Tailor made format for Taylor

2013 has so far been the year of Michael Van Gerwen in the darting world. The Dutchman may look like the lovechild of Matt Lucas and Michael Stipe yet he is a fantastic talent. So far he has been a finalist in the World Darts Championship before winning the Premier League and winning a number of Players events. While a deserved favourite I think the 11/4 (SKYBET/boylesports/paddy Power) might just be too short and we can find reasons to take him on. Firstly, the draw has not been kind as he faces a tricky second rounder with Kim Hubreychts or Peter Wright and then a quarter-final with either Wes Newton or Jamie Caven. Secondly, the last two major tournaments he has played he has not reached a final, going out in the last four of the Europeans and last eight of the UK Open. Thirdly, this event with short leg format does not suit his game and he has exited early here in the past.

Second in the betting is Phil Taylor who is 3/1 (BWIN) to win an event that he has been dominant in winning each of the last five last years and 13 times in total. Although he went out in the second round of the European Championship Taylor has in general been in good form. At the end of June he won the Gibraltar Darts Trophy which followed a win in the UK Open earlier in the month. The draw has also been kind to the Power with Stuart Kellet in the first round, and either Terry Jenkins or Andy Smith in round two before Barney in the last eight. Take Taylor at the slightly reduced 11/4 (BETVICTOR) who are offering moneyback if Van Gerwen wins this event.

The third man in the betting is Adrian Lewis who is an 8/1 (GENERAL) chance. Jackpot should be full of confidence after his victory in the European Championship as he played some of his best darts for a long time. Lewis does have a tricky opener with Ronny Hubreychts who reached the semi-finals in the European Championships. That being said though Lewis is a confidence player and he looks worth siding with while he is hot. Raymond van Barneveld (BETVICTOR) and James Wade (GENERAL) can both be backed at 16/1. Both players are playing well and have made a number of semi-finals recently though winning is proving elusive. Barney last won a major in 2007, Wade in 2011.

Simon Whitlock is a 22/1 (SPREADEX) chance and though the Australian did make the finals of the European Championships he faces a difficult opener against Jelle Klaasen.

Others who are expected to be in the mix are Robert Thornton at 28/1 (bet365/SKYBET/SPREADEX) who showed in the Premier League he is a dangerous opponent. Andy Hamilton made the final of the UK Open and is a 33/1 (GENERAL) chance.

Gary Anderson is 40/1 (SPREADEX/unibet) though it has been a while since he produced anywhere near his best form. Wes Newton at 50/1 (GENERAL) looked in good form when making a Players event final recently. Dave Chisnall (GENERAL) and Kim Huybrechts are also dangerous 50/1 (GENERAL) chances if they can get their game together the whole week.

Finally I would recommend a little interest in Jelle Klaasen who is a massive 66/1 (GENERAL) for the championship which could be a good back-to-lay option. Mostly though I like the 10/1 (bet365/SKYBET/BOYLESPROTS) on him to win his quarter. The Dutchman looked good in making the last eight at the European Championship before running into Van Gerwen and with no Taylor, Van Gerwen or Lewis in this section it looks wide open.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Phil Taylor to win the World Matchplay, 11/4 (BETVICTOR)
SILVER: Adrian Lewis to win the World Matchplay, 8/1 (BETVICTOR)
BRONZE: Jelle Klaasen to win his quarter, 10/1 (bet365/SKYBET/boylesports)

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20/07/2013     © Frixo 2026