Littler-Sherrock Clash Possible at World Championship

Luke Littler, who made history as the youngest finalist, and Fallon Sherrock, the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship, could potentially face each other in the upcoming tournament. This highly anticipated match-up would occur if Sherrock defeats Ryan Meikle in the opening round. The 17-year-old Littler, seeded fourth, was defeated by Luke Humphries in the world final held in January. Meanwhile, Sherrock made history five years prior as the inaugural woman to claim multiple match victories at the event. Luke Humphries is scheduled to commence his title defense against either Thibault Tricole or Joe Comito. The championship is slated to commence on December 15th at Alexandra Palace in London. Michael Smith, the reigning 2023 world champion and second seed, is drawn to play against the winner of the match between Kevin Doets and Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who is notable as the first transgender woman to qualify for this tournament. Three-time champion Michael van Gerwen will compete against the victor of the contest between James Hurrell and Jim Long. The initial 32 seeded players will join the competition in the second round, leading up to the final scheduled for Friday, January 3, 2025. In 2024, Luke Humphries secured the World Matchplay and Players Championship titles, augmenting his world crown. Peter Wright is slated to play either Wesley Plaisier or Ryusei Azemoto, while Gary Anderson, a two-time champion from Scotland, will face Jeffrey de Graaf or Rashad Sweeting. Nick Kenny and Stowe Buntz are scheduled for a first-round match, with the victor earning the opportunity to compete against 2007 world champion Raymond van Barneveld in the second round. Rob Cross is set to play Scott Williams or Niko Springer in the second round. Concurrently, Gerwyn Price, a former champion from Wales, will encounter either Kim Huybrechts or Keane Barry. Assuming all seeded players advance as expected, Humphries would then face Van Barneveld in the third round, and Van Gerwen is projected to meet Anderson. A potential semi-final encounter between Humphries and Littler could materialize if both players successfully advance through their respective brackets. Littler, who has secured 10 titles during an impressive inaugural professional season, commented on the prospect: “I’m sure we’ll be up for it. We have three or four matches to win before that. We bring the best out of each other – we always play well.” He further remarked, “It’s been crazy, the ride I have been on.” The young player defeated Humphries to claim the Premier League title in May, whereas the 29-year-old Humphries emerged victorious in their most recent final confrontation at the Players Championship on Sunday. Humphries stated, “It is good for the sport – it is a friendly rivalry when we play each other.” (Seedings are indicated in brackets. Seeded players commence their participation in the second round.) First quarter (1) Luke Humphries (England) versus Thibault Tricole or Joe Comito (32) Raymond van Barneveld (Netherlands) versus Nick Kenny or Stowe Buntz (16) James Wade (England) versus Jermaine Wattimena or Stefan Bellmont (17) Peter Wright (Scotland) versus Wesley Plaisier or Ryusei Azemoto (8) Stephen Bunting (England) versus Alan Soutar or Kai Gotthardt (25) Dirk van Duijvenbode (Netherlands) versus Madars Razma or Christian Kist (9) Damon Heta (Australia) versus Connor Scutt or Ben Robb (24) Mike de Decker (Belgium) versus Luke Woodhouse or Lourence Ilagan Second quarter (4) Luke Littler (England) versus Ryan Meikle or Fallon Sher