The Champions League of Darts gets underway in Leicester on Saturday with the opening two group matches for each player on the schedule across the two sessions of play as the eight men jostle for positions in the knockout stage of the event.
The first set of games take place in the afternoon before the second set in the evening. Unfortunately we don’t have the running order for the evening so we won’t be able to preview that session but we can go through the afternoon.
Daryl Gurney vs Peter Wright
The first match of the tournament sees the Players Championship Finals winner from last year in Daryl Gurney taking on the man in form coming into the weekend in the shape of Peter Wright in the Group B opener.
This is a tricky match to call because Gurney was very disappointing in the World Grand Prix recently but he can perform a lot better than that as we all know. Wright has been in incredible form on the floor over the last week but he needs to transfer that onto the big stage now. This is one to watch rather than bet on with any assurance.
Rob Cross vs Gerwyn Price
The other match to kick off Group B of the tournament sees two major title holders going at it as the World Matchplay champion Rob Cross meets the man who won the Grand Slam of Darts last year in Gerwyn Price.
This has all the hallmarks of being a very close match. They have met 11 times in their careers and the record is 5-5 with one draw and in their six meetings this year only one of them has been won by more than two legs so that would suggest the two are closely matched. Cross is probably the better player but Price might be in better form currently which is another interesting dynamic. That all makes me think that over 16.5 legs is the way to attack this match, one which could easily go all the way.
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Michael Smith vs Gary Anderson
Two good friends meet in the third match of the afternoon as Michael Smith takes on his former mentor Gary Anderson in the first match of the tournament in Group A, where both men are under pressure to pick up a win.
Michael van Gerwen awaits the pair later in the group so the loser here is going to have to beat him to progress which is never easy so that adds plenty of pressure to this match. Smith’s form is mixed but I get the impression he is ready to break out again and just needs to click on the doubles and he’ll be away. That time could come here because Anderson doesn’t look in the greatest touch and to use horse racing speak is lacking a run. Odds against on a Smith who has beaten a peak Anderson in four of their last five matches looks good to be against the Scot who isn’t at full tilt currently.
Michael van Gerwen vs James Wade
The final match of the afternoon session sees the world number one Michael van Gerwen beginning his quest to win one of few titles which has eluded him in his career to date when he takes on a James Wade who relishes facing him.
Wade is capable of being very competitive against van Gerwen but you have to be a brave man to take on the Dutchman, although if he starts missing doubles he will give Wade chances which will keep him encouraged. That said MVG won the World Grand Prix in fine style last weekend and isn’t too opposable. I’ll watch this one and reflect on it ahead of getting stuck into Sunday’s action.
Tips
Back R.Cross vs G.Price – Over 16.5 legs for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Betway
Back it here:
WON – Back M.Smith to beat G.Anderson for a 4/10 stake at 2.30 with Boylesports
Back him here:
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