Kim Huybrechts vs Arno Merk Preview & Prediction | 2025-26 PDC World Darts Championship | First Round
Kim Huybrechts makes his 15th appearance at the World Darts Championship this year, facing German Arno Merk in round one.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Peacock
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Peacock Premium
Kim Huybrechts vs Arno Merk prediction
Kim Huybrechts is a familiar name to darts fans and a regular at Ally Pally. However, it’s been 13 years since his best finish at the World Darts Championship when he made the quarter-finals. Some would argue his best is now behind him, but the Belgian plans to prove them all wrong here. Huybrechts’ first challenge is to get past Arno Merk.
Merk has enjoyed a hugely successful year, winning the PDC Europe DACH Super League and it culminates in him making his Ally Pally debut as a result of that triumph. However, that was back on home soil and being successful in London at the World Darts Championship is a significantly tougher challenge.
Expect Merk to come into this match with no fear, hoping the short first-round format works in his favour as he looks to put pressure on the experienced Huybrechts. The latter can sometimes stumble badly when it comes to hitting doubles, but should be able to keep his head on a stage he knows extremely well and is worth backing to come out on top.
Kim Huybrechts vs Arno Merk tip: Kim Huybrechts to win
