Tonight Rob Cross starts his defense of the World Championship he won almost a year ago.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, because it is time for The World Championships.
And what a World Championship that starts today. Never before has the field been as big as it is this year. Full 96 players, two of whom are women, play for the great trophy and the big cash prize of no less than 500.000 pounds.
Evening Session
Jeffrey de Zwaan v Nitin Kumar
Jeffrey de Zwaan is not among the topplayers yet, but several times this season he has shown that he definitely has the talent to go up there. Among other things, during this year’s World Matchplay, he showed how high a top level he has when he reached the semi-final, in which a in-form Gary Anderson became too big of a mouthful. Twice this year, however, he defeated Michael van Gerwen, respectively, the UK Open and World Matchplay, and Jeffrey de Zwaan could therefore be a positive surprise during this year’s tournament, and the first step is against Nitin Kumar who qualified via the Indian qualification.
Martin Schindler v Cody Harris
It’s only the second time that young Martin Schindler will play at the World Championships. Last year he lost 3-1 against Simon Whitlock in the first round. This year, his opportunity to reach the second round is significantly better than last year. He will meet Cody Harris. Harris has primarily performed on this year’s Challenge Tour, but has participated in Players Championships a couple of times, latest in September. On the paper Martin Schindler is a better player, but his form has been descending for a long time. It’s a match where Cody Harris is not without chances.
Jan Dekker v Lisa Ashton
There is no doubt. Lisa Ashton is among the best female dart players. She has thus won the World Championship for Women four times. Now she is temporarily facing a man. More specifically, Jan Dekker. Certainly not the worst opponent for Lisa Ashton, who undoubtedly wants to prove that women can also play at the highest level. The question is then whether it is actually the case. We might get a good indication of this tonight. One thing is for sure, it will be a mathc that many will follow with focused eyes.
Rob Cross v The Swan / Kumar
Rob Cross is not predicted the greatest chances of defending his World Championship-title. But if he is going to make an attempt, he must start winning this evening. Without it being decided, it is almost already certain that the opponent will be named Jeffrey de Zwaan, as Nitin Kumar should not have a chance in their match. The young Dutchman will not be any easy opponent for Rob Cross, so if the Englishman wants to promote to to the third round, he has to find his top level already this evening.
