Overview
- Play returns at Alexandra Palace with the third round, featuring afternoon ties topped by Jonny Clayton vs. Niels Zonneveld and an evening slate led by Ricardo Pietreczko vs. Andreas Harrysson and Luke Littler vs. Mensur Suljovic.
- From this stage the format shifts to best of seven sets, requiring four sets to win and extending match length compared with the earlier rounds.
- SPORT1 broadcasts the tournament live on free-to-air TV and via stream, with DAZN offering an additional paid streaming option.
- Bookmaker pricing cited by outlets positions Clayton as the clear favorite over Zonneveld and makes Pietreczko the pick against Harrysson, with one tip highlighting over 5.5 sets in Clayton–Zonneveld.
- The event enters its decisive phase after an opening stretch marked by volatility, with 17 of the PDC top 40 already out by December 23.