The first PDC darts tournament since Michael van Gerwen won the world title begins on Friday night and it is a fantastic line up to kick off The Masters with. That is to be expected with only the top 16 on show in this tournament but there is a real big night feel about this one.
The last 16 in the bottom half of the draw is played out to begin with which means we see the likes of Gary Anderson, Peter Wright, Phil Taylor and Raymond Barneveld all in action.
Dave Chisnall vs Raymond Barneveld
The tournament begins with a potential firecracker as Dave Chisnall takes on Raymond Barneveld with both men looking to make up for heart-breaking exits in the World Championship. Both played probably their best ever darts in defeat there and it will be interesting to see who has got over that the best.
Dave Chisnall won the last meeting between the two but he had lost the previous four and he trails 10-5 on their head to head battles. If the Raymond Barneveld that was at the World Championship turns up here I expect him to get back to winning ways against Chisnall in what looks like a cracker to begin with.
Barneveld has mentioned playing much more this year and seems to be talking seriously about things now and that refound focus can lead him to a win here.
Phil Taylor vs Michael Smith
Two more men who will be out to overcome World Championship disappointments when Phil Taylor takes on Michael Smith. The two will battle for the 15th time and Smith will be looking for a fourth win. Smith has lost the last three matches.
I guess much will depend on Taylor’s mindset going into this one. He was talking about retirement much more during the World Championship and this isn’t the biggest tournament in the world and with the Premier League next week he might struggle to get up for this one.
Since that Grand Slam mauling when he jacked it in halfway through Smith has generally been competitive against Taylor and if he nails some early doubles here he should be competitive again but it is his scoring that will make him so and a 4.5 180 line looks quite low to be. Regardless of how this goes I’m expecting 15 or more legs and Smith is usually good for at least one 180 every three legs in these matches so I’ll go over there.
Gary Anderson vs Benito van de Pas
These two meet for the second time in a month having met last at the World Championship. Van de Pas looked like he was going to get a monumental beating in that match but fought back to make it competitive which will give him confidence ahead of this one.
I guess this is all about Anderson’s mind. If he isn’t right at it this is a dangerous match for him and from that point of view I could see why the Dutchman would appeal on the handicaps but it might just be that Anderson is bang up for this and if he is I would expect him to win. I’ll leave this one alone.
Peter Wright vs Ian White
Two more men who met at the World Championship will finish off the opening night. It took Ian White an absolute age to get going in their meeting in London and he took a heavy beating and he’ll do the same here if he doesn’t come out of the traps better.
I expect Peter Wright to win this match and he might well have something in hand when he does so but I still think there will be some 180s in this one. I’ve mentioned time and again how Ian White is a regular 180 hitter when he gets going and Wright can nail them with the best of them so 8.5 looks an achievable number to me.
Tips
WON – Back R.Barneveld to beat D.Chisnall for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Ladbrokes
Back him here:
Back M.Smith Over 4.5 180s for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with William Hill
Back him here:
WON – Back P.Wright vs I.White – Over 8.5 180s for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with BetBright
Back it here:
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