Who can stop Luke Littler, and what about the Belgian hope: preview of the World Series of Darts Finals

Kevin Doets – Jermaine Wattimena on 12/09 at 19:00

Most likely winner: Jermaine Wattimena

Two Dutchmen kick off the World Series of Darts Finals on home soil. Wattimena is the favourite, having been in great form for months. Still, don’t write off Kevin Doets, who has shown he can put up a fight.

Krzysztof Ratajski – Josh Rock on 12/09 at 19:30

Most likely winner: Josh Rock

Josh Rock has been phenomenal in recent tournaments. With victory at the World Cup, a semi-final at the World Matchplay, and two consecutive European Tour finals, he has proven his form this summer. That makes him favourite against “The Polish Eagle” Ratajski.

Damon Heta – Joe Cullen on 12/09 at 20:00

Most likely winner: Damon Heta

An Australian versus a Brit – fireworks guaranteed. Advantage goes to Heta, who has been playing at a higher level all year compared to Cullen, whose season has been disappointing.

Mike De Decker – Gabriel Clemens on 12/09 at 20:30

Most likely winner: Mike De Decker

Belgium’s Mike De Decker faces “The German Giant” Gabriel Clemens. Thanks to his run to the final in Wollongong, De Decker is tipped as favourite. But if Clemens finds his old form, this could be a thriller.

Luke Humphries – James Wade on 12/09 at 21:00

Most likely winner: Luke Humphries

A big English clash early on: world champion Luke Humphries takes on James Wade, who reached the World Matchplay final in July. Humphries is favourite, but Wade has been revitalised and is a dangerous opponent.

Wessel Nijman – Michael van Gerwen on 12/09 at 21:30

Most likely winner: Michael van Gerwen

A true Dutch classic: young talent Wessel Nijman versus experienced Michael van Gerwen. Despite his struggles, Van Gerwen will be eager to prove himself.

Stephen Bunting – Danny Noppert on 12/09 at 22:00

Most likely winner: Stephen Bunting

Even against Dutch crowd favourite Noppert, Bunting is the clear favourite thanks to his scoring power and consistency this year.

Rob Cross – Haupai Puha on 12/09 at 22:30

Most likely winner: Rob Cross

There should be no doubt here. On paper, Cross should win comfortably. But in shorter formats, “Voltage” has been upset before by lower-ranked players.

Chris Dobey – Luke Woodhouse on 13/09 at 13:00

Most likely winner: Chris Dobey

Chris Dobey might be the most consistent player on the circuit. Rarely spectacular averages, but rarely poor ones either. That makes him the favourite against the low-profile Luke Woodhouse.

Cameron Menzies – Peter Wright on 13/09 at 13:30

Most likely winner: Cameron Menzies

Peter “Snakebite” Wright only shows flashes of his old brilliance occasionally, and expectations are low here. Cameron Menzies, in decent form in 2025, is tipped to progress.

Jonny Tata – Ross Smith on 13/09 at 14:00

Most likely winner: Ross Smith

Veteran Ross Smith takes on debutant Jonny Tata. Unsurprisingly, Smith is the expected winner.

Cor Dekker – Raymond van Barneveld on 13/09 at 14:30

Most likely winner: Raymond van Barneveld

The third Dutch duel: Cor Dekker against Raymond van Barneveld. With his vast experience, the former world champion is tipped to advance.

Gerwyn Price – Dan Lauby Jr on 13/09 at 15:00

Most likely winner: Gerwyn Price

This one is straightforward: Price is the overwhelming favourite against the inconsistent Lauby Jr.

Luke Littler – Simon Whitlock on 13/09 at 15:30

Most likely winner: Luke Littler

Who can stop teenage sensation Luke Littler? The chances of Whitlock doing so are very slim, as the Australian has been past his peak for years.

Jonny Clayton – Jason Brandon on 13/09 at 16:00

Most likely winner: Jonny Clayton

A straightforward opener for Jonny Clayton against debutant Jason Brandon. Only a real upset could stop him from reaching round two.

Nathan Aspinall – Dave Chisnall on 13/09 at 16:30

Most likely winner: Nathan Aspinall

We close the first round with a heavyweight English clash. Aspinall has the slight edge, but if Chisnall can overcome his stage demons, he’ll be a tough opponent.