Michael Smith starts his Bahrain Darts Masters defense against Paolo Nebrida, while Luke Humphries makes his first appearance as world champion when he takes on local qualifier Abdullah Saeed in Thursday’s first round. .
The 2024 World Series of Darts begins this week with the second stage of the Bahrain Darts Masters, which will be held at The Dome at the Bahrain International Circuit on January 18-19.
Thursday’s first round will pit eight of the sport’s biggest names against eight Asian representatives, with reigning champion Smith looking to retain his crown in the 16-a-side competition.
The 2023 World Champion will open her first match against former PDC Asia Championship runner-up Nebrida, who made her second appearance at the World Darts Championship last month.
“It’s great to be back here in Bahrain and I’m looking forward to getting back on that stage again.” Smith, who won last year’s final by defeating Gerwyn Price, said:
“I had a week to recharge in Dubai with my family and then went on the PDC Asia Tour last weekend, which gave me the desire to get back on the dartboard and prepare.”
Meanwhile, new world champion Humphries, who has become world number one after his performance at Alexandra Palace, will face Bahrain’s Saeed, who won last month’s qualifying round and will be making his first TV appearance in his home country.
“I’m so excited to hear John McDonald announce me as the new world champion. I think that’s the moment that every world champion looks forward to.” Humphries admitted he is aiming to extend his incredible 19-game winning streak on the big stage.
“I am very motivated now. I want to be more dedicated than ever and continue to be successful and win more major titles.”
World Championship runner-up Luke Littler will face Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung in what is likely to be a highly anticipated first round draw, with the World Youth Champion making his long-awaited World Series of Darts debut.
“I’m back to work.” Littler said. “Since the World Championship final, I have relaxed and not thrown many darts, but I am confident that I will be fine once I get into the practice room.
“I always like to play, but after the World Championships I wanted to leave. Me and my family did that. Hopefully we can have a good event here to get back to playing.”
Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen will represent Bahrain against local qualifier Hassan Haji, while 2023 runner-up Price will face Philippines’ Reynaldo Rivera.
World matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall will take on eight-time world championship qualifier Lawrence Ilagan, while 2018 world champion Rob Cross will take on rising Japanese star Tomoya Goto.
Two-time world champion Peter Wright opens the tournament on Thursday, with the Scottish veteran facing PDC Asian champion Haruki Muramatsu for the right to face Smith or Nebrida in the last eight.
The 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters opened with local media and representatives from promoters Bahrain International Circuit and CBX, with the tournament draw held on Wednesday night.
Following the first round on Thursday, the 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters will conclude on Friday with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in one bumper session.
For tickets, please click here bahraingp.com.
Bahrain Darts Masters will be broadcast live. PDCTV Available in all territories except Germany, Austria and Switzerland (broadcast via DAZN).
UK viewers can watch Thursday on ITVX and Friday’s final stage on ITV4.
2024 Bahrain Darts Masters
draw bracket
(1) Luke Humphries v Abdullah Said
Gerwyn Price v Reynaldo Rivera
(4) Nathan Aspinall v Lawrence Ilagan
Luke Littler v Man Rok Leung
(2) Michael van Gerwen vs Hasan Hadji
Rob Cross vs Tomoya Goto
(3) Michael Smith v Paolo Nebrida
Peter Wright vs Haruki Muramatsu
play schedule
Thursday, January 18th (19:00 local time, 16:00 GMT)
1st round
Peter Wright vs Haruki Muramatsu
Gerwyn Price v Reynaldo Rivera
Nathan Aspinall v Lawrence Ilagan
Rob Cross vs Tomoya Goto
Luke Littler v Man Rok Leung
Luke Humphries v Abdullah Said
Michael van Gerwen vs Hasan Hadji
Michael Smith v Paolo Nebrida
Friday, January 19th (19:00 local time, 16:00 GMT)
Quarter finals
Semi-final
Last
format
Round 1 – Best of 11 Legs
Quarterfinals – Best of 11 Legs
Semi-finals – best of 13 legs
Final – Best of 15 Legs