PDC World Championship Preview: Tom Beresford gives us his thoughts ahead of the tournament

As the festive period is almost upon us, it's that time of year again. The biggest show in world darts is here. 

As the World Darts Championship gets underway on Wednesday evening, @tomsportsjourno will be on-hand to preview the action from each day's play from Alexandra Palace. 

So, who will scoop the £500,000 first prize? Will we see a new World champion crowned on 3 January? Can Gerwyn Price, the Iceman defend his World championship crown. 

The favourites

Gerwyn Price 10/3

The reigning World champion and World no.1, Gerwyn Price enters the World Championship as the man to beat and the favourite to successfully defend his crown on January 3. 

For those doubting whether or not Price has the credentials to defend his World crown, the Welshman of course defended his Grand Slam of Darts crown in 2019 in some style. 

Price will kick off the defence of his crown as he takes on either Ritchie Edhouse or Lihao Wen on the opening night. 

Michael van Gerwen 9/2

The world no.3, the green machine, Michael van Gerwen will be desperate to get his hands on the World Championship crown for a fourth time. In a below-par year for the three-time world champion, he has failed to win a televised title for the first time in ten years. 

However, Van Gerwen's form has improved moving into the business end of the season and you can certainly never write him off. In his last televised encounter, Van Gerwen averaged 101 in defeat to Peter Wright at the Players Championship Finals and is 9/2 to emerge victorious for a fourth time at the Palace. 

Jonny Clayton 7/1

But, if you're looking for some real value, then Jonny Clayton could well be your man. 'The Ferret' has enjoyed the year of his life, winning four televised titles, including the Premier League and the World Grand Prix. 

Clayton has enjoyed some great battles with the reigning World champion, Gerwyn Price, dismantling the Iceman in the World Grand Prix Final and the pair could potentially face off in the quarter-finals in a potentially mouth-watering encounter. 

The Welshman is available at 7/1 to become World Champion on January 3, and has been arguably the player of the year heading into the World Championship. 

Dark Horses

Michael Smith 22/1

Another name that I expect to really cause some damage at Ally Pally is Michael Smith. You may ask, why is he regarded as a dark horse? 

A top 10 player, a former World Championship and Premier League finalist, Smith has been tipped by many to go on to dominate televised majors, but for whatever reason it hasn't quite worked out that way for the St Helens ace. 

But, to his own admission, Smith has made some key changes including his mental approach to the game. Bully Boy enjoyed a strong run to the quarter-finals at the Grand Slam of Darts recently, only losing out to an inspired showing from Peter Wright. 

Smith knows what it takes to reach a World Championship final and he's focused on the mental side of the game, he has the raw talent, it's only a matter of time, surely. 

Smith will most definitely be out to avenge his early exit in last year's competition and the 31-year old is available at 22/1 to win his first major televised title and I for one, wouldn't be surprised to see him lift the Sid Waddell Trophy on January 3. 

Jose De Sousa 22/1

Another name who could well surprise us all and become another first-time World Champion is José de Sousa. The Portuguese ace burst onto the scene a few years ago, winning titles on the pro-tour in his debut year, his bizarre mathematical miscalculations have left the darting world entertained, to say the very least. 

De Sousa picked up his first televised major title just over 12 months ago winning the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton. The 'Special One' possesses a relentlessness when it comes to his scoring power and is a massive threat to the world's biggest names heading into Ally Pally, available at 22/1 to lift the title. 

Ryan Searle 40/1

Much like Jonny Clayton, Devon-based thrower, Ryan Searle has enjoyed his best year-to-date, reaching the final in the Players Championship Finals, most recently - only losing out in a last-leg showdown with former World champion, Peter Wright. 

Searle's form in 2021 has seen him jump to 15th position in the world rankings and with his run to the last 16 last year and in 2019, 'Heavy Metal' will most certainly fancy his chances and I for one, wouldn't be surprised to see the 34-year old reach the latter stages at Alexandra Palace, excellent value at 40/1 to spring a surprise and win his first televised title, the biggest of them all! 

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