The World Matchplay gets underway inside the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Saturday evening with four first round matches which sees the world number two and three in action along with a host of other star names.
There will be no shortage of nerves around as there always is on the opening night of any tournament but with this being the second biggest ranking tournament of the year everyone will be eager to win here.
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Michael Smith vs Steve West
The tournament gets underway with Michael Smith taking on Steve West. Smith has been in excellent form in recent times especially on the European Tour stages while Steve West has earned his place here with solid efforts in many of the floor events.
West is a dangerous challenger but he blows hot and cold more than a summers day in Blackpool and guessing which one will turn up is never easy. I suspect he will need to be good here because I fancy Smith for a decent run this week. As I’m on the youngster outright I’ll sit this one out given that I’ve an outright interest in the match.
James Wade vs Darren Webster
The second match of the night could well end up being the best one of the evening as the former champion James Wade takes on a Darren Webster who has already won a tournament on the floor this month.
The confidence Webster will take from that will be huge but we shouldn’t write him off on the big stage though. In recent times he has made the semi-finals of the Players Championship Finals where he was giving van Gerwen a good going over at one point and the last 16 of the World Championship where he took Simon Whitlock to the cleaners along the way.
You would be stretching it to say that James Wade is in good form but we must remember that doesn’t matter when he arrives in Blackpool. He always plays well in this tournament and takes inspiration from it and with a good performance expected from Wade and Webster being as confident as he is I fancy we’ll go beyond 16.5 legs here.
Gary Anderson vs Christian Kist
Two world champions collide in the third match of the evening when Gary Anderson takes on Christian Kist. Anderson doesn’t have the best record in this tournament which I’m sure is something he will be looking to put right here while Kist will be making his debut in the competition in this match.
Anderson is now one of the most reliable players in the world and while I would think he will win this and potentially win it going away I do respect Kist enough on the big stage to avoid taking him on with a big handicap. This is one to watch for me.
Peter Wright vs James Wilson
The closer for the evening looks a tasty affair as Peter Wright begins his quest for a first Matchplay title when he takes on the dangerous James Wilson who has the ability to beat anyone when he is on his game.
Wright is class but he hasn’t been playing his best darts recently which will give Wilson some confidence. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Wilson take this really close but he will need to hit most of his doubles to do that. That isn’t out of the question but even then Wright could take this away from him. This is another to sit and watch rather than bet on.
Tips
WON – Back J.Wade vs D.Webster – Over 16.5 legs for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Boylesports
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