There is just the one session of play at the PDC World Darts Championship on Monday night as the opening two rounds of the tournament continue inside Alexandra Palace in London as we head towards the Christmas break.
We have seen a number of big names take to the stage already in this competition and on Monday night two more grace it when Raymond van Barneveld and James Wade get their campaigns for a world title underway.
Luke Woodhouse vs James Wilson
The opening match of the night looks like being a great game as Luke Woodhouse, probably still best known for his nine dart finish on the PDC Home Tour last year, takes on James Wilson who won through to this tournament through the PDPA qualifier.
Woodhouse had a fair year on the tour which got him into the Players Championship Finals and to here but he hasn’t pulled up any trees at the same time. He looks to me like one of those out of form favourites with all the pressure on him and it will be interesting to see how he copes with that. Wilson isn’t without pressure himself but he does at least bring winning momentum into the event with him. The fact he had to qualify in the first place shows his game isn’t in the shape to be relied on so I’ll leave this alone.
Rusty-Jake Rodriguez vs Ben Robb
The second match of the night sees one of the youngest stars on the PDC scene in Rusty-Jake Rodriguez going up against the New Zealand qualifier Ben Robb with the winner progressing to take on Chris Dobey in the second round.
Rodriguez has been one of the leading lights on the Development Tour this year and that got him into the Grand Slam last month where he lost all three matches. He played well in patches in those games but lacked the composure at the end of the legs at times. We’ve seen Robb here before. He played here a couple of years ago but went down to Ron Meulenkamp 3-1. Nevertheless, the experience of playing here can never be forgotten or undervalued and that might give the Kiwi the edge in a tight match. Debutants don’t always take to this stage and Rodriguez might be so young that missed doubles come a little too regularly for comfort. I think backing Robb on the handicap is the way forward here.
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Raymond van Barneveld vs Lourence Ilagan
The last of the first round matches on the card on Monday evening sees the former champion Raymond van Barneveld takes on the Philippines qualifier Lourence Ilagan in what might be the best of the showdowns on the evening.
Barneveld is back here having retired from the game when he was beaten on this stage two years ago. He is sure to get some huge support in the arena but he might have his work cut out against Ilagan who is experienced and good enough to go deep with Barneveld. Ilagan is very composed and if Barneveld has one of those nights when he misses a lot of doubles he could be in trouble. You would imagine Barneveld will be full of emotion on his return to the big stage and that might also keep Ilagan interested. I still expect van Barneveld to win the match but I wouldn’t be surprised if Ilagan hangs around so I’m happy to leave this one alone.
James Wade vs Maik Kuivenhoven
The last match of the evening sees James Wade begin another tilt at an elusive world title when he takes on one of the more impressive first round winners in Maik Kuivenhoven for a place in the third round and a return after Christmas.
Wade doesn’t have a great record on this stage. When he doesn’t play well he inevitably gets beat and then there are times when he plays well and he is still beaten so he might well have mixed feelings about this event. In the main Wade has scored very well in the TV events this season but sometimes his doubling has been a bit questionable. Kuivenhoven scored very well against Ky Smith in the first round but his finishing left a lot to be desired. If he doesn’t tidy up in that regard then he is going to be found wanting here but I’m not sure I’d want to be on Wade with his record here.
Tips
Back B.Robb (+1.5 sets) to beat R-J.Rodriguez for a 3/10 stake at 1.80 with Coral
Back him here:
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