It’s not an original opinion, but I think it will be a Gerwyn Price Vs Michael van Gerwen final on the 3rd of January. The Welshman’s stumbling block will come in the form of a rejuvenated RvB , but over four sets I give him the edge on this occasion. ‘The Green Machine’ is likely to have a slightly tougher route to the final, but like many others, I do back him to win a fourth World Championship.  

Keane Barry is the one to watch for me. His second-round contest with Jonny Clayton at last year’s tournament often goes unnoticed. But with a major semi-final and another year’s experience under his belt I think he can go far... Many even a win over the reigning World Champion! 

It’s a tough call with Peter with everything going on in his personal life, which may play a part in this year’s World Championship. But as I’ve previously stated I think Keane Barry has a lot to offer and Wright is certainly vulnerable, especially in the earlier rounds.  

Steve Beaton Vs Danny van Trijp could have some real pace to it, but I’ll say Scott Williams Vs Ryan Joyce. The Northeast thrower has seen a return to form in the past couple of months and that makes him a very harsh draw for Williams, who himself, has had an excellent year. I’m not sure which way it will go, but I can see this one being a five-set thriller.  

As ever, I think there’s a bucket full of seeds that could be in trouble. Gabriel Clemens will have his hands full with either Willie O’Connor or Beau Greaves, and I’d make Alan Soutar a favourite against Daryl Gurney. But I think Mensur Suljovic may have to watch his back in his second-round match, both Mike de Decker and Jeff Smith are very capable on their day and the Austrian hasn’t hit the height in the last 18 months or so.  

For me, it’s always about seeing players we don’t see on a regular basis, which this year includes a certain Gary Anderson! The international qualifiers are always a highlight, particularly those qualified from the Asian Tour, and there’s plenty of capable throwers out there for 2023.