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Long day ahead with 10 games scheduled and hopefully we can follow up yesterday’s good start with another winner or 2. Looks like another few low key encounters but it doesnt always mean that there won’t be a few belting games along the way.
Jarkko Komula v Roman Konchikov:
Should be a half decent prelim match this in a race to 4 legs. Komula makes his PDC debut at the Worlds but is a veteran at the Lakeside and does have some pedigree. He lost in the world masters final in 2001 losing to Barney and gets his spot here courtesy of being the finnish pro darts cahmpion. His opponent makes his tv debut but has earned the right to be here by beating Ana in the russian final so hes obviously fairly handy. All we know is he is from Moscow and 22 years of age but he could be a bit of a dark horse. 4/11 the fav here but in such a short race and a player I no nothing about we are happy to sit and watch this.
Recommendation: No Bet
Roland Scholten v Steve Hine:
Winner of this faces the daunting task of playing Taylor in R2 so basically a one off game for about 3k here! Scholten went through a massive form dip due to an injured shoulder but last time on tv he did show some signs of that turning round. Used to be a massive 180 scorer but we think the injury may have hindered that slightly. Hine is known as The Muffin Man (think he works in a factory that makes them) and is no more than a journeyman. We backed him last time he played at the Worlds and he was ordinary at best and we dont think he is one for the tv cameras. Scholten is marginal favourite here which is right and if it was 3 years ago he would be a max bet. With all the doubts of the last year though we’re not willing to risk any money on this.
Recommendation: No Bet
Co Stompe v Steve Maish:
Should be the game of the afternoon in my view here as Stompe is always entertaining and Maish has been in good nick the past 3 months. Co started like a train last year in the PDC but since then his performances have levelled off a bit. Lost 3/3 at the GSOD despite playing really well and I’m a bit worried about his confidence right now. Maish on the other hand had to come through the qualifiers at the GSOD to get his spot and then was unlucky not to qualify for the KO stages as only an inspired Shepherd check out at a crucial stage cost him.
Recommendation: No bet
Kirk Shepherd v Scott Burnett:
Big week for Shep is this as he has a lot of money to defend from 2 years ago when he reached the final. I thought he showed a bit of form at the GSOD and was probably as well as he had played on tv in 2 years. Its not a bad draw for him but could have been better as Burnett has qualified due to his ranking on the North American order of merit. Its very rare that the yanks come over and are complete trees and I think this could be a good match. The bet we like here is the high check as a feature of Shep’s usual performances is 3 figure checks. He hit a 106 and a 145 in the GSOD and we’re hoping he can carry that on here.
Recommendation: 1pts win highest checkout over 112.5: 5/6 @ Blue Square
Wes Newton v Komula/Konchikov:
No prices available but this depends on how the winner of the qualifier looks. We’re always keen to oppose Newton at silly short odds so will see how the match looks when it comes along.
Mervyn King v Matt Clark:
First match of the evening sees King take on the steady Matt Clark. King will be hopeful of a good run this week and he certainly wont lack in confidence as he is one of the few who truly believes he can compete with Taylor. Clark was unlucky here last year going down in a last leg decided v Kevin Painter. Hes steady but I think King must have too much for him. 2/11 aint our sort of price though so will watch with interest.
Recommendation: No Bet
Aodhagan O’Neill v Les Francis:
The evenings prelim match sees the Irish matchplay champ take on the South African qualifier. Dont think we’ve seen O’Neill before and Francis played in the SA tourney that Sky show. He looked ok but again we don’t like to get involved in these short matches, so happy to leave well alone.
Recommendation: No Bet
Jelle Klaasen v Barrie Bates:
Big fans of Klaasen and we’re hopeful that his PL appearance gives him thwe confidence to kick on a bit this year. He’s got a fair draw but Bates is no mug and if Jelle isnt on his game then he could face an early exit. I’m hoping that Barry has got over his 3 year battle with gout and he is one of these players who just keeps on plodding away and capitalising on his opponents mistakes. Jelle is 4/11 best price and this looks right as do most of the other prices we’ve looked at.
Recommendation: No Bet
Adrian Lewis v O’Neill/Francis:
Should be a good opener for Lewis who has to start producing on tv. I’d guess he will be no bigger than 1/7 or 1/8 max and he should win this with ease given his ability. However it doesnt always work like that with Lewis, so anything could happen.
Recommendation: No Bet
Peter Manley v Andy Jenkins:
Last game of the evening sees a battle between the panto villain and the PDC’s real villain. Manley has been in a form slump for a while now and he is in the paper today saying he really needs a good run to get back up the rankings. He’s playing Rocky who is playing under appeal after an incident with Terry Jenkins at a recent tourney. Jenks is a player we never get right and Manley aint exactly a coin earner for us either. The layers make Manley marginal fave and this is one of the games that either result would not surprise us. But, Manley has been of our screens for a while and we want to take him on given the right price. We have the right price today.
Recommendation: 1pt win Andy Jenkins to beat Peter Manley: 11/10 @ William Hill.
Summary: 2 bets in the afternoon that we are hopeful will give the Christmas coffers a boost and then this evening looks a bit bland.
Bets to Date: 1
Winners: 1
Profit/Loss: +1.25pts
