Ryan Joyce vs Owen Bates Preview & Prediction | 2025-26 PDC World Darts Championship | First Round
Relentless Ryan Joyce makes his eighth consecutive World Darts Championship appearance, taking on Owen Bates.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Peacock
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Peacock Premium
Ryan Joyce vs Owen Bates prediction
Ryan Joyce’s last World Darts Championship journey is notable for him pushing Luke Litter to the limit in round four. He lost 3-2 to the eventual champion but could take huge heart from such a showing. The big challenge for him now is getting back to the fourth round at a minimum and he comes into this competition in good form.
Owen Bates is a young player from Exeter, at 23-years-old making his way in the game. His only previous appearance at Ally Pally saw him involved in a thrilling first round encounter with Steve Lennon that ultimately ended up with Lennon winning by three sets to two. Finishing third in the PDC Development Tour order of merit earned him his place in the competition again this year.
Expect Bates to make this a contest, he’s a very talented young player and has the game to take Joyce significant deep in this one. With that in mind, backing over 3.5 total sets should be seriously considered.
Ryan Joyce vs Owen Bates tip: Over 3.5 total sets
