is aiming to become the oldest winner in PDC history at 55, making his matches particularly significant.

When are the next matches in the tournament?

The next matches will take place on 17 October 2023, featuring key players in the fourth round.