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PDC World Grand Prix 2013 Day Two Premium Picks.
Day One of the World Grand Prix and we had a couple of shocks, and some great performances, most notably Gary Anderson and Paul Nicholson. Anderson whitewashed Jelle Klaasen in legs and sets with an average of 104.85, while Nicholson dismantled Robert Thornton with an assured performance. There were also wins for Ronnie Baxter, Wes Newton, Simon Whitlock, James Wade, Phil Taylor. Oh, and Connie Finnan did cause the shock of the round easing past Terry Jenkins with an assured performance in front of his home crowd. Can he emulate the runs of Brendan Dolan? I wouldn’t put it past him with the confidence he showed on the oche last night.
The tips, I feel, were unlucky, and I think Steve Beaton stood out as the great value of the round, and we were one dart away from glory. Paul Nicholson also came in at a decent price, repaying our faith in him, while Peter Wright disappointed me, as did Jelle Klaasen. Simon Whitlock was shocking on the doubles, and he’ll need to up his game to go deep. Wes Newton looked decent enoguh, but he was helped by Wright’s poor doubling. Like Whitlock, he’ll need to find another gear if he wants to put in a serious challenge.
Wayne Jones Vs Mervyn King
Not the greatest match I think we’ll see tonight, with Wayne Jones sorely lacking form until a couple of good runs recently. Is it enough to make me think he’ll trouble Mervyn King? No. I think King’s got a plum draw here, and should take apart Jones quite comfortably given the form of both men.
Mervyn King to score more 180s than Wayne Jones: Best price Evens.
Recommend: 3 units.
Like the previous match, this isn’t a match we’ll probably remember any time soon. Andy Smith has been struggling for form, while Justin Pipe had been until the World Matchplay, where he showed he was still a force to be reckoned with in the PDC. The one thing we have to remember about Smith’s game is his love for hitting 140s. He might not be Dennis Smith levels, but he does love them. Pipe should clean up on the scoreline as well as the scoring front.
Justin Pipe to score more 180s than Andy Smith Best price Evens.
Recommend: 3 units.
Kevin Painter Vs Richie Burnett.
Strangely, this is the first match I’m looking forward to. Burnett hasn’t had that great a year, but then put in a stellar performance to reach the semi-finals of the German Darts Championship. He also reached the semi-finals here two years ago, so when he’s in form in Dublin, he goes well. Kevin Painter, he’s another who’s had an up-and-down year. He’s had some decent results on the floor, but he’ll be disappointed he hasn’t got past the last 16 of any of the Majors this year. For me, it’s going to be close, but Burnett’s form over the past two years (yes, he went out int he first round last year, but it was 2-1 to Adrian Lewis), makes him a shade of value to the inconsistent Painter.
Richie Burnett to beat Kevin Painter: Best price 6/4.
Recommend: 1 unit.
Dave Chisnall (7) Vs Ian White.
The sleeper match of the round, I reckon. Both men are in fantastic form, after slow starts to the year. Both will be gutted with the draw. Chisnall is a power scorer, but has double trouble, while White is just a solid, consistent player who should get off to a comfortable start. It just depends how far ahead he can get before Chisnall gets his double. White beat Barney in the first round here last year 2-0, before losing 3-1 to Wes Newton. Chisnall beat Dean Winstanley 2-1 in an absolute classic last year, before losing 3-1 to eventual runner-up Mervyn King. I think we’re going all the way in this match.
Over 10.5 legs in Dave Chisnall Vs Ian White match Best price Evens.
Recommend: 2 units.
Andy Hamilton (6) Vs Kim Huybrechts.
Another draw both men will be unhappy with, as they’re both dangerous on their day. Hamilton has had yet another consistent year, cementing his place in the upper echelons of the PDC. Kim Huybrechts had a great start to the year, but has fallen away a bit through the summer months, and he’ll be looking for a big performance to kickstart his game going into the World Championship. Hamilton looks like the good thing here – he’s going to hammer in the doubles to start and will also hit his finishes. However, Huybrechts is capable of doing the same, and if he can keep up with Hamilton, it will be close. Where this match will be won is on the finishing.
Highest checkout in Hamilton Vs Huybrechts match over 118.5: Best price 5/6.
Recommend: 3 units.
Stuart Kellett Vs Raymond van Barneveld.
A big year for Stuart Kellett, where he’s not quite burst onto the scene, but he’s announced himself as a player to be watched. As for Barney, he’s doing his thing, not quite setting the standards he used to, but doing enough as was evident when he picked up his first floor title of the year in Dublin on Sunday. Barney is the man in form of the two, while Kellett needs to prove he can do it on the stage when the pressure is on and the Sky Sports crowd are watching, as he’s not impressed too often when the cameras are on him. But on the PDC Tour, Kellett does hold the advantage over Barney, winning their only encounter 6-5 on the European Tour back in September. I don’t think Kellett can repeat that, simply because Barney is a confidence player, and winning on Sunday will give him some much-needed confidence. And a Barney with confidence also smashes in the 180s. A line of 3.5 seems tailor made for the Dutchman to beat on his own. If Kellet can hit just one, even better!
Over 3.5 180s in Raymond van Barneveld Vs Stuart Kellett match: Best price 5/4
Recommend: 2.5 units.
Michael van Gerwen (2) Vs John Part.
Back to where it began for Michael van Gerwen. The defending champion won’t be too disappointed with the draw, as he’s taking on an opponent who is out of form compared to the players Van Gerwen is beating week in, week out. That being said, the Dutchman’s bubble has been burst recently, as he’s not won a floor tournament in what seems like an eternity. Well, 3.5 months, actually, but that’s not the point – Superman has been found to be human after all. but John Part shouldn’t trouble him – the Canadian has been enjoying a bit more success on the North American tour compared to the ProTour, and it won’t be long, I think, until he sticks to the other side of the Atlantic more often than not.
Recommend: No bet.
Adrian Lewis (3) Vs Brendan Dolan.
Last match of the night, and again we get the hometown favourite. Ear plugs at the ready as Brendan Dolan hits the stage where he’s had his greatest triumphs. He’s got a terrible draw in the in-form Adrian Lewis, and both men will not be underestimating their opponent. They faced off in Saturday’s floor tournament final, with Lewis coming out the winner 6-4 in what was a close one. However, the crowd is going to play a huge part here, as has been the case for the other hometown favourites, and this might just tip it in Dolan’s favour, especially as he’s been extremely consistent this year. Lewis is undoubtedly the class act, but the crowd may just push him over the edge. Connie Finnan did a number on Terry Jenkins, Michael Mansell almost did it over Simon Whitlock, and Dolan is a class above both men, so I expect a big showing here.
Brendan Dolan to beat Adrian Lewis: Best price 5/2
Recommend: 1.5 units.
