Darts PDC World Championship 16th Dec

After three sessions of action we have already witnessed the hit and miss nature of Adrian Lewis, solid Darts from Phil Taylor and a couple of seeds heading for the exit signs. Bookmmakers have Taylor as the 2/1 (general) favourite ahead of Van Gerwen at 5/1(general), Lewis at 10/1 (general) and Whitlock 12/1 (general). Of the two players in action so far I have been most impressed by Robert Thornton 33/1 (boylesports) and Paul Nicholson 80/1 (sportingbet/Blue Sq/888 Sport) though with these two set to meet in round two I will hold off on any outright bets until I know the result of that match.

The opening match Sunday night sees Brendan Dolan take on Mark Jones and Dolan is the 1/3 (general) favourite to win the game while Jones is an 11/4 (Skybet/betfred/BetVictor) chance. Dolan has been a revelation this year reaching the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix and the European Championships. I like the look of Dolan to cover the handicap of -1.5 at odds of 8/11 (general). Jones lacks the television experience that his opponent does.

Up next is the qualifying match between Jarkko Komula and Jani Haavisto and Komula is the 4/6 (ladbrokes/Coral) favourite while Haavisto is 6/4 (boylesports). I’m not a huge fan of betting on these qualifiers as you do not know how these unproven players will react to the big crowds and the bright lights.

The third game on stage is the one that features Andy Hamilton taking on James Richardson (sadly not the former Gazetta Football Italia presenter). Richardson is best known for beating Raymond Van Barneveld in the first round last year though I would expect no such shock this time. Hamilton has had a decent year on the tour reaching the semi-finals of the Premier League, the last four of the Grand Slam of Darts and of course the final in this event last year. The Hammer looks untouchable and you can get him at 23/10 (paddy Power) to win this one 3-0.

Raymond Van Barneveld turned back the clock in winning the Grand Slam of Darts and November and will be looking to put behind him those memories of a first round defeat here last year. It is Michael Smith who looks to repeat the exploits of James Richardson last year in causing the giant-killing. To do so Smith must improve on his 3-0 defeat here last year to Co Stompe. Barneveld is the 2/9 (general) favourite here and this seems like a fair price. He enters in good form and is reasonably fresh. Smith is a journeyman player and the only way Barney is losing this game is if he beats himself. The Dutchman though seems in a good place mentally.

The final match of the evening sees Gary Anderson against the winner of the early qualifier between Jarkko Komula and Jani Haavisto neither of whom should present the Scot with too many problems. Anderson has had a tough year and by his own standards has admitted that this is unlikely to be his time to lift the trophy. This is not defeatism though from the Scot just realism that he is in the early signs of a long road back to his best. No bookmakers are priced up yet though be sure to take Anderson 3-0 in the correct score market when the prices do arrive as he should have too much class here and he seems to be taking every game seriously.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Brendan Dolan to cover +1.5 handicap v Mark Jones, 8/11 (general)
SILVER: Andy Hamilton to win 3-0 v James Richardson, 23/10 (paddy Power)
BRONZE: Gary Anderson to win 3-0 v Komula/Haavisto, prices on request

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07/01/2013     © Frixo 2024