WELL the first round of the championship provided a few shocks as well as the first half of the second round last night produced another BIG shock with Mighty Mike, who was 4/6 last night to win the event be toppled by competent Steve West.
With Westy 4-1 up early in the first mini session, MVG pulled it back to 5-5 at the mid session break. Westy went on to win 10-7 and made the competition wide open again.
Rob Cross is installed as the next favourite at 9/4 after Daryl Gurney, Peter Wright and Mensur Suljovic all eliminates early on.
One bet we have identified is between home favourite Max Hopp and James Wilson. Lethal Biscuit, who knocked out Jonny Clayton in a good display 6-2 will not succumb to the crowd which saw Max Hopp’s first round opponent William O’Connor react a number of times to the crowd.
I was edging towards taking on Wilson to win the match but think taking on James to pocket the most maximums is a bet to consider. Some firms are between 8/15-8/11 but Glenn Woodage at Sportingbet punts 19/20. The count may be close, however Hopp netted two in the first round, with Wilson hitting six. The bet is not based on this, but Wilson is a big scorer on the circuit and more fluidity with his throw. Hopp in his day can strike but often the second or third dart will drop.
Darren Webster has the pedigree to reach another quarter and can beat Cristo Reyes and layers taking no chances at just over 1/2 on demolition man.
Rapid Ricky could cause a shock over new second favourite James Wade also Ricky mid-firing in his opening few legs could give Wade the edge to keep in front.
In another tie I fancy Steve West over Whitlock as an early Sunday punt who admitted his win over Wright was ugly with around a 90 average. Whitlock is too short at 4/6 and personally think West is capable despite back and hip issues but seems to rise through the pain at times.
Recommendations
- J Wilson – most 180’s 19/20 Sportingbet 2pts
- S West to beat Whitlock (Sunday early bet) – 6/5 general 1pt
In December 2020 we sadly 
