The PDC World Darts Championship begins Thursday night, featuring 128 players in the opening round, promising an exciting week ahead. The spotlight is on the defending champion, Luke Littler, who faces Darius Labanauskas on the first night. Experts suggest stopping Littler early is key to thwarting him from claiming a second world title. Can Labanauskas shock the darts world on Thursday?
Here’s a round one fourfold that pays 19/1:
### World Darts Championship round one tips
#### Luke Littler under 5.5 180s – 6/4
Luke Littler has expressed nerves ahead of his first-round match on Thursday, but against a player ranked 95th in the world, it shouldn’t affect the outcome. Littler could play his C game and still win comfortably as he settles into the tournament. With a less challenging opponent, there likely won’t be enough legs played for Littler to hit six or more 180s. If the 18-year-old wins each set 3-0, averaging one 180 every 1.5 legs seems unlikely in round one.
#### Joe Cullen to beat Bradley Brooks – 13/10
Despite a rough year and publicly admitting he’s falling out of love with the sport, Joe Cullen at 13/10 is too good to pass up against a player who’s yet to win at Alexandra Palace. Cullen has recent form, having won the Players Championship 27 against Gerwyn Price. Metrics favor Cullen, making him a valuable underdog.
#### Ricardo Pietreczko to beat Jose de Sousa – 4/6
Jose de Sousa is not the player he used to be, and facing Ricardo Pietreczko in round one won’t be easy. Pietreczko’s recent form includes wins over Josh Rock and Gary Anderson, while De Sousa has lost four of his last five matches. The odds may be influenced by De Sousa’s reputation, but Pietreczko is underrated here.
#### Dimitri van den Bergh to beat Darren Beveridge – 1/1
Dimitri van den Bergh is underrated, still a big name in darts, with favorable chances against Darren Beveridge. Van den Bergh hasn’t lost a first-round match at Alexandra Palace since 2017 and has improved after a break and part-time schedule. Beveridge has never played at the PDC World Championships and enters with four consecutive losses.
### World Darts Championship round one fourfold
– Luke Littler under 5.5 180s – 6/4
– Joe Cullen to beat Bradley Brooks – 13/10
– Ricardo Pietreczko to beat Jose de Sousa – 4/6
– Dimitri van den Bergh to beat Darren Beveridge – 1/1
– **Fourfold: 19/1 @ Bet365**
Andy is a tipster experienced in Golf tournaments across various platforms, covering events from the Asian Tour to the Masters. A keen football fan, he’s also an expert on European football.
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- Source: SCCGManagement.com