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Grand Slam of Darts 2013 Day Seven Premium Picks.
A fantastic night last night, with three out of three winners, and then we had the pleasure of watching Adrian Lewis beat Michael van Gerwen in an absolutely classic match. Those results take us to 21.5 units of profit for the week, and it was thanks to Kim Huybrechts rattling in the 180s, and Gary Anderson and James Wade firing in one high checkout each. So, we’re now into the quarter-finals, and we’re sitting with a healthy profit, which is always good.
So, tonight we have two quarter-finals, with a strong BDO presence in each. We start with Tony O’Shea, a stalwart of the BDO, taking on former BDO star Robert Thornton. And then, once again, Ted Hankey goes on last, with the two time BDO World Champion taking on the current BDO World Champion, Scott Waites. It’s shaping up to be a classic night of darts, and there’s a few bets I really like the look of tonight.
Robert Thornton Vs Tony O’Shea.
First up, it’s a match I’m really looking forward to, as I think both men have a lot to offer. I’ve been impressed with both Robert Thornton and Tony O’Shea this week, and it’s a fitting first quarter-final. Out of the players left in the tournament, Tony O’Shea has the second highest average, sitting on 97.14. He’s been in the mid-90s in every match bar one, against Raymond van Barneveld, where he averaged 101. His doubling has been solid, and he’s been power-scoring with the best of them. Thornton, he’s averaging 93.51, and the only slip was against Justin Pipe, where he hit an 89, and he still won, which is the main thing. Again, Thornton has been solid, if unspectacular at times. What’s going to win this is the scoring, and O’Shea just looks dangerous every time he steps up to the oche. Plus, you know you’re going to get a good honest performance from him. Look for O’Shea’s experience to pull him through here, plus the crowd are going to be backing him heavily, which will play a factor in both games tonight.
Tony O’Shea to beat Robert Thornton Best price 5/4.
Recommend: 2.5 units.
Tony O’Shea to score more 180s than Robert Thornton Best price 5/6.
Recommend: 1.5 units.
Scott Waites Vs Ted Hankey
The man everyone has been talking about this week isn’t the BDO World Champion, who has been playing nice, solid darts, it’s been all about The Count. Ted Hankey has given us everything – tear, tantrums and a 170 finish. But he’s got a tough obstacle in the form of Waites. Waites has been solid, averaging 91.56 so far this tournament, with 11 180s and a highest checkout of 121. Hankey’s average of 87.69, the 5 maximums and the highest finish of 170 only tell part of the story, though. Hankey has been winning because of mind games. Mentally, he’s as though as they come, and he’s using the crowd to his benefit, too. Yes, it affects him when the crowd, boo, but think of his opponent – it’s going to unsettle them as well. Hankey’s also claimed he’s got a game plan for tonight, and I believe him. While Waites is the deserving favourite, the value is with the unknown quantity. Hankey will be tough to shake off, and both men are going to need the big finishes. We’re going to get a fair few legs, and we know Hankey can take out the big ones when required, as he’s shown already this week. Waites can do the same, and he might have to just to keep the crowd on his side. Look for fireworks, averages around the 90 mark and, most importantly, some big finishes.
Ted Hankey to beat Scott Waites: Best price 11/4.
Recommend: 1.5 units.
Highest checkout in Waites Vs Hankey match over 133.5 Best price 5/6
Recommend: 3 units.
That’s all for the seventh day of Grand Slam of Darts, we’ll be back tomorrow with the last two quarter-finals.
