Ipswich's Ryan Meikle to face Fallon Sherrock in World Darts Championship opener

Why it matters: The winner will progress to a blockbuster second-round match against teenage sensation Luke Littler, with Meikle seeking his third appearance in the tournament's second round.

The big picture: Despite a challenging year on the professional tour, world number 62 Meikle enters the match as strong favourite with bookmakers, with his best performance of 2024 coming at the UK Open where he reached the fifth round in March.

By the numbers:

• Meikle has earned £78,500 in ranking tournaments over the past two years
• Bookmakers have priced him at 1/4 (1.25) to win the match
• This will be his fourth appearance at Alexandra Palace
• Sherrock is making her fifth World Championship appearance
• The 30-year-old has won three Women's Series events in 2024
• She is priced at 4/1 (4.00) to cause an upset

Between the lines: While Sherrock made history during the 2019-20 championship by becoming the first woman to win matches at the tournament, defeating Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic, she has struggled to replicate that form in subsequent appearances.

Sherrock remains a significant draw for both crowds and media, meaning Meikle will likely face a partisan atmosphere at the iconic London venue.

The bottom line: While Meikle enters the match as clear favourite, the unique atmosphere of the World Championship and Sherrock's previous success at the venue make this a compelling first-round encounter and one to watch.