PDC World Darts Championship – Day 17 Preview

The business end of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship continues on Tuesday as Alexandra Palace plays host to a decisive Day 17, with six fourth-round ties spread across the afternoon and evening sessions. Following on from another day of drama yesterday at the PDC World Darts Championships which saw another big name sent home early as Nathan Aspinall was defeated by Kevin Doets and a Luke Littler “Heel Turn” where the reigning champ got involved with the Alexandra Palace crowd.

Today, the rest of the quarter-final places will be filled and with a mix of established stars and breakthrough names still standing, the standard is expected to rise another notch.

Below is a full match-by-match preview of all six encounters, as the last 16 battle it out on the sport’s biggest stage.

Afternoon Session (12:30pm GMT)

Luke Woodhouse v Krzysztof Ratajski

Luke Woodhouse arrives at the last 16 having gone about his work with minimal fuss. The 25th seed has looked composed throughout the tournament, growing in confidence with each round and producing his most convincing performance so far in a controlled third-round victory. His scoring has been steady rather than spectacular, but his efficiency on doubles has ensured he has rarely been under sustained pressure.

Standing in his way is Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski, who comes into this contest buoyed by one of the comebacks of the championship. Ratajski showed trademark resilience to overturn a significant deficit against Wesley Plasier in the previous round, keeping his nerve at key moments and punishing missed opportunities with clinical finishing. When allowed to settle into a rhythm, he remains one of the tour’s most reliable players on the outer ring.

This contest looks finely balanced. Woodhouse will aim to keep things tidy and avoid giving Ratajski momentum, while the Polish Eagle will be confident that his experience in longer-format matches could prove decisive if the tie goes deep.

Jonny Clayton v Andreas Harrysson

Jonny Clayton’s route to the last 16 has been unconventional, but his quality has still shone through when tested. The Welshman delivered a high-level display in a dramatic third-round encounter with Niels Zonneveld , showing his trademark composure in the closing stages to edge a match that could easily have gone either way. Averaging close to the ton under pressure, Clayton reminded everyone why he remains a major threat in the latter stages of this tournament.

For Andreas Harrysson, this championship has already exceeded expectations. Making his Alexandra Palace debut, the Swede has produced a series of assured performances, including a notable first-round upset and a mature display in round three. His scoring has been consistent, and he has shown an impressive ability to take chances when they present themselves.

Clayton enters as the clear favourite, particularly over a longer distance, but Harrysson has nothing to lose. If the debutant can start quickly and stay close on the averages, he will believe another surprise is possible.

Justin Hood v Josh Rock

Justin Hood has been one of the stories of this World Championship. The unseeded Englishman has combined fearless scoring with an eye-catching scoring game, most memorably in his dramatic second-round triumph over former UK Open winner Danny Noppert. Backing that up with a commanding third-round performance, Hood has shown that his debut run is built on more than just one standout match.

Josh Rock, meanwhile, has quietly gone about his business. The Northern Irishman has improved round by round, producing his best display so far in the previous round with a ton-plus average and dominant scoring phases. While he has not always been at his explosive best, Rock has looked increasingly comfortable on the big stage.

Hood’s aggressive style could trouble Rock if he finds an early flow, but over a potential seven sets, Rock’s experience and scoring depth may come to the fore. This has all the ingredients of a high-quality and fast-paced contest.

Evening Session (7:00pm GMT)

Charlie Manby v Gian van Veen

Charlie Manby’s debut campaign has captured the imagination. The young Yorkshireman has taken out a series of established names, showing remarkable composure for a player appearing at Alexandra Palace for the first time. His ability to respond after losing sets has stood out, as has his willingness to attack finishes without hesitation.

Gian van Veen has also impressed, easing through his previous match with a controlled performance that underlined his growing maturity on the big stage. The Dutchman’s scoring power and tidy doubling have made him a dangerous opponent throughout the tournament, and with some of the sport’s biggest names already having been sent home, he will see this as a major opportunity to push on.

Both players are chasing a first World Championship quarter-final, and that sense of occasion should make for an open, high scopring encounter. Manby’s momentum is undeniable, but van Veen’s big stage experience and consistency could be the key factor if the match tightens late on.

Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson

One of the standout ties of the entire championship sees two modern greats collide. Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson meet at Alexandra Palace for the first time in several years, renewing a rivalry that has produced some of the sport’s most memorable matches.

Van Gerwen has shown flashes of his best form so far, combining relentless scoring with improving composure at crucial moments. While not at full throttle throughout the tournament, the Dutchman has demonstrated an ability to raise his level when required, a trait that has defined his career at this event.

Anderson, a two-time world champion, has also impressed with his scoring power, posting multiple ton-plus averages and rolling back the years with fluent performances. His relaxed approach has allowed him to play with freedom, and when his rhythm clicks, few can live with his natural throw.

This clash has the potential to dbe the highlight of the evening, the day and perhaps even the tournament iteslf. If both players find their peak, it could be an Alexandra Palace all time great, with fine margins likely to separate them.

Luke Humphries v Kevin Doets

Luke Humphries continues his quest for another World Championship, but he faces a dangerous opponent in Kevin Doets. Humphries has grown into the tournament, showing his trademark heavy scoring and improved patience as the rounds have progressed. His experience in the latter stages of major events makes him a formidable opponent over longer formats.

Doets arrives full of confidence after a standout performance in the previous round where he upset Nathan Asponall, he combined big scoring with brave finishing under pressure. The Dutchman has spoken openly about his motivation and has backed that up with performances that suggest he belongs at this level.

Humphries will be expected to control the tempo and apply pressure on the Doets throw, but if the Dutchman can reproduce his recent standard, this could be far from straightforward. A fast start for either player may prove crucial.

Match Schedule – Day 17

PDC World Darts Championship – Day 17 Afternoon Session (12:30pm GMT)

Luke Woodhouse v Krzysztof Ratajski

Jonny Clayton v Andreas Harrysson

Justin Hood v Josh Rock

PDC World Darts Championship – Day 17 Evening Session (7:00pm GMT)

Charlie Manby v Gian van Veen

Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson

Luke Humphries v Kevin Doets