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A short break between World Championships and we’re back with the original darts World Championship, the BDO 2012 World Championship, live from the Lakeside with the likes of Martin Adams, Tony O’Shea, Dean Winstanley and Ted Hankey. For the first time ever the broadcast will be split between the BBC and ESPN. For BBC darts diehards, it’s a bit unfortunate, but hopefully ESPN do it the justice it deserves.
A packed first day of action with the defending champion, Martin Adams, in action, along with Robbie “Kong” Green, Darryl “The Dazzler” Fitton, Tony “The Silverback” O’Shea. Let’s get right onto the tips.
Ron Meulenkamp vs Gary Stone.
The young Dutchman, Ron Meulenkamp, ranked 16 in the BDO rankings takes on qualifier Gary Stone. Meulenkamp hasn’t had a bad year on the circuit, picking up some nice wins, as well as some good runs. He’s a youngster with a bright future, like a lot of his countrymen. Stone is an unknown factor, but I think the bookies might have overpriced Meulenkamp here.
Ron Meulenkamp to beat Gary Stone: 4/6 @ Betfair.
Recommend: 3 units.
Martin Adams versus Scott Mitchell.
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere’s Wolfie! England Captain Martin Adams (to give him his full title) starts his defence here after a few great results – a semi-final in Zuideruin, a final in the World Cup (winning the Doubles title), and a semi-final in the World Masters. His opponent, Scott Mitchell, went to the quarter-finals in Zuideruin, so not a bad result for him either. Not a spectacular year, but solid enough to get him to No.19 in the BDO rankings. So a tricky enough task for England Captain Martin Adams, who is a very short price. I can see Mitchell getting at least a set here, if not more, so the total sets market is our play here.
Total sets in Martin Adams versus Scott Mitchell match over 3.5: 1/2 @ 888.com.
Recommend: 2 units.
Tony O’Shea versus Steve West.
An up and down year for the Silverback, who comes in to this tournament in inconsistent form. Steve West hasn’t had too bad a year considering, and he’ll be fancying his chances here against O’Shea. I can’t split the two, really, after O’Shea’s average showing at the Grand Slam of Darts, followed up by a poor showing in Zuideruin. So, this might just be a little closer than the bookies reckon. West has never made it past the first round here, but you just never know with the first round.
Steve West to beat Tony O’Shea: 2/1 @ Betfair.
Recommend: 0.5 unit.
Ross Montgomery versus Fabian Roosenbrand.
Ross Montgomery looks to get in good form coming into this tournament, after a semi-final in Zuideruin, as well as a fair few wins on the BDO circuit. Fabian Roosenbrand shouldn’t hold any problems for the Scotsman, as the young Dutchman has had quite a poor year, sturggling in the WDF Majors. Montgomery should win this and win comfortably, but 4/9 is no price for us. However, -1.5 on the handicap is appealing given his form.
Ross Montgomery -1.5 sets to beat Fabian Roosenbrand: Evens @ 888.com.
Recommend: 1.5 units.
Lorrain Farlam versus Karen Lawman.
As much as I would love to, I really don’t know enough about women’s darts to even consider tipping something here. Plus, a best of 3 format is a tricky one to bet on.
Recommend: No bet.
Deta Hedman versus Rhian Edwards.
I do know all about Deta Hedman, but see above for my answer about tips on women’s darts.
Recommend: No bet.
Darryl Fitton versus Robbie Kong.
Two of the BDO’s biggest names take to the stage and the bookies can’t split them. Fitton’s year hadn’t been great up until December, and his run to the final in Zuideruin. Green has just been consistent, doing nothing spectacular, but 4th in the BDO rankings and 5th in the WDF rankings speaks volumes as to his ability. This is going to be a classic. Howevever, I had a sneaking feeling that Green will Fitton will take this. His run in Zuideruin speaks volumes and coming in with confidence is a huge thing at the Lakeside.
Darrly Fitton to beat Robbie Green: 10/11 @ Betfair.
Recommend: 1 unit.
Gary Robson versus Steve Douglas.
A good, solid year from Gary Robson, who will be looking for a big run at the Lakeside this year, after his quarter-final appearance last year. Not a terrible year for Steve Douglas either, who’s rapidly rising up the rankings and taking some notable wins in the smaller events on the tour. Douglas actually qualified for the PDC’s UK Open, winning his first match, losing in the second round. Douglas’ nemesis lately has been Dean Winstanely, losing to him 5-4 in Zuideruin after losing to him 5-1 in the semi-finals in the Czech Open. But that’s nothing to be ashamed of!
Robson is the favourite to go through here, but Douglas is having a solid year and is worth a nibble at what I see to be a big price.
Steve Douglas to beat Gary Robson: 7/4 @ Betfair.
Recommend: 1 unit.
And that’s all for the first day of the BDO 2012 World Championship. We’re back tomorrow for Day Two, and we’ll be tipping for the entire tournament. Remember to get your ESPN subscription sorted for this year, as it won’t all be on the BBC! See you tomorrow!
Until then, remember our good friends that are offering £50 of free bets to their new customers. Don’t forget to head over to 888.com.