The group stage of the Grand Slam of Darts is behind us now and on Wednesday the proper stuff begins when the knockout part of the event gets underway inside the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.
The majority of the big names have made it into the knockout stage so we are set for a wonderful second half of the tournament. That begins with four matches over the best of 19 legs.
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Mensur Suljovic vs Berry van Peer
The first match of the knockout stage sees the form horse Mensur Suljovic taking on the struggling Berry van Peer. There is no need for us to go into the troubles and tribulations of van Peer, we just hope he can play something like the normal game he deserves to be able to play for the fighting spirit he has shown in the tournament to date.
Clearly with the issues surrounding van Peer this is not a match to bet on. Far too much guesswork will be needed to bet sensibly and that is not a position I want to be putting my hard earned on. I’ll sit this one out.
Glen Durrant vs Dave Chisnall
Two really good players meet in the second match of the evening when Glen Durrant takes on Dave Chisnall. Durrant is the sole representative left from the BDO and he goes up against one of the PDCs best on his day in Chisnall.
I’m expecting a really good game here. Both men are very good scorers and by and large they are decent at the end of legs too. They will both think they can win this match which always makes for a better game to watch. I’m hoping Durrant wins as I’m on him outright but I would be surprised if anyone wins this easily. 10-7 or closer looks very strong to me so I’m on over 16.5 legs in this one.
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Gary Anderson vs Michael Smith
The tutor meets the apprentice in this match when Gary Anderson takes on Michael Smith. Both men have looked in really good form in this tournament so far but now it cranks up a notch and the men and the boys will be separated.
If I had any faith in Smith maintaining his form over this distance I would take the legs in this one as well but I fancy when he has to hit a double under pressure the longer it goes on the more he may be found wanting which is a concern.
I do however expect the 60 bed to get a pulverising in this match. Both these men plough in the 180s. Anderson has 12 in his matches to date in the event and Smith isn’t far behind with 11. If they can hit five each here we only need one more to find the 11 180s to cover a 10.5 line. I think we’ll get them.
Stephen Bunting vs Peter Wright
The final match of the evening could in theory be the pick of the matches especially with Stephen Bunting looking back in form. He takes on a Peter Wright who needs a big performance for his own peace of mind and confidence as much as anything else.
Bunting has played solidly in this tournament so far and he should be even better now he can relax into a rhythm and bring out his best form. Wright will be the one under pressure in this one as he is expected to win. We’ve not seen his best darts in this event yet. Whether that was down to the format or not remains to be seen but he’ll need to up his game.
I expect this to be quite close despite Wright’s recent dominance over Bunting. I don’t think Wright is on top form and Bunting is getting back to his so I expect over 16.5 legs and I also like Wright to pin a checkout of higher than 118.5. He is a good combination finisher and over this distance that looks a touch on the low side.
Tips
WON – Back G.Durrant vs D.Chisnall – Over 16.5 legs for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Boylesports
Back it here:
Back G.Anderson vs M.Smith – Over 10.5 180s for a 4/10 stake at 2.10 with Paddy Power
Back it here:
Back S.Bunting vs P.Wright – Over 16.5 legs for a 4/10 stake at 2.20 with Bwin
Back it here:
WON – Back P.Wright – Over 118.5 highest checkout for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Ladbrokes
Back him here:
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