No match for the play of Taylor?

Phil ’The Power’ Taylor is the 13/8 (betfred/Coral/william hill) favourite to land the World Matchplay Darts, can anyone stop him claiming his 13th World Matchplay title?

Winter Gardens Blackpool is, as ever, the home for the World Macthplay title. The Gardens is a venue that seems to bring out the best in Phil Taylor. The Darts legend has won a staggering 12 of the 18 previous World Matchplay titles (including the last four events). Taylor obviously seems suited to the format, which is played over legs rather than sets and that there is no deciding leg (players must win by two clear legs). This event is regarded as the second biggest PDC Tournament and features the top 16 players in the World, plus 16 qualifiers. Taylor will not have too worries by his draw, his first round tie is against Mervyn King (King is not the player he once was). From here Taylor will face Van Der Voort or Ian White, then Andy Hamilton or Mark Webster seem probable quarter-final opponents. It is not a tricky route to the last four for ’The Power.’

Those who are looking to oppose Phil Taylor have a number of options in the other half of the draw, the best of which could be Adrian Lewis. The two world champion is a little bit inconsistent, but on his day he has the ability to beat anybody. Lewis is a 11/1 (Bwin) shot, but faces a very difficult opening first round match against Robert Thornton. Thornton who won the UK Open back in June and will hope to take advantage of the slow start Lewis often makes to tournaments. James Wade is the third favourite at 11/1 (Blue Sq/888 sport) for an event he won in 2007, a win that was supposed to herald the dawning of a new era of Darts. Wade though has not quite hit those heights, picking up just seven titles and never making it to the final of the World Championships. Wade will be expected to competitive again, but may come unstock in the quarter-finaks against Simon Whitlock. Whitlock is a 12/1 (general) shot to claim a first major title. The ’Wizard of Oz’ has had a good year making the semi-finals of the World Championships despite being injured and the final of the Premier League. It might only be a matter of time before he makes his breakthrough and at 12/1 could offer each-way value. Other players of note are Raymond Van Barneveld (14/1-general), Gary Anderson (20/1-general) and Wes Newton 33/1 (ladbrokes). Those who think Taylor will win but one to get involved in markets, may be interested in betting in the without Taylor market. Lewis and Wade are 5/1 (BetVictor) favourites, with Whitlock 11/2 (BetVictor) and Van Barneveld 7/1 (Skybet/BetVictor).

Ladbrokes are priced up on the ’name the finalists’ market with Taylor vs Van Barneveld the surprise 9/2 favourite. Taylor v Lewis, Taylor v Wade and Taylor v Whitlock are all priced 11/2, while if you think Taylor will not make the final you can get Chisnall v Van Barneveld 22/1, Chisnall v Wade and Chisnall v Lewis at 25/1. Day one sees Robert Thornton at 5/2 (Totesport/william hill/betfred) to defeat Adrian Lewis and the recent UK Open winner looks value especially as Lewis is slow to get going in major tournaments. It promises to be another great week of Arrers action, fingers crossed you hit the bullseye with your bets.

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18/07/2012     © Frixo 2024