The PDC World Darts Championship continues its thrilling run at London's Alexandra Palace with a focused evening session on Wednesday, December 17. The spotlight shines on Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld as he makes his highly anticipated return to the oche.
Tonight's World Darts Championship Schedule and How to Watch
Unlike previous days in the first round, Wednesday features a single session of play. All the darting action is concentrated into the evening, bringing fans four crucial Round One matches. Comprehensive live coverage of the entire session will be broadcast on the Sky Sports Darts channel, accessible with a valid Sky Sports subscription. Alternatively, fans can follow extensive live updates and reaction via The Mirror's online platforms.
A Closer Look at the Evening's Fixtures
The night kicks off at 7.00pm with a historic all-North American clash. Canada's Matt Campbell faces the USA's Adam Sevada in the first-ever encounter between players from those nations at this stage of the PDC World Championship. The match carries high stakes for Campbell, who requires a victory to retain his coveted PDC Tour Card, while debutant Sevada aims to make an immediate impact.
At 8.00pm, the iconic Raymond van Barneveld steps into the arena for his record-equalling 33rd World Championship appearance. The five-time world champion from the Netherlands takes on Switzerland's Stefan Bellmont. Van Barneveld, known affectionately as 'Barney', harbours ambitions of a deep run in the tournament. His opponent, Bellmont, is a rising talent who recently secured a PDC Tour Card for 2026 and 2027, signalling his growing threat.
The third match of the night, scheduled for 9.00pm, sees England's James Wade begin his campaign. 'The Machine', a multiple major winner, faces Japanese qualifier Ryusei Azemoto. Wade will be determined to finally add the World Championship title to his impressive resume, while Azemoto will fight to cause an upset and progress to the second round.
The evening concludes at approximately 10.00pm with world number 13 Martin Schindler of Germany meeting England's Stephen Burton. Schindler, despite his high ranking, has experienced difficulties in major tournaments this year and will be eager for a strong start. Burton, who qualified via the Tour Card Holder Qualifier, is yet to win a set in this competition and will be looking to change that statistic.
What's at Stake as the First Round Nears Its End
This session marks the penultimate stage of the tournament's opening round. For veterans like Van Barneveld and Wade, it is about building momentum and setting a tone for the gruelling fortnight ahead. For the newcomers and qualifiers, it represents a golden opportunity to make a name for themselves on the sport's biggest stage. With a mix of legacy, pressure, and ambition on display, Wednesday night at the Ally Pally promises another captivating chapter in this year's World Darts Championship.
