We’ve seen lots of Karel Sedlacek this year, featuring in 19 of the 30 Players Championship events - where his best result was a run to the last 16 - and also doing well enough on the European Tour to qualify for the European Championship. While the Main Stage action begins at 1145 GMT, Friday's play begins at 1100 GMT on Stages Two-Eight.

The action continues on Saturday March 5 with the fifth and sixth rounds across two sessions, before Sunday's action is played out on the Main Stage. Sometimes adverse weather conditions and industrial action may limit the services provided to us by Royal Mail or Couriers - please note that we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by external companies** Hempel did stun Dimitri Van den Bergh on this stage 12 months ago but I'd fancy Humphries to breeze through here and bring up the match treble. The German did fire seven 180s against Brown but that was over 24 legs of darts and is higher than his seasonal maximum per leg ratio. I need to give credit to myself because I really battled hard today. If that dart at double 12 had gone in, this probably would have been one of the greatest games I’ve ever played. The stats suggest there’s not a great deal in this one too and although I could see this potentially going all the way I’ve been seriously impressed by the Aussie and think he’ll prevail here.

As I wrote in my pre-tournament preview: "The Somerset thrower loves this stage having reached the fourth round in three of his last four appearances – including the 2021 and 2022 editions – and comes to the Ally Pally in great shape having produced a string of high-quality displays at the Players Championship Finals. Ryan Joyce has not enjoyed his finest year but there have been signs of a revival in his fortunes of late when he reached the last 16 of the Players Championship Finals, defeating Gerwyn Price in the first round, before coming through the last qualifying event to earn his spot here.

Vladyslav Omelchenko came through the Ukrainian qualifying event to seal a first appearance at the World Championship. He averaged 76.42 in the final to win 3-0 and averaged 69.97 for the tournament so he’ll have to up that considerably if he’s to trouble Luke Woodhouse on Sunday afternoon. Zonneveld defeated four fellow Dutchmen to progress in his run to the semi-finals, averaging 101 and 99 in wins over Jermaine Wattimena and Kevin Doets respectively.Odds to win the quarter: Price 5/4, Aspinall 3/1, Noppert 8/1, Ratajski 12/1, Wade 12/1, Schindler 14/1, Van Barneveld 14/1, Bunting 14/1

Humphries posted another ton-plus average to whitewash Luke Woodhouse in the last eight, before averaging 103 and landing seven 180s in his semi-final success against Gerwyn Price. Looking to create your own darts den at home? Read our ‘How To Create The Ultimate Home Darts Setup’ for some useful tips. You can also customise your darts with a new set of dart flights and dart shafts and take your game to the next level with our range of dart accessories.

EVENING SESSION

The first round winners will be joined by Tour Card Holders ranked 65-96 in round two, with the 32 second round winners joined by Tour Card Holders ranked 33-64 in round three. You’ve got the best of the best coming through now and it’s hard. Even these players that haven’t won titles, they are still so dangerous and you have to do your job.

Smith is a student of the game, admitting he analyses both his own and his opponents statistics and I like that. He identified areas of strengths and weaknesses in his opponents last year and knows what he must do and/or take advantage of if he’s to advance. I’ve missed lots of opportunities [in the past] and you can’t do that at this level, but I’m going to carry on and keep believing. I will win one!”

Krzysztof Ratajski (1/6) v Danny Jansen (7/2) (R2)

A potential show-stopper closes the night as two of the most popular players in darts history collide for the 27th time.