Sky Sports will be covering the PDC World Darts Championship as it gets underway this weekend
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for arrows fans as the PDC World Darts Championship gets underway this weekend.
Over the course of the next three festive weeks, 96 players will be whittled down to just two finalists in a tournament sponsored by Paddy Power.
Last year’s finalists were reigning world champion Luke Humphries and young upstart Luke Littler, both strong contenders this year too.
But only one will be able to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy at Alexandra Palace in London on Friday 3 January.
For those who haven’t managed to secure tickets to any of the tournament events at the North London venue, there is still live coverage on television and radio.
Who is commentating at the World Darts Championship?
Wayne Mardle is a key figure in the world of darts. A former player from London, he began commentating at the PDC World Darts Championships in 2011.
He has since become a regular commentator for Sky Sports, earning the nickname “Hawaii 501” due to his penchant for Hawaiian shirts.
Mark Webster is also a former professional darts player turned commentator.
He won the BDO World Championship in 2008, beating Simon Whitlock in the final.
A former plumber, he has now turned his hand to commentary on Sky and is known for his detailed analysis of players’ performances.
Who are the presenters and pundits?
Emma Paton will be fronting the coverage of the championship from Alexandra Palace for Sky.
The former 400m runner turned sports journalist joined Sky Sports in 2012 and became a presenter in 2019 covering sports as diverse as darts, tennis and wrestling.
Those likely to join her for commentary and punditry during the event include:
- Stuart Pyke
- Rod Studd
- John Part
- Dan Dawson
How can I watch the World Darts Championship?
The World Championship will be broadcast on the dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel, with highlights on Sky Sports Main Event.
Coverage begins on Sunday, 15 December at 6.30pm, with afternoon sessions at 12.30pm and evening sessions at 7pm taking place for most the tournament.
The quarter-finals are on New Year’s Day on Wednesday 1 January with the first two matches at 12.30pm, and the last two at 7pm.
The semi-finals are on Thursday 2 January from 7.30pm and the final is on Friday 3 January at 8pm.
Viewers can also stream the action through the Sky Go app and on NOW TV. Both will require viewers to subscribe to the service.
Radio station talkSPORT will also provide coverage of the World Darts Championships, via the talkSPORT app and on DAB digital radio.