GARY Anderson broke the trend of NO 9-Darters at the Winter Gardens, since Phil Taylor hit the last in 2014. Will it happen in 2019? Writes Dave South
- Starts – 19:00 BST Saturday – LIVE on Sky Sports UK & Ireland
The PDC have never seen as many perfect legs on tour with the 2018 overall count of 29 for the year beaten as Andy Jenkins, the Pompey Ace, pocketed the 30th of this campaign at the Challenge Tour event last weekend. Kyle Anderson chalked up number 31 at Players Championship 19 held in midweek.
The only players to have netted one on the stage this year have been all on the European Tour namely Michael van Gerwen, James Wade, Gerwyn Price and Steve Beaton.
Despite the increasing number, layers remain split on whether the Winter Gardens will see a perfect leg this year!
You would assume that as the format is longer than most majors this increases the chances, which in theory does offer opportunities!
In past years we have seen 1/1; 6/5 and even 5/4 on NO 9-darter.
Paddy Power have the best price at 9/10 for NO perfect finish.
Marathonbet may tempt backers to take on the U1.5 9-darters at 1/8 with Bet365 9/2 for 2 or more in the event.
You will get evens with Ladbrokes and Coral for a 9-dart finish so odds compilers are taking the stance that they really don’t know, but apply their over round on the NO option.
Looking at the 180 count the 2018 event had the following
- Last 32 – 108
- Last 16 – 73
- Last 8 – 60
- Last 4 – 32
- Final – 28
Sportingbet take the line this year at 315.5 at 11/13 which I think is a high line in respect of the number of maximums seen in the final. The 315 line is defendable in my opinion and the heat of the venue will be a factor. See many 140’s and keep smiling. The likes of MVG like to take the cover shots like Whitlock does! This will give us mileage indeed.
The 3 Dart average with Sportingbet is worth consideration at under 106.50 at 17/20.
Anderson came close last year clocking in a low 106 average but will be interesting if the likes of Anderson/Wright or MVG as the heavy hitters can sustain an average over the long format.
Recommendations
- Under 315.50 maximums – 17/20 Sportingbet – 3pts
- Under 106.50 3 Dart average by any player – 17/20 Sportingbet 1pt
- Target price for a 9 Dart finish – Evens or better!
