Quick Read
- Saturday, December 27 features six third-round matches at the 2026 PDC Darts World Championship.
- Defending champion Luke Littler headlines the evening session against Mensur Suljovic.
- The tournament uses a best-of-7 sets format from this round, with live TV coverage on Sky Sports and global partners.
The 2026 PDC Darts World Championship has returned to Alexandra Palace in London after a brief Christmas break, and Saturday’s schedule is packed with high-stakes third-round matches as the tournament enters its critical phase. With the field narrowed to just 32 players, every match carries the weight of a potential championship run, and fans are treated to a marathon of darts action across afternoon and evening sessions.
Saturday, December 27, marks Day 14 of the championship, a day that will see defending champion Luke Littler headline the evening’s play as he continues his quest to become the first back-to-back winner in a decade. The anticipation is palpable, with each tie offering its own story and drama.
Afternoon Session (from 12:30pm local time)
- Wesley Plaisier vs. Krzysztof Ratajski: Dutch ace Plaisier, fresh off his stunning upset over Gerwyn Price, faces Poland’s top-ranked Ratajski. Plaisier’s clinical double-hitting and commanding win against Price have put him on the radar, while Ratajski arrives after a dominant performance and a spectacular 170 checkout. Their clash opens the session and promises a tight contest, with both seeking their first PDC World Championship crown (Sporting News).
- Andrew Gilding vs. Luke Woodhouse: Gilding, who dispatched Chris Dobey in impressive fashion, takes on Woodhouse, who rallied from behind against Boris Krcmar and cruised past Max Hopp. Both Englishmen have shown resilience and scoring power, setting the stage for an all-English battle that could go the distance (Daily Record).
- Jonny Clayton vs. Niels Zonneveld: Welsh star Clayton, who received a bye after his opponent failed a drugs test, faces the Netherlands’ Zonneveld, fresh off a thrilling win over Michael Smith. Clayton’s consistent scoring and Zonneveld’s explosive form make this a must-watch matchup.
Evening Session (from 7:00pm local time)
- Andreas Harrysson vs. Ricardo Pietreczko: Swedish sensation Harrysson stunned the field by eliminating Ross Smith and then dispatched Motomu Sakai. Pietreczko, the German nicknamed ‘Pikachu’, survived a five-set thriller against Dave Chisnall and is looking to build on his last-16 run from 2025. Their encounter could produce fireworks as both have shown nerves of steel under pressure.
- Stephen Bunting vs. James Hurrell: Former WDF World Champion Bunting overcame a first-round scare and an emotional second round, now aiming to keep his title hopes alive against Hurrell, who hammered Dirk Van Duijvenbode with an outstanding display. Bunting’s experience and Hurrell’s momentum will collide in a pivotal penultimate match.
- Luke Littler vs. Mensur Suljovic: The main event sees defending champion and teenage phenom Luke Littler, known as ‘The Nuke’, take on Austrian veteran Mensur Suljovic. Littler has looked unstoppable, not dropping a set in his first two matches and posting a 101 average. Suljovic advanced after a heated match with Joe Cullen and brings years of experience to the oche. Can Littler maintain his composure and continue his dominant form, or will Suljovic’s tactical play disrupt the champion’s rhythm? (Mirror)
Schedule and Timings
- 12:30pm: Wesley Plaisier vs. Krzysztof Ratajski
- 2:00pm: Andrew Gilding vs. Luke Woodhouse
- 3:15pm: Jonny Clayton vs. Niels Zonneveld
- 7:15pm: Andreas Harrysson vs. Ricardo Pietreczko
- 8:30pm: Stephen Bunting vs. James Hurrell
- 9:45pm: Luke Littler vs. Mensur Suljovic
As the tournament shifts to a best-of-7 sets format, the pressure intensifies. The bracket is already shaping up, with winners from today’s ties set to face each other in the quarterfinals. Every leg and checkout counts, as players not only chase victory but also the momentum to carry them into the final days of the championship.
What’s at Stake?
This year’s championship has expanded to a record £5 million prize pool, drawing global attention and elevating the stakes for every competitor. With the New Year approaching, rounds three and four will run from December 27-30, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final from January 1-3, 2026. Each player knows that a single slip could end their hopes, while a moment of brilliance could propel them into darts immortality.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch every dart live on Sky Sports in the UK, with international coverage via DAZN, Viaplay, and PDCTV. The drama and spectacle of the Alexandra Palace atmosphere are just a click away, ensuring that viewers worldwide can follow every twist and turn.
Match Preview Highlights
- Plaisier’s rise has been marked by precision and composure, but Ratajski’s consistency and experience make him a formidable opponent.
- Gilding and Woodhouse both have momentum, but only one will advance to the last 16.
- Clayton’s steady hand will be tested by Zonneveld’s hot streak.
- Harrysson and Pietreczko have both produced upsets, setting up an unpredictable showdown.
- Bunting’s emotional journey and Hurrell’s recent dominance add layers of intrigue to their clash.
- Littler’s title defence remains the biggest story—can youth prevail against experience?
As the day unfolds, expect drama, tension, and the possibility of history being made on the Alexandra Palace stage.
With the 2026 PDC World Championship now in its decisive rounds, Saturday’s schedule is a microcosm of the sport’s blend of grit and showmanship. The balance of youth and experience, resilience and nerves, is on full display. If Littler can maintain his form, he may etch his name into the record books—but in darts, the only certainty is uncertainty.