THE tail end of the first round of the Darts World Championships culminates on Wednesday and Thursday by which point the final 32 will be known. We have some cracking ties, which could see a shock or two.
Wednesday December 20 (7pm)
- Xiao Chen Zong v Bernie Smith (P)
- Michael Smith v Steve Lennon
- Simon Whitlock v Martin Schindler
- Justin Pipe v Xiao Chen Zong/Bernie Smith
Wins for the heavy favourites Smith and Whitlock on Wednesday pays 5/6 with Unibet which is likely to attract a number of backers.
Looking at the highlights of the evening, we expect Simon Whitlock to power score past German’s Martin Schindler. The pint sized German makes his first appearance at the Ally Pally and could be overwhelming for the young player.
Whitlock is far more experienced as well as reigniting his form over the last 18 months to be a Premier League contender. We have already tipped the Aussie at 1.78 -1.5 sets and believe this to be a good bet. We may see the German take a set as the odds imply, however experience will be a defining factor in this.
Steve Lennon could be a threat to Michael Smith’s path although we expect Bully Boy to progress. Lennon is experienced but Smith has enjoyed some good runs at this event and expect to progress
Thursdays action sees the final games of round one before round two commences on Friday.
Thursday December 21 (7pm)
- Cristo Reyes v Toni Alcinas
- Kim Huybrechts v James Richardson
- Darren Webster v Devon Petersen
- Peter Wright v Diogo Portela
The battle of the two Spaniards could be a classic and a potentially good opening game.
The two games that catch our eye is on Kim Huybrechts and James Richardson to potentially upset the odds.
Richardson is a under rated player and can performs well on his day. He can throw a loose dart like many but should not deter backers especially on a set handicap. The maximums market could have the value where the curry lover is 15/8 to hit the most 180s vs the Belgian. However we do like the over 3.5 market at a general 4/5 to land, especially if the game goes beyond three sets, which is probably will.
Darren Webster will be well fancied to beat out of form Devon Peterson who returns to the stage once again but is way too short at 2/9 ON and just 8/13 -1.5 sets.
Recommendations
- Whitlock/Smith – double 1.83 Unibet 2pts
- Richardson – Over 3.5 180s 4/5 Betfred – 1pt
Barney v north.
barney -1,5 sets
Henderson v kantele.
Henderson -1.5 sets
Double is 1.09
Nap
Yesterday’s nap won with ease.
Tonight’s nap is over 3.5 sets in following games
Smith v Lennon
Whitlock v schindler