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Continuing our deep dive into the final four quarters of the 2026 PDC Paddy Power World Championship, we arrive at section two – the one politely labelled Littler’s waiting room.
Because let’s be honest, whoever survives this particular jungle is pencilled in by most to collide with the reigning champion under the semi-final spotlight.
That, of course, assuming the teenager is still standing.
SECTION TWO
(4) Stephen Bunting v James Hurrell(13)
Martin Schindler v Ryan Searle
(5) Jonny Clayton v Niels Zonneveld(Q)
Andreas Harrysson v Ricardo Pietreczko
On paper, two names glow brighter than the rest. In reality, this section has teeth. Big ones. If the rankings behave themselves – and history tells us they rarely do – we’re heading for a Bunting v Clayton quarter-final. Mouth-watering. Box office. But there’s enough firepower, volatility and sheer bloody-mindedness here to derail that plan in spectacular fashion.
Let’s start with Stephen Bunting. The Bullet will know full well that seeing off James Hurrell is no gentle warm-up. Ask Dirk van Duijvenbode how that usually goes. Hillbilly thrives in chaos, and with all the pressure squarely on the loveable Liverpudlian, this has banana skin written all over it. If Bunting brings his A-game, he progresses. If not, Hurrell has more than enough steel and scoring power to make this deeply uncomfortable.
Then comes a clash soaked in continental ambition. Martin Schindler carries the hopes of German darts like Atlas with tungsten. Once it was Max Hopp. Then Gabriel Clemens, who to his immense credit reached the semi-finals here. Now it’s The Wall’s turn. Many believe he’ll be the first German to lift a PDC ranking major. He may start favourite – but let’s not kid ourselves. Against Ryan Searle, this is closer to a coin toss. Heavy Metal often brings even heavier scoring, meaning for Schindi … there’s very little margin for error.
Jonny Clayton, meanwhile, enters refreshed courtesy of a rare World Championship bye. Any advantage that offered has probably evaporated by now, meaning this becomes a straight shoot-out. The Ferret at full throttle is world class. Niels Zonneveld is at times, not too far behind and perfectly capable of capitalising if Clayton dips even slightly. A firing Welshman wins. A misfiring one could be packing early.
And finally, the wildcard corner. Andreas Harrysson is one of the last three qualifiers standing and will feel this is anything but a free hit. Ricardo Pietreczko knows it could have been far nastier – but he also knows better than to relax. The crowd will be firmly in Dirty Harry’s corner, and truth be told, the Swede won’t hate this draw either. He’s got the game, the belief, and the momentum. This is far more winnable than the brackets suggest.
This section is ruthless. No soft landings. No free passes. Whoever escapes will be bruised, battle-hardened, and fully aware that a date with Luke Littler is probably waiting.
Survive this – and you’ve earned the right to dream. And earn a nightmare proposition.
—–Ends—–
Images: PDC