The second round of the World Grand Prix concludes in Dublin on Wednesday night when more doubling successes and woes take centre stage at the CityWest Hotel. The top half of the draw will be played out in this session and the demise of Phil Taylor in the first round has opened it right up.
There are four more matches for us to enjoy in this session and they are all over the best of five sets and we’ve already seen the quality go up a level since the format has increased and nothing is likely to change here.
Alan Norris vs Simon Whitlock
The evening begins with a match between two men who flattered to deceive in the first round, who rode their luck and hit the jackpot to make it into this second round. Alan Norris came from a set down to beat Michael Smith while Simon Whitlock did likewise against Joe Cullen.
You would think both will have to improve to come through this one but the nature of the format should ensure that. If I was pushed to choose I would go with Whitlock to win but Norris is more than capable of an upset so I don’t really fancy much in this match therefore I’ll sit the opener out.
Brendan Dolan vs Dave Chisnall
Brendan Dolan rolled back the years in the first round with a really impressive performance to take care of Peter Wright while Dave Chisnall rode his luck to come past Robbie Green to set up this match.
I fancy Dolan could cause an upset here but he has been so out of form for a while now that I’m slightly doubtful whether he can back up his excellent first round performance. We know Chisnall likes a rhythm but he isn’t going to get that here. That said he is experienced enough to deal with it. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is an upset here but I’m not convinced enough to chance it.
Steve West vs Daryl Gurney
The conqueror of Taylor looks to avoid being the latest man on a string of players to beat Taylor in a TV major and then lose in the next round. Steve West looked blown away by what he achieved in the first round but he’s had a day to get used to it and regroup for this match. Daryl Gurney took care of Mensur Suljovic in fine style.
It has to be said that Gurney was pretty ordinary for long periods of his match with Suljovic and in the end he finished with an average of just 75.66 which even by double start standards is pretty low and will have to be improved upon if he is to win this.
Steve West had all sorts of issues getting in on the starting double but when he was in he scored brilliantly and finished very well ironically and if he has got over the euphoria of beating Taylor I expect him to win this. West has made a semi-final and a final on the pro tour in the last fortnight so he’s in good form and he looks a good price in this.
Michael van Gerwen vs James Wilson
The round finishes with the world number one taking on the former BDO number one in a repeat of a tour final from a couple of weeks ago. Both men had to come from a set down to win their opening match but both averaged over 90 in the end so they are playing well.
Even allowing for the fact that the double start is a leveller and James Wilson is playing well at the minute it is hard to see van Gerwen not winning this. Wilson might have the tools to keep it close but van Gerwen has a gear not many others have. If he gets away ok he should come through here but he’s no value at the odds on offer.
Tips
Back S.West to beat D.Gurney for a 4/10 stake at 2.50 with Boylesports
Back him here:
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