The first round of the World Matchplay will conclude inside the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Monday evening when the final four matches to be played will take place. The evening will see Michael van Gerwen begin his title defence on what looks once again to be another juicy night of darts at the famous venue.
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Simon Whitlock vs Kyle Anderson
We get underway with the all-Australian clash between Simon Whitlock and Kyle Anderson with the winner potentially going on to face Michael van Gerwen in the second round. These two have met four times in the past and are 2-2 from those matches.
I can’t decide which way I think this match will go. I would probably give the edge to Whitlock on experience but I am always held back from backing him after that horrendous slip up he produced here against Andy Hamilton all those years ago.
One thing I do expect is a tight match. I think the fact the two know each other will ensure we get a good game and with that I expect the 180s to come freely. Both these men score heavily so assuming this is tight then we should get more than the required 9.5 180s.
Adrian Lewis vs Steve Beaton
Two men who are generally no strangers to each other meet in the opening round when Adrian Lewis takes on Steve Beaton. This will be the 13th time the two go up against each other and surprisingly they are tied at 6-6 for the matches so far although they’ve not played since 2014.
All eyes will be on Lewis in this match. He has recently undergone a surgery and it will be interesting to see how fit he is and how well he plays here. Beaton has absolutely nothing to lose so should play well as a result so Lewis may need to play well. The temptation is to back Beaton here but the price is not quite as high as I would like so I will sit this one out.
Michael van Gerwen vs Stephen Bunting
Finally the defending champion Michael van Gerwen begins his title defence when he takes on the former Lakeside winner Stephen Bunting. Van Gerwen will be looking for an 11th win in 14 matches against ‘The Bullet’.
I’m not sure what sort of van Gerwen we will see in this match. He has been travelling the globe which we have seen taking its toll on other players already this week and his mind might be on home where his wife is expecting their first child.
Bunting is dangerous enough to merit respect but perhaps not in the form to chance on a handicap so I will leave this one alone as well.
Ian White vs Rob Cross
The final match of the first round sees the experienced campaigner up against the new kid on the block when Ian White takes on Rob Cross in what is an interesting match to see if the younger man has what it takes on this stage.
Judging by his floor results he may very well do but we all know the stage and the floor are two different animals so rather than apply guesswork to the match result I am going to head for another market for a bet.
Ian White is a serial 180 hitter so I like the fact that his 180 line in this match is only 4.5. He would cover that in most matches let alone ones with the potential to be quite close. 180s have already been a theme in this tournament and I readily expect White to contribute at least five to the cause.
Tips
Back S.Whitlock vs K.Anderson – Over 9.5 180s for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Betbright
Back it here:
Back I.White – Over 4.5 180s for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Betfred
Back it here:
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