CAN Netherlands retain their World Cup of Darts title?
My opinion is yes!
The draw for the World Cup was made shortly before the finale of the PDC Premier League Finals, which I was in attendance for.
Betway World Cup of Darts
Top half
- (1) Scotland v United States of America
- Denmark v Brazil
- (8) Austria v Japan
- Italy v Canada
- (5) Wales v Thailand
- Switzerland v China
- (4) Australia v Hong Kong
- Russia v Spain
Bottom half
- (2) England v Czech Republic
- New Zealand v Singapore
- (7) Belgium v Republic of Ireland
- Greece v Finland
- (6) Northern Ireland v Poland
- Sweden v Germany
- (3) Netherlands v Gibraltar
- Hungary v South Africa
Looking at the betting:
- Netherlands – 1/1 Betway and Bwin/Sportingbet
- Scotland – 11/4 Betway
- England – 5/1 Betfred
- Australia – 20/1 general
- Bar – 20/1 +
Scotland and Netherlands combined bag over 76.50% of the implied probability equivalent to a 3/10 shot over a 100% book.
The way the seedings work are on the basis of the team members respective ranking at the cut off. Scotland are top seeds via Peter Wright and Gary Anderson but can they work more as a team from seeing them stunned last year?
We know MVG has upmost respect for his partner Barneveld which has shades of Taylor/Lewis last year as a father/son combination from the year prior!
Netherlands biggest threat(s) will come at the hands of a seeded quarter final with the pair from Northern Ireland (Gurney and Dolan) and before anyone comments that Dolan is a weak link, he created history in his own nations event and in my opinion will come through stronger than critics suggests not to let down Gurney!
Netherlands second threat before the final is England – Rob Cross who seemingly has unforgettable resilience over the longer format! His partner Dave Chisnall is in by virtue of his ranking although Michael Smith – seen as some people’s rightful partner for Cross has been below par for the ranking he holds and will subsequently lose in the event he is unable to match the monies made on the two-year rolling basis.
Chisnall’s main weapon is his ability to trouser the maximums and on form is the best 180 hitter on the planet!
Looking at the other half of the draw Australia are always a consideration and 20/1 layers think they are not up to the job with the team of Whitlock and Anderson (Kyle). We remember how dedicated and emotional Paul Nicholson was in the final in 2012.
Whitlock’s Premier League peaked too soon this year and Anderson will need to fly out the blocks which he is capable to upset the mathematical algorithm and layer opinion!
I could write 000’s of words with what if’s in this event but consider the Dutch pair eyeballing collaborative success.
Recommendation
- Netherlands – outright 1/1 William Hill
- First round bet
- Belgium to beat Rep Ireland -1.5 legs – 11/12 10bet (10/11 acceptable with Bet365 and PaddyPower/Betfair)
