THE WORLD CUP OF DARTS returns for its sixth instalment in Frankfurt Germany this weekend as 32 nations will compete to become crowned world cup darting champions.
The history of the tourney
2010 – Netherlands (Co Stompe and Raymond van Barneveld)
2012 – England – (Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis)
2013 – England – (Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis)
2014 – Netherlands – (MVG and Barney)
2015 – England – (Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis)
Netherlands and England are the 6/5 favourites to be named finalist in the competition, which is short; however Taylor and Lewis’s possible route to the final on paper appears straight-forward in comparison to the Dutch elite.
Betway World Cup of Darts
Seeded Nations
- England – Phil Taylor & Adrian Lewis
- Scotland – Gary Anderson & Robert Thornton
- Netherlands – Michael van Gerwen & Raymond van Barneveld
- Northern Ireland – Brendan Dolan & Daryl Gurney
- Wales – Mark Webster & Gerwyn Price
- Australia – Simon Whitlock & Kyle Anderson
- Belgium – Kim Huybrechts & Ronny Huybrechts
- Austria – Mensur Suljovic & Rowby-John Rodriguez
The draw is favourable for England with a much easier route than any of the other top four seeds in the competition, as the draw explains:
First Round Draw & Tournament Draw Bracket
- England (1) Spain
- Czech Republic v China
- Austria (8) v Italy
- South Africa v Singapore
- Wales (5) v Finland
- Greece v Canada
- Northern Ireland (4) v Japan
- Republic of Ireland v Hong Kong
- Scotland (2) v New Zealand
- Norway v Gibraltar
- Belgium (7) v Poland
- Hungary v Thailand
- Australia (6) v Germany
- Denmark v Sweden
- Netherlands (3) v Russia
- USA v Philippines
First Round format will be played over a best of nine legs Doubles. The Second Round, Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals will be played as two best of seven leg 501 Singles matches, with both nations nominating the order in which their players play.
In the event of both nations winning one Singles match apiece, a best of seven leg 501 Doubles match will be played to decide the tie. The Final will be played as two best of seven leg 501 Singles matches, with both nations nominating the order in which their players play the first two matches, followed by a best of seven leg 501 Doubles match and then Reverse Singles matches. The first team to win three games is declared the winner.
The Netherlands are the 13/8 favourites with the sponsors Betway to lift the crown, but will have a tougher side of the draw to compete with, especially with a seeded semi-final with Scotland, who stepped MVG and Barney aside to go head to head in a thrilling final last year. England are strong 9/4 second favourites with a few firms, with Scotland out at 5/1.
Taylor and Lewis are again teaming for England, and Phil will be desperate to hold on to one accolade. Phil is well aware his order of merit placing is under some threat with Lewis knocking on the door for third place and Wright not being far behind. So Phil will want to take this non ranking event as some preparation for the World Series tour looming in New Zealand, China and Japan in the coming weeks!
My take on the outright sits with England. Even if England only wins one thing this summer cross sports, they are good contenders to retain the title, and should have no issues with this after getting through a possible cagey opener. All nations will feel cagey on the first to five pair’s format, as there will be little opportunity for individual players to apply any personal momentum.
Looking at the first round, and our view is Gibraltar are too short to beat Norway, although the Norwegians Wagner and Dekkar, although I believe emphasis has been put on Gibraltar start Dyson Parody who had one of his finest runs at a recent home event, nearly beating Michael van Gerwen. The 4/6 is too short and would be inclined on a cagey game, where If Norway were 4/5 with a leg headstart, that would tempt most, although best 1.75 in places. Poland could look at taking on the Belgian brothers of Kim and Ronny Huybrechts with the game stretching to eight legs at a BIG 6/4 with Paddy Power and Stan James.
My favourite bet of the night is for a Denmark/Sweden game to go a certain distance. They being neighbours have enjoyed many battles in sporting events and should be another close one in our view, with Stan James and 888 Sport 4/5 with the game not being won by more than three legs on either side.
Friday recommendations will follow but a tidy double of Netherlands winning minus 3.5 legs and think Germany may dash off early in the competition as Australia will want to renew some form with the new team of Simon Whitlock and Kyle Anderson.
Recommendation
- England to win the World Cup – 9/4 general 2pts
- Denmark/Sweden – over 7.5 legs – 4/5 Stan James 888Sport 1pt
- Netherlands -3.5 legs and Australia win – 7/5 Marathonbet & 11/8 888sport 4pts
- Belgium/Poland – over 7.5 legs – 6/4 Paddy Power 1pt
NAP same as above:
Netherlands -3.5 and aussies.
Gibralter
Denmark
Belgium -1.5
Scotland -2.5
4fold 5.4/1