2025/26 World Darts Championship: Day 1 Betting Tips

• Over 4.5 Sets: 2/1 at BetVictor

Kim Huybrechts has qualified for his 15th consecutive PDC World Championship, but the Belgian has a poor record at Ally Pally for a player of his ability. Huybrechts is obviously not the player he was 10 years ago, but even still, just one run to the 4th round since his quarter-final run on debut isn't the best.

Arno Merk qualified for his PDC World Championship debut by defeating Daniel Klose 8-6 to win the PDCE Super League. He averaged 99.66 in the quarter-final, and the German has experience of playing in a World Championship after competing at Lakeside almost 15 years ago at the age of 19.

Huybrechts has to be careful here, especially after suffering a first-round defeat last year. This isn't an easy game for the Belgian, and Merk also seems as though he can be as loud and aggressive as the Hurricane, from what I've seen in the German Super League. If Merk can get on top early, this could well become a dog fight and go all the way to 5 sets.

• Over 3.5 Sets: 17/10 at BoyleSports

The 2023 World Champion, Michael Smith, returns to Ally Pally for his 15th appearance, but it has certainly not been a good time for Bully Boy since conquering the world. Various injuries and a dip in form have seen the St Helens star fall to number 28 in the world.

He requires a big run this year to get his career back on track, but faces a tricky test against four-time Women's World Champion Lisa Ashton.

Ashton returns for her 5th appearance at Ally Pally, and her first in 3 years. She'll be quietly confident here, especially considering how out of form Smith is.

These two also know each other very well, which, in my opinion, helps Ashton. If she settles early, she can certainly be competitive enough to win a set.