World Darts Championship tips: Damon Heta to turn on the heat, Man Lok Leung looks to steal the show

Damon Heta, who we tipped as our dark horse for the tournament, kicks off his campaign against Martin Lukeman in the main event.

The Aussie has enjoyed a good year on the tour, reaching four major quarter-finals – most recently at the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals.

Heta is not only in good form, but he is also a fan favourite who will rock the Palace with either his entrance or extravagant facial hair.

The man looking to stop the Aussie this Thursday night will be Martin Lukeman – a man with no hair at all.

Lukeman suffered three straight first-round defeats in tournaments leading up to the world darts championship.

That run ended on Monday when the Englishman defeated Haupai Puha to bag his second-round Ally Pally spot.

Heta should have too much scoring power for Lukeman on Thursday and we’re backing the Aussie to score the highest number of 180s in the match, hit the highest checkout and also win.

German Giant Gabriel Clemens is also in action as he looks to down Man Lok Leung in a match which has the makings of a classic if Leung’s first match is in any way an indicator.

The Hong Kong darting superstar edged Gian Van Veen 3-2 in one of the best first-round matches in recent years.

Leung averaged 96 and his 11 maximums on his way to victory. If Clemens doesn’t turn up at his best, the German could be in trouble.

We’re backing this match to go over 3.5 sets and Leung to hit over 4.5 maximums.

Suggested bets

Heta vs Lukeman – Heta to win, hit most 180s and highest finish
Clemens vs Leung – Over 3.5 sets
Clemens vs Leung – Leung over 4.5 maximums