The first round of the European Championship darts tournament will be played out over the course of two pretty jam packed sessions of action on the opening day of competition. Everyone involved in Friday’s play will be a little nervy with the matches being the best of 11 legs which might add to the potential drama.
Afternoon Session
The tournament begins with Jamie Caven taking on James Richardson in a match which could go either way before Daryl Gurney plays Gerwyn Price. Two of the young guns follow them when Chris Dobey meets Joe Cullen before arguably the match of the afternoon as Ian White plays Terry Jenkins.
Cristo Reyes and Robert Thornton begin the second half of the afternoon matches ahead of Mervyn King against Devon Petersen. The other match which lays claims to being the match of the afternoon follows that when Michael Smith plays Stephen Bunting before the afternoon ends with Max Hopp vs Benito van de Pas.
Evening Session
The evening line up is loaded with talent and it begins with Jelle Klaasen taking on Steve West. The crowds will be right behind Kim Huybrechts in the second match when he goes up against James Wilson before Dave Chisnall faces Kyle Anderson. Mensur Suljovic follow them when he faces Jermaine Wattimena.
The second half of the evening cranks the level of name up again with Peter Wright taking on Justin Pipe before Alan Norris plays Phil Taylor and then come the two ties of the round. Michael van Gerwen meets Simon Whitlock and James Wade plays Gary Anderson.
Betting
This first day is always a day where the shocks have the potential to appear with the format so relatively short so I’m going to tread with more than an ounce of caution and in fact I’m going with just one match bet. The action should be that good we don’t need to back anything for the sake of it to enjoy it.
The bet in question involves Stephen Bunting. He takes on a Michael Smith who he has beaten four times in a row now and I’m expecting him to make it five here. He seems to have the Indian sign over Smith at the minute and I’m going to continue backing him to extend that run having capitalised on the former Lakeside champion when they last met.
There will be a shock or two in the other matches, it is the nature of the beast, but nothing immediately stands out as insane value to me starting out so I’ll sit most of the day out apart from the bet on Bunting.
Tips
WON – Back S.Bunting to beat M.Smith for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with William Hill
Back him here:
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