The opening night of the PDC World Cup of Darts sees the bottom half of the draw played down to the last 16 with eight matches to be played on the evening in Frankfurt.
Among the nations involved on the first night of action are the Netherlands, Australia, Scotland and Belgium whole the host nation Germany will be sure to get the atmosphere cranked up a little.
The action begins with Hungary taking on Thailand in what is likely to be a low key start to things but then it cranks up with the USA facing the Philippines before Norway go up against Gibraltar. There is an all Scandinavian battle too as Denmark face Sweden in what should be a competitive match.
The seeded nations come into play after that with Belgium taking on a potentially awkward Poland side and then Scotland go up against a New Zealand team who could be dangerous if they are allowed to be. The Netherlands play Russia before the evening ends with the match of the round as Australia face the hosts Germany.
Betting
Bets don’t really come thick and fast in this tournament. It is more an event to gauge some form ahead of the normal events to come. If there is to be a major surprise it might be that Scotland could be vulnerable over the best of nine legs in pairs against New Zealand where darts is very much on the upturn.
I’m largely going to keep my powder dry for the first night but I can’t avoid a little punt on Denmark to take care of Sweden. Sweden were useless when heavy favourites to see off Hungary in this round 12 months ago and you have to say the pairing of Per Laursen and Daniel Jensen are much better than that Hungary twosome were.
Magnus Caris has been in decent touch in the Scandinavian tour events this year but generally when a TV camera focuses on him he melts a little and while Daniel Larsson is competent he is nothing special at this level.
I always say in this tournament that it is about how strong your second player is not your first and Daniel Jensen has the potential to be really good based on his Development Tour form and results and with Per Laursen a very solid captain of the side I think the Danes are overpriced here. They’re my only bet of the opening night.
Tips
WON – Back Denmark to beat Sweden for a 3/10 stake at 2.30 with Boylesports
Back them here:
