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Bobby Decordova-Reid gives Fulham a 2-1 lead over Arsenal at Craven Cottage.
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Tag: sport
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I did EMS training twice a week for a month, and here's what happened
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EMS training (or Electro Muscle Stimulation training) promises the equivalent of four hours of HITT exercise in just twenty minutes. Is the hype real? And can you really shortcut your exercise regime so dramatically? GLAMOUR’s Emily Maddick worked out twice a week for a month at E-pulsive at Repose in Kensington, where they specialise in EMS Training – here’s her diary.
I’ve just finished my first ever EMS Training session; I’m drenched in sweat, purple in the face, semi-naked in the (small) changing rooms when who should I bump into but none other than Poppy Delevingne. Possibly one of the last people you could ever wish to see in such a state. But I am on a high, buzzing from this extraordinary workout experience – and as we get chatting, it turns out that Poppy is also a fan, telling me that she swears by an E-pulsive session on top of her regular workout regime ahead of a modelling job or a red carpet event. So, if it’s good enough for one of the UK’s top models, I’m in.
For nearly 20 years I have been a big runner, but recently at age 42, my knees have been playing up and I haven’t been able to run as much as I used to, which was between 10k – 15k a week. Not running is affecting my mental health, and I am noticeably more anxious and grumpy. I love swimming – which I do at least twice a week – and I also try to go to the gym a couple of times a month. I still want to increase my cardio, yet am also time poor, so the thought of achieving the equivalent of a four-hour HITT session in 20 minutes is incredibly appealing. But also, I am sceptical. Can this really be true? And is it healthy?
How does EMS training work?
EMS utilises electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions, enhancing the effectiveness of traditional exercise routines, such as lunges, squats, sit ups, core and weight work. These contractions are similar to the signals sent by our own central nervous system to the rest of our body. The electrical current flows throughout your muscles and the contractions reach deep fibres of muscles you didn’t even know you had.
During an EMS training session, you wear a special suit embedded with electrodes that cover all the major muscle groups: arms, abs, back, thighs and knees. As the electrical impulses are transmitted, the muscles contract and relax at a very high speed, engaging a higher percentage of muscle fibres compared to conventional workouts.
The intensity and frequency of these impulses can be adjusted to target specific muscle groups and dialled up or down by your trainer. This intense muscle engagement creates a more challenging and effective training session, even with minimal external resistance.
What are the benefits of EMS Training?
EMS can aid in building strength, increasing muscle mass, and improving overall fitness levels. The controlled muscle contractions also help to improve blood circulation and metabolism, promoting better cardiovascular health and potentially helping weight management. It also drastically cuts your workout time – with a 20-minute session being equivalent to several hours of traditional training.
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Emily Maddick
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World Darts Championship: Luke Littler hammers Raymond van Barneveld to reach quarter-finals
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Teenager Luke Littler crushed his darting idol Raymond van Barneveld 4-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, where he will play Brendan Dolan.
The 16-year-old averaged 105.01, hit nine 180s to record a sensational victory over a legend in five-time World Champion, Van Barneveld.
“Unbelievable! My average has shown it, my double percentage has shown it – I don’t know what to say!”, Littler told Sky Sports.
“He (Van Barneveld) said ‘you can go all the way, I hope you can go all the way’. I said ‘thank you’ – he’s a true gentleman and I respect Raymond.”
“I fancy myself [to win the whole thing], I do fancy myself! Let’s just focus on Brendan [Dolan].”
World Darts Championship: Saturday Evening Results
Brendan Dolan 4-3 Gary Anderson Raymond van Barneveld 1-4 Luke Littler Luke Humphries 4-3 Joe Cullen 
Littler is blown away after beating his idol Van Barneveld and then reveals what he’ll do now to prepare for the quarter finals Littler is blown away after beating his idol Van Barneveld and then reveals what he’ll do now to prepare for the quarter finals
In two of the three sets, that went to a deciding leg, Littler averaged over 110.
There have been only 19 ton-plus set averages in the whole tournament.
Littler booked his place into the quarter finals in style. The 16-year-old declined ‘The Big Fish’ before returning for double 15 to knock out Van Barneveld Littler booked his place into the quarter finals in style. The 16-year-old declined ‘The Big Fish’ before returning for double 15 to knock out Van Barneveld
‘The Nuke’ showed no signs of nerves as he won a rip-roaring first set 3-1 with a 103.8 average and 3/4 on the doubles.
The world youth champion was soon in dreamland after easing through the second set to strengthen his grip on the match for the loss of just two legs.
Littler makes a dominant start against Van Barneveld by winning the first two sets in style Littler makes a dominant start against Van Barneveld by winning the first two sets in style
Van Barneveld squandered two set darts in the next as Littler pounced to make it three without reply, averaging 110.68 in the set and 53 per cent on the doubles.
‘Barney’ held firm on double 6 to get off the mark in the fourth set and keep his hopes alive, but the teen star from Warrington stormed through to set up a meeting with Brendan Dolan by winning the deciding leg of the fifth set with a nerveless 130 set up shot before returning for double 15
Littler hits tops, tops for a magical ton checkout against Van Barneveld Littler hits tops, tops for a magical ton checkout against Van Barneveld
“It’s incredible beating one of my idols on the biggest stage of all, I still can’t believe it,” Littler said. “I think I am daring to dream now, I have seen the draw.
“I am only three wins away now. I’m so young, only 16 and I have got nothing to fear, I have got no one to fear, my game can be better than anyone’s on the day and I have shown it there against one of the greatest to have graced that stage.
“With performances like that I can go all the way.
“I’ve pictured myself winning it. I look at the draw and see Brendan next and then Chris Dobey against Rob Cross in the other quarter.
“I fancy myself. I do fancy myself.”
Dolan made it through to the quarter finals following a hard-fought victory over Anderson Dolan made it through to the quarter finals following a hard-fought victory over Anderson
Dolan followed up his upset win over Gerwyn Price by pulling off another famous scalp by knocking out two-time world champion Gary Anderson 4-3 to reach the quarter-finals for the second time in his career.
After falling 2-0 down, ‘The Flying Scotsman’ turned the match on its head to go in front for the first time but fellow veteran Dolan fired in 14, 14 and 15 dart legs to send a dramatic contest all the way to a final set.
But Anderson crumbled under pressure in the fourth leg of the deciding set, failing with four darts at double to allow Dolan to complete a stunning upset on double 3.
Dolan took out 102 using the bullseye during his sensational win Dolan took out 102 using the bullseye during his sensational win
“That was some game,” said Dolan. “I was wondering what was wrong with Gary but then he kicked into gear and the next thing he’s ahead of me. I’m wondering ‘don’t let this go, make him win it’ – it was in the lap of the gods,” said Dolan.
Watch the moment Humphries won a crazy sudden-death leg to edge Cullen Watch the moment Humphries won a crazy sudden-death leg to edge Cullen
World No 3 Luke Humphries recovered from two sets down and two legs down in the subsequent tie-break set to somehow close out a breathtaking 4-3 victory over Joe Cullen in sudden-death thanks to a 12-dart leg.
‘Cool Hand’ required 10 match-darts to win a seven-set and 36-leg thriller.
“I just think that’s one of the best games I’ve been part of. I feel sorry for Joe,” said Humphries. “I never give up and that somehow allows me to keep going. I’ve survived again.”
Humphries dissects the insane sudden-death leg as he sealed his spot in the quarter-finals Humphries dissects the insane sudden-death leg as he sealed his spot in the quarter-finals
World Darts Championship: Saturday Afternoon Results
Scott Williams 4-1 Damon Heta Daryl Gurney 2-4 Dave Chisnall Rob Cross 4-0 Jonny Clayton 
A look back the best of the action from the evening session of Day 13 of the World Darts Championship A look back the best of the action from the evening session of Day 13 of the World Darts Championship
The afternoon session got under way with a clinical performance by Scott Williams to book his spot in the quarter-finals with a 4-1 win over Damon Heta.
Scott Williams reeled in ‘The Big Fish’ after Damon Heta chose an alternative route in their clash Scott Williams reeled in ‘The Big Fish’ after Damon Heta chose an alternative route in their clash
Williams produced some ruthless finishing, while Heta struggled on the doubles, a 170 out the highlight of proceedings.
Williams will now face one of the tournament favourites Michael van Gerwen on New Year’s Day.
Chisnall says that he hasn’t had any practise for months because he’s been getting his front room redecorated Chisnall says that he hasn’t had any practise for months because he’s been getting his front room redecorated
Perennial TV finalist Dave Chisnall held his nerve to grind out a 4-2 win over Daryl Gurney.
Chisnall took a 2-0 lead in the tie but Gurney fought back well, 130 and 151 checkouts enabling him to draw parity.
However, ‘Chizzy’ rallied and nine 180s and a 99 average secured his spot in the last 16.
Gurney dazzled with superb 130 and 151 checkouts during his defeat to Chisnall Gurney dazzled with superb 130 and 151 checkouts during his defeat to Chisnall
The session concluded with a ruthless performance from Rob Cross as he whitewashed ‘The Ferret’ Jonny Clayton 4-0.
The 2018 champion got off to a superb start as he took a 3-0 lead, with a stunning 140 checkout setting the tone.
Cross missed five match darts as Clayton levelled at 2-2 in the fourth set, but ‘Voltage’ held his nerve to seal a clinical win to set up a mouth-watering clash against ‘Hollywood’ Chris Dobey.
Cross hit this clinical 140 checkout against Clayton Cross hit this clinical 140 checkout against Clayton
Former World Champion Cross says he needed a new pair of pants after missing six match darts against Clayton Former World Champion Cross says he needed a new pair of pants after missing six match darts against Clayton
What’s happening on New Year’s Day at the World Darts Championship?
Michael van Gerwen is back in action on New Year’s Day at the World Darts Championship with semi-final spots on the line
Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen will take on Scott Williams, with 2018 winner Rob Cross up against Chris Dobey.
World Darts Championship
December 31, 2023, 12:30pm
Live on
World Darts Championship: New Year’s Day Afternoon Fixtures
Chris Dobey vs Rob Cross Luke Littler vs Brendan Dolan Teenage sensation Luke Littler will take on Brendan Dolan, who has already knocked out Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson, with Dave Chisnall facing Luke Humphries or Joe Cullen.
The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final take place from January 1-3.
Live World Darts Championship
January 1, 2024, 7:00pm
Live on
World Darts Championship: New Year’s Day Evening Fixtures
Michael van Gerwen vs Scott Williams Luke Humphries vs Dave Chisnall The sport’s biggest event sees the remaining players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.
Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months
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‘What was he doing?’ | Gavin Bazunu has nightmare playing out from the back
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Southampton let Plymouth back in at St Mary’s after some calamitous defending allowed Ryan Hardie to make it 2-1.
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Damon Heta’s huge winning darts | Pins 151 to beat Berry van Peer!
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Damon Heta sealed 4-3 victory over Berry van Peer in sensational manner by taking out a 151 checkout.
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World Darts Championship: Gerwyn Price ‘gutted’ after defeat to Brendan Dolan at Alexandra Palace
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Gerwyn Price’s hopes of a second World Championship crown came to an end as he was beaten by Brendan Dolan; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Friday at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts
By Nigel Chiu and Megan Wellens
Last Updated: 29/12/23 12:30am
Gerwyn Price says he’s “absolutely gutted” to be knocked out of the World Darts Championship after a dramatic 4-2 defeat to Brendan Dolan on Thursday night.
Dolan put on a phenomenal show as he beat 2021 world champion Price 4-2, incredible 130 and 144 checkouts helping him on his way.
The Welshman could never find a solid spell in the contest and so Dolan continually took advantage, setting up a last-16 clash with either Boris Krcmar or Gary Anderson.
Earlier this month, Price revealed he nearly pulled out of the tournament over concerns about the reception he would face from the crowd but thanked the fans for their support.
“Absolutely gutted with the chances I gave away tonight, trying too hard and beating myself up,” Price wrote on Instagram.
“Just wanna say how much I appreciate the crowd that got behind me, just couldn’t get a flow and Brendan took out every chance I have him, well done to him and hopefully I’ll learn from this, #gutted. But once again thank you.”
Brendan Dolan admitted he was very happy to avoid a final set against Gerwyn Price Brendan Dolan admitted he was very happy to avoid a final set against Gerwyn Price
Mardle praises ‘underrated’ Dolan
Three years ago, Price beat Dolan in the third round in a sudden death leg on his way to winning the 2021 World Championship.
However, he couldn’t fight back this time after already levelling the match on two occasions before Dolan won the final two sets.
“Price will be so deflated because if he plays well, Dolan doesn’t get half of those chances,” Wayne Mardle told Sky Sports.
“The four biggest legs of the match, Dolan won them all. Gerwyn Price never strung a five or 10-minute spell together and when he did, it was on his own darts and it won him sets 3-1 and 3-0. But it never went over into Brendan’s set.
Brendan Dolan punished Gerwyn Price as he fought back and stole the third set by taking out 90 on the bull Brendan Dolan punished Gerwyn Price as he fought back and stole the third set by taking out 90 on the bull
“You don’t know when a purple patch will come and it never came at the right time for Gerwyn Price. Things were coming at the right time for Brendan.”
Price actually won one more leg than Dolan but the set format meant it was the Northern Irishman who capitalised on his opponent not quite firing on all cylinders.
Mardle thinks Dolan’s timing was “perfect” and believes he has been hard to beat on the tour for over two decades.
“Brendan never went off to a bad spell when it mattered. That last set was incredible,” he continued.
“Dolan never gets the credit because he’s not flamboyant, he’s not one of these ‘speedsters’ like Scott Williams who is a bit marmite and separate the crowd.
Bendan Dolan lived up to his pre-match billing as he won the first set in style Bendan Dolan lived up to his pre-match billing as he won the first set in style
“He just does his own thing, plays within himself. Even when he’s nervous, he soon calmed himself down. That was a brilliant performance.
“Don’t forget that’s the second brilliant performance on the bounce. Against Mickey Mansell, he was better than that and could easily do that again. Why can’t he get through to the semi-finals?”
Three-time world champion John Part added: “Brendan got to him. Three years ago, Gerwyn survived a match against Brendan on a last leg decider. Tonight Brendan said ‘look, that wasn’t a fluke’. And he was more timely with good outs.
“He held it together and is a mature, confident darts player. He’s constantly underrated and is a great darts player.”
Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. Stream Sky Sports with a NOW Sports Month Membership
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The Verdict: Young Chelsea side shows promise | Palace need Edouard back
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Gary Cotterill and Ben Grounds give their verdict on Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
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‘This is incredible!’ | Two missed penalties in Edinburgh derby!
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Hibernian and Hearts were both granted penalties for handball during the Edinburgh derby, however both missed from the spot!
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Was Francis Ngannou knocking Tyson Fury down the biggest boxing upset in 2023?
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Andy Scott, Gary Logan and Jane Couch discuss whether Francis Ngannou knocking down Tyson Fury was the biggest shock in 2023.
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Baltimore Ravens 33-19 San Francisco 49ers: Lamar Jackson throws two touchdown passes in 18 seconds to stun 49ers
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Quarterback Brock Purdy became first San Francisco 49ers quarterback to throw four interceptions in a game since Colin Kaepernick in 2015; Baltimore Ravens and 49ers both remain top of their respective conferences and can still clinch No 1 seeds
Last Updated: 26/12/23 9:44am
Lamar Jackson led the Baltimore Ravens past the San Francisco 49ers in a stunning 33-19 victory after throwing two touchdown passes in 18 seconds in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Kyle Hamilton and the Ravens defense intercepted quarterback Brock Purdy on three of the first four drives of the game for the 49ers to turn a 16-12 halftime lead into a commanding 30-12 advantage.
Purdy became the first 49ers quarterback to throw four interceptions in a game since Colin Kaepernick in 2015 and finished 18 for 32 for 255 yards before leaving the field after sustaining a left shoulder stinger in the fourth quarter with Sam Darnold replacing him.
Jackson took an intentional grounding safety after he tripped over a fallen official in the end zone and attempted a pass to give the 49ers the first points of the game.
On first-and-10 at Baltimore’s 15, Purdy attempted to force a pass to wideout Deebo Samuel that Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton stepped in front of for an interception.
After Baltimore forced a punt on the opening drive of the second half, Jackson capped a drive by throwing a 6-yard touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor.
Williams injured his groin attempting to tackle Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen after Purdy’s fourth interception. Jackson immediately turned that into another score with a 9-yard TD pass to Zay Flowers that made it 30-12. Jackson threw for 252 yards, ran for 45 more and vaulted past Purdy to take the limelight.
Umpire Alex Moore falls as Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs from San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young (92) during the first half
San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey set a franchise record with his eighth straight game with at least 100 yards from scrimmage.
Darnold replied for the 49ers with a fourth-quarter touchdown after replacing an injured Purdy but by then it was already too late.
Both teams remain on top of their conferences. The Niners are in a three-way tie with Philadelphia and Detroit for the best record in the NFC and can still clinch the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye with wins in their final two games.
The Ravens remained a game ahead of Miami for the best record in the AFC and can clinch the No. 1 seed with a win next week against the Dolphins.
What did they say?
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh: “Our guys work hard. They compete hard. Everybody wants to be respected. There’s one way to be respected, and that’s to go out there and earn that. I thought Lamar had an MVP performance tonight. It takes a team to create a performance like that, but it takes a player to play at that level, to play at an MVP level, it takes a player to play that way. Lamar was all over the field.”
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson: “We got the W. I don’t really care about performance. I just want to win. That’s what happened tonight. On Christmas, I got my gift.”
San Francisco 49ers Kyle Shanahan coach: “I didn’t mind his [Purdy] demeanour. He stayed in there and kept battling. Our whole team struggled there in the second half, so it wasn’t just him.”
What’s next?
The Ravens host Miami Dolphins while the 49ers visit Washington on Sunday December 31.
Make sure you tune in to Sky Sports NFL every Sunday at 6pm for the first game of our triple-header of live action. The evening’s entertainment also includes NFL Redzone action as hosted by Scott Hanson, as well as Sunday Night Football to round off the night.
Sky Sports will broadcast two exclusive live games every Sunday throughout the regular season in the 6pm and 9pm slots, while also showing every Thursday Night, Sunday Night and Monday Night match-up.
Fans can also watch every minute of the playoffs across January, followed by Super Bowl LVIII at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11.
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Why does LeBron James wear the number 23 for Los Angeles Lakers?
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Basketball star LeBron James has changed numbers a few times during his career before finally landing on the No. 23 he currently sports for the Los Angeles Lakers.
How did James settle on 23? And why did he keep switching back-and-forth? Here’s a closer look at James’ history with different numbers.
How James Initially Became 23
Initially, James chose the number 32 as a freshman at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School because the No. 23, in honor of Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan, was taken. When 23 became available his sophomore season, James took it.
“When I started playing basketball, I was like ‘Man, that 2-3 looks good,’” James said in 2019. “‘I want to be able to fly like him.’”
James kept the number 23 when he entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) straight out of high school to become the No. 1 overall pick for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In 2009, however, James told TNT he believed the NBA should retire Jordan’s number league-wide, similar to what the National Hockey League (NHL) did for Wayne Gretzky’s No. 99. Major League Baseball (MLB) retired Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 as well, for reasons that go far beyond athletic greatness.
At the time, James said he would start a petition for every player wearing 23 to give it up.
“I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized in some way soon,” James said in March 2010. “If you see 23, you think about Michael Jordan. You see guys flying through the air, you think about Michael Jordan. You see game-winning shots, you think about Michael Jordan. You see fly kicks, you think about Michael Jordan. He did so much, it has to be recognized, and not just by putting him in the Hall of Fame.”
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers jersey is seen at the United Center on Wednesday in Chicago. James has changed numbers twice during his career.
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
James Switches to Six (The First Time)
James finished the season wearing No. 23, but after the Boston Celtics eliminated the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals and James famously decided to take his talents to South Beach to play for the Miami Heat, he opted to switch to the No. 6.
That number is important to James in several ways. He wore the 6 internationally when competing with Team USA for Olympic gold. His oldest son Bronny was born on October 6, and his middle child Bryce was born in June, which is the sixth month of the year. Additionally, two players James has publicly expressed great admiration for—Bill Russell and Julius Erving—both wore the No. 6 as well.
James Returns to Cleveland and No. 23
In 2014, after winning two titles with Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Heat, James announced he would return to Cleveland. ESPN reported that James considered a return to the No. 32, but he opted to go back to 23 (a decision that Jordan said he was “cool with” despite James’ campaign on his behalf).
In 2018, after helping the Cavaliers win a title and get back to the NBA Finals four times, James signed with the Lakers. He kept his No. 23 at first, but wanted to give Anthony Davis the number when the star big man joined the Lakers as a free agent prior to the 2019-20 season. Nike, however, had already produced a great number of “James 23” jerseys for the Lakers and couldn’t accommodate a number change at that point, so Davis took the No. 3.
Davis opted to keep 3 after the Lakers won a title in 2020.
James Switches to Six (The Second Time)
In October 2021, James did finally switch back to No. 6, although he expressed that it might be temporary. When Russell died in 2022, James told ESPN he would honor him by wearing it for another season.
“For me to be able to wear the 6 this season, I’m not sure if I will continue to do it, but right now I’m going to wear it in honor of him,” James said at the time. “It means a lot to me, and I’m happy to be part of such a great league that represents so many great icons, and obviously this guy is such an icon both on and off the floor.”
A Final Switch?
Shortly after Russell’s death, the NBA announced it would retire his number 6 league-wide. Players already wearing 6 were allowed to keep it, but James opted to switch after a final season sporting the number “out of respect for Russell,” Klutch Sports’ Rich Paul told ESPN.
Incidentally, the NBA’s decision to retire 6 could make for a unique honor in James’ favor: The Heat are likely to raise his number to the rafters after his career is over, which means Miami would retire 6 on behalf of both Russell and James.
James went back to the No. 23, which he has now worn in 15 out of his 21 seasons as an NBA player.
At 38, he is still averaging 25.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists and appears to have plenty left in the tank if he opts to play with his son Bronny, as he has hinted he wants to do multiple times in the past.
Will James switch his number again if he and Bronny do team up somewhere other than Los Angeles? That remains to be seen.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Motherwell 0-2 Rangers | Scottish Premiership Highlights
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Highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Rangers.
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World Darts Championship: Raymond van Barneveld rolls back the years as Dimitri Van den Bergh suffers shock defeat
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Raymond van Barneveld makes winning start but Dimitri Van den Bergh loses a thriller; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Saturday at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts
By Raz Mirza at Alexandra Palace, London
Last Updated: 22/12/23 11:49pm
Raymond van Barneveld rolled back the years as he struck a remarkable 19 140s and came close to a near 100 average on his way to a 3-1 victory over Radek Szaganski on Friday night at the World Darts Championship.
The five-time world champion – who last lifted the title in 2007 – produced the fourth highest average of the tournament with a stellar 99.81 to set up a meeting with Jim Williams in the last 32 after Christmas.
World Darts Championship: Friday Evening Results
Dimitri Van den Bergh 2-3 Florian Hempel (R2) Martin Schindler 3-1 Jermaine Wattimena (R2) Raymond van Barneveld 3-1 Radek Szaganski (R2) Chris Dobey 3-2 William O’Connor (R2) Debutant Szaganski silenced the large contingent of Dutch fans by winning the opening leg but only for Van Barneveld to reel off three in a row to wrap up the set with a 98.6 average and 3/4 on the doubles.
Watch the moment Raymond van Barneveld entered Ally Pally to his iconic ‘Eye of the Tiger’ song Watch the moment Raymond van Barneveld entered Ally Pally to his iconic ‘Eye of the Tiger’ song
The 56-year-old, playing in his 31st World Championship, continued the relentless finishing spree with an 86 and 104 checkouts at the start of the next before wrapping up the second set on double 5 with his last dart in hand.
The Dutch legend nailed this 113 checkout during his win The Dutch legend nailed this 113 checkout during his win
Polish-Irish star Szaganski managed a neat hold of throw to stop the rot at the start of the next with a neat 118 finish, but Van Barneveld answered back with a fine 113 and clutch 60 to move within touching distance of victory.
However, the Cork thrower fired in a timely 13-darter on double 14 to edge the third set.
Barney was taken to a deciding leg by a gritty Szaganski in the fourth but a 19th 140 allowed the Dutchman to set up 80 which he took out thanks to a slick two-dart combination.
Van Barneveld admitted Radek Szaganski gave him a hard game, but he did enough to come through and win Van Barneveld admitted Radek Szaganski gave him a hard game, but he did enough to come through and win
“There are no easy games. It gives you more pressure. (Peter) Wright has gone, (James) Wade has gone. But hey there’s a guy called Luke Littler, he’s fantastic,” said Van Barneveld.
Florian Hempel battled back from two sets down to defeat Dimitri Van den Bergh in a classic Florian Hempel battled back from two sets down to defeat Dimitri Van den Bergh in a classic
The boy from Cologne Florian Hempel sensationally recovered from 2-0 down to stun 15th seed Dimitri van den Bergh 3-2, surviving three match darts and saving his PDC Tour Card in the process.
The German won the last six legs on the spin, hitting back-back-back 10-dart legs en route, landing a skin-saving 151 checkout, whilst averaging 106.09 after surviving match darts in an Ally Pally classic.
“I’m the man for the comebacks, I think,” Hempel told Sky Sports. “I started so bad, but the back-to-back 10 darters helped and the 151 kept me in the game.”
Hempel took out this incredible 151 checkout to keep himself in the match against Van den Bergh Hempel took out this incredible 151 checkout to keep himself in the match against Van den Bergh
There were a total of 17 180s in 20 legs as Chris Dobey won a barnstorming tussle against William O’Connor with a 103.09 average.
The Masters champion, nicknamed ‘Hollywood’, won a deciding set shoot-out to progress to a clash with former European champion Ross Smith up next.
Chris Dobey was ‘delighted’ to get past William O’Connor Chris Dobey was ‘delighted’ to get past William O’Connor
German No 2 Martin Schindler joined his fellow countryman Hempel in the next round after defeating Jermaine Wattimena 3-1.
‘The Wall’ secured a meeting with Scott Williams with a 97 average and 52 per cent on the doubles, despite the quick-fire Dutchman reeling in the fourth 170 finish of the tournament.
Jermaine Wattimena fired in this 170 checkout in his defeat to Martin Schindler Jermaine Wattimena fired in this 170 checkout in his defeat to Martin Schindler
World Darts Championship: Friday Afternoon Results
Brendan Dolan 3-2 Mickey Mansell (R2) Jose de Sousa 1-3 Jeffrey de Graaf (R2) Krzysztof Ratajski 3-1 Jamie Hughes (R2) Dirk van Duijvenbode 1-3 Boris Krcmar (R2) The afternoon session of day eight started with an absolute cracker between Northern Irishmen and best friends Brendan Dolan and Mickey Mansell.
Brendan Dolan said he found it difficult playing his best friend on tour Mickey Mansell and expects to be more lethal with Gerwyn Price Brendan Dolan said he found it difficult playing his best friend on tour Mickey Mansell and expects to be more lethal with Gerwyn Price
There was nothing separating the two and the match went all the way to a tie-break with Dolan edging the win in the deciding leg to set up a meeting with Gerwyn Price.
Dutchman Jeffrey de Graaf wrapped up an impressive 3-1 victory over the ‘Special One’ Jose de Sousa to cause an upset.
Jeffrey de Graaf apologised to the Ally Pally crowd who were eager to see a nine-dart leg, but got it done in 10 against Jose de Sousa Jeffrey de Graaf apologised to the Ally Pally crowd who were eager to see a nine-dart leg, but got it done in 10 against Jose de Sousa
Krzysztof Ratajski’s campaign continues after a 3-1 victory over Jamie Hughes.
Hughes battled back from two legs down to take the first set but from there, Ratajski showed his experience to grind out the win and secure his spot in round three.
Boris Krcmar defeated Dirk van Duijvenbode in style with a 102 checkout Boris Krcmar defeated Dirk van Duijvenbode in style with a 102 checkout
The final match of the afternoon saw Dirk van Duijvenbode outplayed by big Croatian Boris Krcmar as he made it into the third round for the first time in his career.
He will now face ‘The Flying Scotsman’ Gary Anderson in the next round.
Van Duijvenbode showed his agility as he attempted to avoid the infamous Ally Pally wasp! Van Duijvenbode showed his agility as he attempted to avoid the infamous Ally Pally wasp!
Back home for Christmas thanks to everyone for messages i don’t think i can get round to say thanks to everyone there’s that many but I’ll try tomorrow 🫣 10 thousand new followers last few days 20 thousand new instagram followers 👀 Wishing u all a Merry Christmas ☢️ 🚀 💣 💥 pic.twitter.com/7zWrc5X0CK
— Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) December 22, 2023
What’s happening on Saturday at the World Darts Championship?
Former World Youth champion Josh Rock returns to Alexandra Palace
Jonny Clayton, ‘The Bronzed Adonis’ Steve Beaton, youngster Josh Rock and World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall all headline the action at Alexandra Palace on the final day before the Christmas break.
World Darts Championship: Saturday Afternoon Fixtures
Kim Huybrechts vs Richard Veenstra (R2) Callan Rydz vs Ricardo Pietreczko (R2) Jonny Clayton vs Steve Lennon (R2) Daryl Gurney vs Steve Beaton (R2) Elsewhere, Kim Huybrechts, ‘Heavy Metal’ Ryan Searle and former semi-finalist Stephen Bunting will be among the high-profile names taking to the stage.
World Darts Championship: Saturday Evening Fixtures
Ryan Searle vs Tomoya Goto (R2) Josh Rock vs Berry van Peer (R2) Stephen Bunting vs Ryan Joyce (R2) Nathan Aspinall vs Ricky Evans (R2) The sport’s biggest event sees 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.
Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months
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Luke Littler on ‘breaking records like Michael van Gerwen’ after World Darts Championship win over Andrew Gilding
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One of the biggest stories from the Alexandra Palace so far has been 16-year-old Luke Littler; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3 – we’re back on Friday at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts
By Nigel Chiu and Raz Mirza
Last Updated: 22/12/23 7:01am
Luke Littler was flattered to hear people are comparing him to Michael van Gerwen after he booked a place in the third round of the World Darts Championship.
Littler held off a mid-match charge from the experienced Andrew Gilding to knock out the 20th seed with a 3-1 win on Thursday night.
The 16-year-old won his first match at the Alexandra Palace on Wednesday and his natural throwing style has got the darting world talking.
Ahead of the World Championship, he became the first two-time Junior Darts Corporation world champion and is already being compared to the sport’s greatest ever players including Phil Taylor and Van Gerwen.
Sky Sports Darts‘ Wayne Mardle says Littler is “probably the most naturally gifted player I have ever seen in my life”.
Littler plans to celebrate his sensational win over Andrew Gilding with another kebab! Littler plans to celebrate his sensational win over Andrew Gilding with another kebab!
“People do compare me to Michael and see what he’s done and I’ve done. We’ve both done a lot at 16 years of age,” said Littler.
“I’m breaking records and it’s good to know people are talking about me and comparing me to my idols.”
Littler averaged 106.12 on his World Championship debut as he beat Christian Kist 3-0 and will play Matt Campbell in the next round after the Canadian stunned James Wade.
Littler was born in Runcorn, Cheshire, on January 21, 2007 and began playing darts aged nine.
He won the England Youth Grand Prix in 2019 and began to rack up tournament wins.
He became England Youth Open champion in 2021 and won his first senior title at the Irish Open later that year.
In 2022 he won the Welsh Open and this year notched further senior titles at the Isle of Man Classic, Gibraltar Open, British Open and British Classic.
The 16-year-old is a back-to-back JDC World Champion and reigning World Youth Champion. He doesn’t turn 17 until January 21.
The winner of that match could play Raymond van Barneveld, who gets his campaign under way on Friday night live on Sky Sports Darts, in the last 16.
“I’m glad I’m coming back after Christmas. As soon as he beat Wade, my eyes lit up but I knew I had to get past Christian then Andrew and I’m coming back to face Matt. I’ll take it game by game and just play who’s up against me.
“Matt beat Wade, a multiple major winner, and what he’s done so far is good for Canadian darts but it’s me or him now.”
Littler on ‘unbelievable’ crowd chanting
Littler first picked up a set of darts at 18 months old and had the Alexandra Palace crowd singing “you’re going to school in the morning” during both of his wins.
They also sang “there’s only one Luke Littler”, a chant which Phil Taylor was associated with during his career.
Littler celebrated wildly after taking a two-set lead against Andrew Gilding in the World Darts Championship Littler celebrated wildly after taking a two-set lead against Andrew Gilding in the World Darts Championship
“It was unbelievable, especially when you are going for a double. Throughout the game they were chanting for me and chanting over different chants. You’ve just got to somehow get in the zone when they are all chanting,” said Littler.
He added: “I follow my own Instagram and have gone from 4,000 to 11,000 followers. I’ve had loads of rugby lads, local ones and other teams, follow me and footballers from Ipswich and United U20s. It’s just unbelievable that so many people know about me.”
Part: Littler can handle different situations
Three-time world champion John Part on Littler’s performance against Gilding:
“We learnt he can handle different sorts of situations. I think he did well.
“Andrew was the better average early going, but somehow he managed to steal set one, set two of course.
“Set four saw Luke behind at times but Andrew couldn’t get the darts needed to force a tie breaker.”
Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months
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The fall of a Ukrainian hero
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Voiced by artificial intelligence.
Sergei Bubka was Ukraine’s most iconic sportsman. Now his name is mud.
The legendary pole vaulter — a towering figure in post-Soviet Ukraine; dominating world championships and smashing records before becoming an elite sports politician — has been linked to business conducted in Ukraine’s Russian-occupied territories, while he lives it up in glitzy Monaco.
As Ukraine continues to fight off Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion in the freezing, soggy Donbas trenches, there is no greater sin. Bubka, the former athletic hero and native of Ukraine’s east, is now seen by many Ukrainians as a Russian collaborator.
For the man who once soared, bringing pride to newly independent Ukraine, how did it all go so wrong?
A major investigation by Ukrainian outlet Bihus.Info during the summer revealed Bubka’s company, Mont Blanc, was officially registered in Russia after the Kremlin’s all-out assault in Ukraine began.
Mont Blanc sold fuel to Russian occupiers in the Donetsk People’s Republic, a Russian puppet state in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian media outlet discovered — and published — three contracts worth more than $14,000 at the time. While the money is comparatively small compared with the billions sloshing around in Moscow’s war economy, any dealings with Russian occupiers are a red line for Ukrainians.
The company owns at least six gas stations in the occupied Donetsk region and Bubka’s brother Vasiliy is listed as the company’s director on all contracts. After the reports, Ukraine’s security service, the SBU, opened an investigation, and Vasiliy has now been charged in absentia with collaborating with the Russians and “assisting a terrorist organization.”
In September, Bubka hit back at the reports, posting a video online in which he said: “I have always fought for Ukraine, but now a campaign to destroy my reputation has begun against me. I have not been to the occupied territories since 2014. I didn’t visit my relatives and I wasn’t even able to attend my mother’s funeral this year. I have nothing to do with any business in the occupied territory.”
POLITICO reached out directly to Bubka’s press team for comment but they did not respond.
Bubka’s protestations, however, have failed to convince Ukrainians — and some of the country’s most prominent athletes — that he’s showing enough support for Kyiv’s war effort.
A major investigation by Ukrainian outlet Bihus.Info revealed Bubka’s company, Mont Blanc, was officially registered in Russia | Raul Arboleda/AFP via Getty Images “When the war began, all athletes cooperated and waited for a statement from Bubka at the very least. We drafted a letter, but it never bore Bubka’s signature,” Yaroslava Mahuchikh, the reigning world high jump champion, told POLITICO.
The athletes were demanding a ban on the National Olympic Committees of Russia and Belarus. Bubka is one of the influential 107 members of the International Olympic Committee.
“We called and wrote to him. He made a statement later but it was meaningless. Nothing more came from him,” added Mahuchikh.
Bubka threatened a lawsuit against the Bihus journalists, but so far that has not been filed. He wanted to “defend his dignity,” said Vadym Gutzeit, boss of Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee. In the meantime, the same outlet published two more contracts from May 2023 showing Bubka’s further business dealings in the Russian-controlled DPR.
While legal drama swirls in Ukraine, Bubka has been living on the French Riviera, according to reports in Ukrainian media and a person close to his family who was granted anonymity to discuss personal dynamics.
In Monte Carlo, Bubka attends AS Monaco football matches in the VIP zone. The Ligue Un club is owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, who is subject to Ukrainian sanctions but not EU, Monegasque or U.S. measures.
The rejection Ukrainians feel from Bubka extends down the ex-pole vaulter’s family tree.
Tennis players also sought help from the influential sports politician, as his son, Sergei Bubka Jr., was a professional tennis player himself and still works within the sport.
“We had a very meaningful conversation with Sergei [junior] during a tournament in Miami,” said the coach of a Ukrainian tennis player. “He promised to definitely convey our vision of tennis and the support we need from the NOC and the IOC to his father. Nothing happened.
“He still shows up at all the major tournaments but now doesn’t make eye contact with me. He continues to communicate with representatives of the aggressor countries, even with those who openly support the war,” the coach added.
POLITICO asked Sergei Bubka Jr. for a response, but he also did not reply.
Bubka Sr. also actively avoided Ukrainian track and field athletes when he encountered them at the athletics World Championships in Eugene, Oregon in July 2022, according to one person with knowledge of the incident. They were walking toward Bubka and as they were about to greet the former champion he turned his head away.
As Ukraine continues to fight off Russian invasion in the freezing, soggy Donbas trenches, Bubka is now seen by many Ukrainians as a Russian collaborator | Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images “I respect him as an athlete, but not as a person,” added Mahuchikh.
While Ukraine’s other superstar athletes including Mahuchikh, footballers Oleksandr Zinchenko and Andriy Shevchenko and legendary boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko have all backed the war effort and condemned Putin, Bubka’s remarks about Russia have been more tepid.
“I was traveling by train from Kyiv to Lviv. Some people nearby didn’t have food, and I shared what I had with them. I needed then to drive to Uzhhorod to cross the border. I felt what it’s like to be a refugee,” Bubka said, in his first statement about the war in April 2022, about two months after Moscow launched its all-out attack.
As Ukrainian law enforcement agencies told Ukrainska Pravda, Bubka left the country on March 1, 2022, with a special permit (men of military age are not allowed out of Ukraine without permission). After that, he exited the country two more times. The last time he left was on July 4, 2022 — and he did not return.
“The war must stop, peace and humanity must prevail,” was all he could muster about Russian aggression.
Bubka was adored by Ukrainians in the 1990s, as the most prominent athlete to emerge from the country following its independence after the Soviet Union’s collapse.
He was the first pole vaulter to clear 6 meters and held 17 outdoor and 18 indoor world records. During Bubka’s active career, he began organizing the Pole Vault Stars tournament in Donetsk, a city which erected a monument in his honor in 1999, where the Luhansk native spent much of his life.
After retiring in 2001, Bubka shifted his focus to politics. He became a member of the IOC in 2008. From 2002 to 2006, he was a member of the Ukrainian parliament, mainly representing the Party of Regions.
In 2005, he replaced Viktor Yanukovych — the controversial pro-Kremlin former president who triggered the widespread Euromaidan protests in winter 2013-14 and who lived in the same apartment building in Donetsk as Bubka did for years — as the head of the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee, holding his position until November 2022.
Bubka ran unsuccessfully both to be the IOC president in 2013 and lead the world athletics federation in 2015.
For those failed campaigns, Ukrainian athletes are counting their blessings.
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Anthony Joshua in no mood for talking with bizarre interview
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Anthony Joshua kept his interview as short as possible as he is fully focused making his arrival in Riyadh, ahead of facing Otto Wallin
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Marc Anthony Launches E1 Team Miami; Announces All-Electric Boat Race and Music Festival for Miami in 2025
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Press Release
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Dec 19, 2023 12:00 ESTThe chart-topping, award-winning, highest selling salsa singer of our time and minority owner of NFL team the Miami Dolphins, Marc Anthony, extends his influence into sports ownership as the owner of the new E1 Team Miami, part of the UIM E1 World Championship.
MIAMI, December 19, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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Anthony’s E1 Team Miami will be on the start line at the first ever E1 event next February 2-3, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, alongside teams owned by some of the world’s biggest celebrity names – among them Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, Steve Aoki, Sergio Perez, Didier Drogba, and Virat Kohli.Marc Anthony and his company Magnus are not just entering the racecourse for season 1; they are also set to host E1 in the USA during season 2 (2025), with a dazzling event scheduled for Miami.
Marc Anthony expressed: “I have always been fascinated by all things nautical. Water is the essence of life, and as the human population approaches the limits of what the planet can sustain, it is time to cherish water for the essential value it has as an enabler of life. I am thrilled to join forces with E1 to welcome to the dawn a new era of competition and a new standard of race excellence, and I am looking forward to embarking on a journey that has never been witnessed before, an era where passion is a given and winning is a must.”
Rodi Basso, CEO and co-founder of E1, said: “E1’s list of owners exemplifies how our championship’s strategy is leading the way in sport marketing, and we are thrilled to have Marc join our roster of global icons. As the best in his business, I have no doubt he will bring the same drive to succeed and creativity to his collaboration with E1.”
Beyond thrilling racing, Magnus aims to elevate the E1 experience by organizing a glamorous weekend that includes the renowned fan village, the Acceleration Festival.
Felipe Pimiento, COO of Magnus added: “This is a very exciting venture for us at Magnus. It continues to solidify our footprint in the sports world at various levels. These new technologies create exciting new opportunities within well established industries. E1 championship platform will allow us to continue to offer fans the best class sports entertainment while being conscious about the environment and doing our part to preserve our oceans.”
Attendees can also anticipate a star-studded concert featuring prominent artists in an unforgettable convergence of racing excitement and world-class entertainment.
Beyond the excitement on the racecourse, E1’s commitment to sustainable marine practices aligns seamlessly with Anthony’s dedication to preserving Miami’s waters for future generations.
For more on the championship, the E1 Jeddah GP and details on how to watch or buy tickets, head to e1series.com.
Source: E1
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I did it to be famous! | Tottenham mascot Ralph explains pre-match antics
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Young Tottenham mascot Ralph explains his lively pre-match warm-up against Newcastle which went viral.
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Birmingham 2-3 Leicester | Championship highlights
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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Birmingham and Leicester.
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World Darts Championship: Fallon Sherrock suffers opening round defeat as Luke Humphries cruises through
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Fallon Sherrock makes costly error in defeat as Luke Humphries surges through in style; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Monday at 7pm, live on Sky Sports Darts
By Raz Mirza at Alexandra Palace, London
Last Updated: 18/12/23 12:06am
Fallon Sherrock suffered a gut-wrenching opening round defeat at the World Darts Championship as red-hot Luke Humphries looked cool as a cucumber as he progressed in style on the Alexandra Palace stage.
Sherrock’s opponent Jermaine Wattimena won nine out of the last 12 legs to send ‘The Queen of the Palace’ crashing out in the first round.
Humphries, who has been on an incredible run of form which has seen him win three televised titles in two months at the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals, defeated Lee Evans in straight sets.
World Darts Championship: Sunday Evening Results
Dylan Slevin 1-3 Florian Hempel (R1) Niels Zonneveld 3-1 Darren Webster (R1) Jermaine Wattimena 3-1 Fallon Sherrock (R1) Luke Humphries 3-0 Lee Evans (R2) 
Sherrock was delighted after winning the first set against Wattimena Sherrock was delighted after winning the first set against Wattimena
Sherrock made a dream start by edging the opening set in a deciding leg with a cool 50 finish in two darts having levelled up the set at 2-2 with an 80 checkout on tops.
The Dutchman recovered well to seal the second set 3-1 and restore parity much to the annoyance of Sherrock, who missed two darts at tops which would have sent it into a deciding leg.
It was agony for Sherrock who made a costly error at a crucial moment of her clash against Wattimena It was agony for Sherrock who made a costly error at a crucial moment of her clash against Wattimena
Wattimena soon silenced the rowdy Ally Pally crowd when he blasted his way through the third set without reply to move ahead.
Sherrock’s hopes were ended when she bust when aiming for double 8 with Wattimena sinking a magnificent 110 checkout to level the fourth set at 2-2. He sank double 5 in the deciding leg to claim victory.
“Obviously, I’m gutted with the result,” said Sherrock. “I had spells when I played well tonight but I missed chances at key moments and they cost me.
“Full credit to Jermaine, he was the better player on the night and he punished me when I missed chances.
“The Ally Pally stage is a special place for me and I will be back to hopefully make more positive memories here in the future.”
Wattimena ended Sherrock’s hopes when he nailed double 5 to claim a fine win Wattimena ended Sherrock’s hopes when he nailed double 5 to claim a fine win
Three-time quarter-finalist Humphries bossed the opening set of his match against Lee Evans, who hit back with the first 170 checkout of the tournament to narrow the gap in set two before the tournament favourite won the deciding leg to stretch his advantage.
Evans pinned a whopping 116 finish to take a 2-0 lead in the third set but he was punished for a total of 19 missed doubles with ‘Cool Hand Luke’ making it through thanks to a neat 70 checkout on double 16.
Humphries admitted he wasn’t at his best during his win over Evans Humphries admitted he wasn’t at his best during his win over Evans
“I was not at my best today, the most important thing for me is it felt good,” said the 28-year-old Newbury thrower. “I said in my previous interviews, just get through the first game, it’s always the toughest.
“There will be nothing in that game where I look back and say I’m disappointed in myself because I won the game 3-0 and that’s what I wanted.
“The next game will be tough but I feel I will be a lot lot better than that.
“It’s hard not to get frustrated but this is darts. You can’t always be fantastic and that’s the way it is.”
Evans reeled in ‘The Big Fish’ during his second round match against Humphries Evans reeled in ‘The Big Fish’ during his second round match against Humphries
Dutchman Niels Zonneveld halted ‘The Demolition man’ Darren Webster’s revival to land his very first victory on the World Championship stage.
After easing through the opening two sets, Norfolk ace Webster bounced back by edging the third set in a decider to keep his hopes alive despite 16 missed darts at doubles and an 84 average.
Niels Zonneveld eventually got over the line against Darren Webster, despite EIGHT missed match darts Niels Zonneveld eventually got over the line against Darren Webster, despite EIGHT missed match darts
However, ‘Triple Z’, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2021 World Series of Darts, booked his spot in the second round against former European Champion Ross Smith thanks to his ninth match dart.
In the opening match of the night, Florian Hempel recovered from a set down to defeat Ireland’s Dylan Slevin 3-1 with five 180s along the way.
Young Irishman Slevin piled in a 167 but former handball star Hempel showed all his experience to make a winning start to his campaign.
Dylan Slevin hit this sensational 167 checkout during his first round defeat at the Worlds Dylan Slevin hit this sensational 167 checkout during his first round defeat at the Worlds
The German will now renew his rivalry with Dimitri Van den Bergh in a fascinating second round tie on Friday, two years after shocking the Belgian.
World Darts Championship: Sunday Afternoon Results
Ricky Evans 3-0 Simon Adams (R1) Jim Williams 3-0 Norman Madhoo (R1) Matt Campbell 3-2 Lourence Ilagan (R1) Joe Cullen 3-0 Darren Penhall (R2) ‘The Rockstar’ lays down marker in afternoon session
Joe Cullen was happy with his victory over Darren Penhall Joe Cullen was happy with his victory over Darren Penhall
Joe Cullen raced into the third round after easing to a straight-sets victory over Darren Penhall on Sunday afternoon.
Cullen smashed in this 160 checkout against Penhall Cullen smashed in this 160 checkout against Penhall
Cullen fired a 93.41 average and posted six maximums during a comfortable 3-0 win over Penhall, with a 160 checkout also helping set up a last-32 meeting with Ryan Searle, Ian White or Tomoya Goto.
‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans summons the spirit of Christmas for his walk-on against Simon Adams ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans summons the spirit of Christmas for his walk-on against Simon Adams
Ricky Evans brushed aside Simon Adams in straight sets earlier in the session to book a second-round clash with Nathan Aspinall, while Wales’ Jim Williams didn’t drop a leg on his way to defeating qualifier Norman Madhoo by the same scoreline.
The contest of the session came when ‘Ginja Ninja’ Matt Campbell battled back from squandering five match darts in the third set and a two-set lead to defeat Lourence Ilagan in a final-set decider.
Matt Campbell missed the chance to finish the match before Lourence Ilagan hits tops-tops to win the set Matt Campbell missed the chance to finish the match before Lourence Ilagan hits tops-tops to win the set
Live World Darts Championship
December 18, 2023, 7:00pm
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What’s happening on Monday at the World Darts Championship?
Gerwyn Price will be aiming to land a second World title at Ally Pally
Welshman Gerwyn Price begins his bid to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for a second time on Monday.
The night will also see World Youth Championship finalist Gian van Veen make his World Championship debut.
World Darts Championship: Monday Fixtures
Mario Vandenbogaerde vs Thibault Tricole (R1) Gian van Veen vs Man Lok Leung (R1) Martin Lukeman vs Haupai Puha (R1) Gerwyn Price vs Connor Scutt (R2) The sport’s biggest event sees 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.
Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months
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