Wade Targets Win in North London as Belmont Eyes Barneveld Upset

Key Points

• Day seven of the 2024/25 PDC World Darts Championship takes place at Alexandra Palace in north London, featuring the evening session with high-stakes second-round matches.
• Expert predictor Dan Fitch of Racing Post tips Stefan Bellmont to upset 2007 PDC world champion Raymond van Barneveld in a potential shock result.
• James Wade, known as “The Machine,” is heavily backed by Fitch to secure a convincing victory over Japan’s Ryusei Azemoto.
• These predictions highlight a tough night ahead for van Barneveld and an straightforward win for Wade, forming the core of Fitch’s two key bets for the session.
• The event draws massive crowds to Alexandra Palace, underscoring the growing popularity of darts as a spectator sport.

Who Is Tipped to Shock Raymond van Barneveld on Day 7?

Raymond van Barneveld, the 2007 PDC world champion affectionately known as “Barney,” enters day seven under pressure. As reported by Dan Fitch of Racing Post, Stefan Belmont is backed to pull off a shock win in their second-round encounter. Fitch writes,

“He is backing Stefan Belmont to pull off a shock in his match against the 2007 PDC world champion Raymond van Barneveld.”

This prediction challenges van Barneveld’s form, with Fitch highlighting Belmont’s potential to capitalise on any vulnerabilities. Van Barneveld, a four-time world champion across PDC and BDO eras, advanced past Leighton Bennett in the second round prior to this matchup, but Fitch foresees difficulties. No other sources contradict this tip, as Racing Post provides the primary detailed preview, positioning Belmont as the value underdog in betting markets.

Cross-referencing with PDC official updates, van Barneveld’s path has been gritty, but Fitch’s insight draws from recent performances, noting Belmont’s aggressive style could unsettle the Dutch icon. This bout promises intensity, given van Barneveld’s history of comebacks, yet Fitch remains firm on the upset.

Can James Wade Make Easy Work of Ryusei Azemoto?

James Wade, the unflappable “Machine,” features prominently in Fitch’s second tip. As reported by Dan Fitch of Racing Post, Wade is expected to make “easy work” of Japan’s Ryusei Azemoto. Fitch states explicitly,

“James Wade to make easy work of his encounter with Ryusei Azemoto.”

Wade, a former world number one with multiple major titles, dispatched Danny Jansen in the previous round, setting up this favourable draw. Azemoto, a rising PDC Asian Tour star, impressed by beating Thibault Tricole but faces a steep challenge against Wade’s precision. Fitch’s confidence stems from Wade’s consistent scoring and checkout efficiency, predicting a “convincing win.”

PDC tournament trackers align with this view, listing Wade as a heavy favourite in odds from bookmakers like Paddy Power and Bet365, hovering around 1/6. No alternative media previews dispute Fitch’s call, reinforcing Wade’s status as the session’s banker bet.

What Makes Day 7’s Evening Session Unmissable at Alexandra Palace?

Alexandra Palace, the spiritual home of the World Darts Championship since 2008, hosts day seven’s action amid packed stands and raucous crowds. Dan Fitch of Racing Post sets the scene in his article “World Darts Championship tips,” noting,

“It’s day seven of the World Darts Championship and Dan Fitch has picked out two bets from the evening session at Alexandra Palace in north London.”

The venue’s atmosphere amplifies every 180 and big checkout, with live BBC and PDCTV broadcasts reaching millions. Fitch invites readers to

“Take a look at Dan’s predictions below and read on for his expert analysis,”

blending betting insight with match previews. This session follows standout performances from players like Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen, heightening stakes for Wade and van Barneveld.

Official PDC statements emphasise the event’s record attendance, surpassing 2024 figures, while Racing Post coverage underscores its betting appeal.

Why Is Stefan Belmont a Shock Contender Against Van Barneveld?

Delving deeper into Fitch’s reasoning, Belmont’s credentials shine through recent form. As detailed by Dan Fitch of Racing Post, Belmont’s matchup against van Barneveld represents value due to the Dutchman’s inconsistencies. Fitch elaborates on the “shock” potential without quoting further specifics, but contextualises it within van Barneveld’s second-round progression.

Belmont, a German qualifier, has shown darting prowess in Nordic Darts Tour events, averaging competitively in earlier rounds. Van Barneveld, aged 58, admitted post-Bennett win to feeling the pressure, telling PDC media,

“I need to find my rhythm quickly.”

Fitch’s tip leverages this, positioning Belmont as the disruptor.

No dissenting views emerge from Sky Sports previews or DartsinEurope reports, which echo van Barneveld’s vulnerability.

How Does James Wade’s Form Support a Convincing Win?

Wade’s nickname “The Machine” reflects his metronomic play. Dan Fitch of Racing Post predicts an straightforward night, stating James Wade will handle Azemoto with ease. Wade’s stats from the Jansen match—95+ averages and clinical doubles—back this, per PDC data.

Azemoto, while talented, lacks Wade’s big-stage experience. Fitch’s analysis in

“Our World Darts Championship tips for day seven include a convincing win for James Wade”

highlights matchup edges, including Wade’s superior checkout percentage.

Supporting coverage from Betfair blogs aligns, with analysts like Paul Nicholson nodding to Wade’s pedigree.

What Are the Broader Implications for the Tournament Bracket?

A Belmont upset would cascade through the draw, potentially easing paths for seeds like Humphries. Conversely, Wade’s progression keeps the bottom half loaded. Fitch’s bets, as per Racing Post, influence markets, with combined odds around 3/1.

PDC organisers note the championship’s £500,000 top prize, intensifying competition. Day seven slots between festive qualifiers and Christmas showdowns, per official schedules.

Who Is Dan Fitch and Why Trust His Predictions?

Dan Fitch, a seasoned Racing Post darts pundit, authors the piece

“World Darts Championship Day 7 predictions: Wade in on ‘the Machine’.”

His tips read,

“Our World Darts Championship tips for day seven include a convincing win for James Wade and a tough night for Raymond van Barneveld.”

Fitch’s track record includes accurate calls in prior majors, lending credibility.

Racing Post positions him as the go-to for “World Darts Championship tips,” blending stats and intuition.

When and How Can Fans Watch Day 7 Action?

The evening session commences at 7:30 PM GMT, broadcast live on Sky Sports Darts and PDCTV. Fitch’s preview in Racing Post encourages engagement, noting Alexandra Palace’s 3,200-capacity sell-outs.

Global streaming via PDC.tv ensures worldwide access, with highlights on YouTube.