Follow @SBTSportBetting [Get Exclusive Tips on our Patreon, Ad-Free]
Grand Slam of Darts 2013 Day Six Premium Picks.
Back on track last night, with a fantastic winning sessions, thanks to Scott Waites, Tony O’Shea and the man known as The Count, Ted Hankey. While Waites and O’Shea impressed with their overall performances, the talking point, and quite rightly so, was Hankey’s amazing comeback from 6-1 to beat Simon Whitlock 10-9. His post-match breakdown was endearing, and his YouTube interview showed what a great ambassador for the sport he could be. On the flip-side, I felt we were unlucky with Mervyn King losing, as he put together a fantastic run to take the lead halfway through his match with Robert Thornton. But it wasn’t meant to be, and we ended the night with three winners, and a profit of 7.7, taking us to an overall profit of 15.25 units for the tournament so far. With four nights left, it’s put us in a good position.
Tonight, it’s the second set of the last 16 matches, and it looks a bit more uneven in terms of competition than last night did. We have the awesome Phil Taylor taking on the resurgent Gary Anderson, James Wade faces the ever-inconsistent Paul Nicholson, Michael van Gerwen takes on Adrian Lewis, and then there’s the small matter of the Battle of the Huybrechts, as Ronny takes on Kim in a PDC first.
James Wade Vs Paul Nicholson.
James Wade has plodded through the Grand Slam of Darts without being troubled, and he’s landed the plum draw of the quarter-finals, as Paul Nicholson has been nothing short of average so far. Wade’s tournament average of 94.94 puts Nicholson’s 89.02 in the shade. Wade’s also looked consistent, and the early start to the match is going to help him – Wade going on later is always a bad sign. This is Wade’s to lose, and I can’t see it happening. Looking at the stats, the highest checkout looks the way to go, as Wade’s hit a 160 so far, and Nicholson’s 125 isn’t shabby. Both players will get a lot of chances at the big finishes, too.
Highest checkout in Wade Vs Nicholson game over 125.5 Best price 5/6.
Recommend: 3 units.
Ronny Huybrechts Vs Kim Huybrechts
A PDC first, with the Huybrechts facing off against each other on the TV stage. Ronny has been the surprise package of the tournament, winning all three of his league games, beating Adrian Lewis, Richie George and Christian Kist. Kim dropped two matches, to Dean Winstanley and Michael van Gerwen, and losing to the Dutchman is nothing to be ashamed of, although he did blow several match darts. For me, this going to be as close as you would expect it to be. I can’t split them, although I think Kim’s experience might just see him through. However, he’s no value. The value in this match lies in the 180s market.
Over 7.5 180s in Ronny Huybrechts Vs Kim Huybrechts match: Best price 5/6.
Recommend: 1/5 units.
Phil Taylor Vs Gary Anderson
The way these two are playing, this match would have made a great final. Phil Taylor has Put in three immaculate performances, dropping just 1 leg and averaging 107.02 for the tournament, with a 112.16 in his first match signalling his intent. But to be fair to Gary Anderson, he’s averaging 104.47, the second highest in the tournament. The fact the Scotsman has only hit 4 180s is actually testament to how well he’s playing when you factor that into his tournament average. I don’t think there’s any doubt on the winner, as Taylor looks imperious, but I think Anderson is going to make a real fight of it, as long as he keeps his head in the game. Look for a 10-7 scoreline, or something similar, and some quality finishing from the pair.
Highest Checkout In Gary Anderson Vs Phil Taylor match over 125.5: Best price 5/6
Recommend: 3.5 units.
Michael van Gerwen Vs Adrian Lewis
Neither man has brought this A-game so far in the Grand Slam of Darts – Van Gerwen might have won his three matches, but he wasn’t great in his first game, and Kim Huybrechts should have beat him, but the Belgian blew it several times. Lewis, well, he’s been his enigmatic self. He was great in defeat to Ronny Huybrechts, but was pretty average against Richie George, and the least said about his doubling against Christian Kist the better. He’s been all over the place, and I wouldn’t want to back him, as I don’t have confidence that he’ll put in an average of 96+, which is what he will need. That being said, Van Gerwen wouldn’t be getting my money, either, as he’s just not looking his fluent best. There’s no angle on this match, so take a watching brief, and see what
Recommend: No bet.
That’s all for the sixth day of Grand Slam of Darts, we’ll be back tomorrow with the first of the quarter-final sessions.
