MVG’s secret weapon, Luke Littler love-in and Peter Wright’s Premier League boost – darts’ 8 wonders of the world

Darting sensations Luke Littler and Michael Van Gerwen headline a Great Eight left at the Ally Pally.

The Nuke and his Dutch rival join Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting, Chris Dobey, Callan Rydz and Nathan Aspinall in the fight for the PDC World Championship semis. Four showdown New Year’s Day ties will whittle that number down to a Fab Four. If you thought the action has been mouthwatering so far – cop a load of this. Here Record Sport assesses where the games will be won and lost.

Experience in the bank

Van Gerwen has no equal in those stakes when it comes to the big stage at the game’s most-iconic venue.The Green Machine has won the title on three occasions and has won more games on that stage than any other player with 57 in the bank, six clear of next best Gary Anderson. Wright beat him in one of his two Finals.

He’s seen and done it all as well. Price has won a title, but that was in Covid times with no crowd. This is different. Same as Bunting’s BDO win. It doesn’t lessen the achievement of the Welshman or the Scouser, it’s just the PDC event in front of a boisterous 3500 sell-out is different to those scenarios. Van Gerwen and Wright have an advantage of wearing that specific t-shirt.

Crowd support

None of these boys are unpopular, but the ones who gets the supporters onto their side are going to have a big advantage. You only had to see the match between Rydz and Rob Owen where the Welshman was hounded or witness Cameron Menzies’ tears to know how tough it can be when they are against you. It’s merciless. Littler, of course, has everyone eating of his hands, but the punters chanted for Ryan Joyce in his last game as well as they love an underdog.

Aspinall will get that backing against The