The semi-final line up in the World Matchplay darts will be completed inside the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Friday night when the last two quarter finals are played in the famous Blackpool venue and we are all set for an absolutely amazing night of darts.
The first two quarter finals delivered some brilliant darts on Thursday evening and with the stars on show on Friday we should be in for much more of the same again.
[the_ad_group id=”3624″]
Adrian Lewis vs Alan Norris
It almost sounds unfair calling this first match the starter for the night because on most occasions this would be a tasty main course. Adrian Lewis meets Alan Norris with Jackpot 3-0 up on their head to head but their last two meetings both went the distance.
I fancy we are in for another close match here. Both men have shown they are prepared to battle this week and that they have plenty of fight in them. Norris slugged it out with Dave Chisnall in the last round and came through 14-12 while Lewis was pushed all the way by Rob Cross before coming through 11-8.
Both men hit nine 180s in their respective wins in the previous round and I expect the lipstick to take an absolute caning in this match too. There is no way a 15.5 180 line looks anywhere near high enough. I’m on the over there and I can’t ignore a cheeky punt on Norris here. Lewis is still getting back to full health and a third match in five nights may take its toll down the stretch. Norris gets better the longer matches go and he can pip the Stokie at the death.
Michael van Gerwen vs Phil Taylor
If ever there was a darts match that needed no bigging up it is this one. The last quarter final will be a repeat of the 2016 final when Michael van Gerwen takes on Phil Taylor. MVG has exuded confidence so far this week but on his final tilt at the Blackpool crown Taylor is in no mood to lie down for anybody.
In many ways it is hard to assess the form of these two this week because they are yet to find an opponent to turn up and test them but they will certainly test each other out in this one that is for sure. Does Taylor have one last hurrah in him on his favourite stage or will the defending champion continue his almost unchallenged dominance of the oche?
I can’t decide whether I believe Taylor can win this match but there is absolutely no way he is giving in without a fight in this one. This tournament means too much to him for that. I expect him to run MVG close enough if he can’t beat him. 5.5 legs is a good enough start for The Power in my eyes.
Tips
Back A.Norris to beat A.Lewis for a 3/10 stake at 3.20 with Boylesports
Back him here:
Back A.Lewis vs A.Norris – Over 15.5 180s for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Coral
Back it here:
WON – Back P.Taylor (+5.5 legs) to beat M.van Gerwen for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with William Hill
Back him here:
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2017
