Darts World Cup: Things are tough for German darts debutants!

Almost PFEILnachten again!

That Darts World Cup it is already near. The legendary tournament kicks off at Ally Pally on December 11, and the grand final takes place on January 3.

This year there are now 128 participants – a record. For the first time, the winner will also receive prize money of one million pounds (1.1 million euros).

The draw took place on Monday at London darts bar “Oche The Strand”.

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World Champion Luke Littler, now number 1 in the worldwill face Darius Labanauskas (ranked 93rd in the world) in the first round. “It’s definitely not going to be easy,” said the 18-year-old darts prodigy. “But I’m very happy with it.”

In particular: Littler will play former world champion Gerwyn Price from the start. A fierce duel could occur as early as the round of 16. Only in the final would he face his long-term rival Luke Humphries. “Lucky Luke” first played against Ted Evetts, ranked 131st in the world. Most recently, Gary Anderson (2015 and 2016) successfully defended his title.

The German darts star, who started with eight participants for the first time, went through the draw.

Martin Schindler, ranked 13th in the world, plays against Stephen Burton. The Englishman only secured a World Cup ticket with his last chance on Monday.

Max Hopp, returning to the big darts scene after a four year abstinence, is attracted to Martin Lukeman. Last year’s rookie Ricardo Pietreczko (“Pikachu”) faced José de Sousa. Gabriel Clemens, a semi-finalist in 2023, must face Alex Spellman – and Niko Springer duels Joe Comito.

And World Cup debutants Germany? Lukas Wenig plays against Wesley Plaisier and Arno Merk plays against Kim Huybrechts. Dominik Grüllich had the hardest blow, he had to play against Jermaine Wattimena (world number 19).