Luke Littler and Michael Smith have disagreed over who they think could mount a World Darts Championship title charge this Christmas. The Nuke has sided with a member of the old guard in the form of 53-year-old Scot Gary Anderson, while Smith fears former Masters champ Chris Dobey.
With the action at Ally Pally nearing, there is no doubt that 17-year-old Littler is the name on everyone’s lips. One year on from his run to the final, The Nuke heads to north London as the bookies’ favourite.
He will be joined by formidable foes in the capital, including former world champion Smith. Yet, surprisingly, when these pair were queried about which of their peers could pose a real threat, they headed for differing corners.
“Obviously you look at the World Champs, Luke Humphries, but you’ve always got to keep an eye on Gary Anderson, he’s always there,” Littler told Sky Sports. “But that’s it, just them two obviously, and I know Michael van Gerwen, he’s always there as well. I’ll be looking at them as well, and I’ll be looking at my little section of the draw.”
Alongside the apparent threats in Cool Hand and Mighty Mike, two-time winner of the competition Anderson, who remains ranked 14th in the PDC rankings, has had an 18-month period to remember.
Most recently, he stormed to the Grand Slam of Darts semi-final, rolling back the years and delivering a darting classic against The Nuke. Yet, Anderson – nor Humphries or Van Gerwen, for that matter – are the names that Smith is watching out for as he heads to regain his crown.
“There’s something with Chris Dobey this year. He’s been playing amazing,” Smith conversely admitted. “I know he didn’t qualify for the Grand Slam, but he should have. He’d won three Pro Tours. He was number one. He finished number one in the Pro Tour ranking. He’d be one I’d be keeping an eye on.”
The 2023 Masters champion Dobey has had perhaps a better year on the floor than the stage but having reached the quarter-finals last time out at Ally Pally, he is a name that will be on the radar of his colleagues.
It took an eye-watering performance from Rob Cross to deny Dobey a crack at The Nuke one year ago, and he is used to the limelight, having been picked for the 2023 Premier League on the back of his Masters victory.
Littler’s pick, Anderson, though not admitted to being on Smith’s radar, also provided his wisdom-laden insight when queried over his one to watch.
“I like seeing the underdogs or newcomers that have not been seen,” said Anderson. “I’ve seen a lot of that last year. We knew Luke Littler was a good player. He just had a fantastic run, and you can see what he’s done for his career, putting through the rafters. Anyone can win this tournament now. Anyone can win.”
