Ally Pally show-stealers

Who might cause a shock at the World Darts Championship? Our experts describe the chasing pack…

Which player is a threat in the early rounds?

John Part said: Daryl Gurney and Steve West. The draw is factored in and how events may develop. Gurney has got a very strong game and has for quite a while. He seemed to not be too bothered by his hand injury at the Grand Prix in October so he should be 100 per cent by now. The draw is not easy but is certainly open to being rewarded for good play, let’s put it that way.

West is also in that category. He’s not been at his best television-level quite as much as Daryl – he’s probably more of a dark horse, but he has hit some real tremendous scoring form lately and although he doesn’t have an easy draw. If he does play well, there is a path for him through. These are the guys who can reach the top eight.

Dave Clark said: Dave Chisnall has a tough game against Rowby-John Rodriguez, who’s a fast-emerging player. He’s the World Youth runner-up.

Rod Studd said: Mensur Suljovic – He’d have to play Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, if he gets that far. You just think he’s really made progress over the last couple of years. He used to be a journeyman darts players, ranked in the 30s. Somebody who gets that odd good result and has that idiosyncratic action that people talk about.

The way he demolished Phil Taylor 10-3 at the Europeans, and then Peter Wright, he’s definitely taking strides forward. He’s capable of doing it after averaging over 100 in tournaments now.

Rod Harrington said: Barney is coming into this World Championship with the best mindset that I’ve seen from him in four years. He’s playing more tournaments now. He lost his edge but he’s starting to get in the right mood. When he’s smiling, he’s …

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