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PDC 2014 World Championship Day Seven Premium Picks.
The first round is almost over… thankfully. It’s actually been painful at times watching some of the darts, with Justin Pipe’s win over Arron Monk being a low point of the week. Still, we made a profit on that match, which numbed the pain, but nothing could numb the pain of watching Dennis Smith’s woeful performance. He didn’t even get one dart at a double, let alone one set. But we did get off to the best possible start, with Andy Smith getting over the line on the handicap, when it looked like he might be struggling. We’re now 11-10 with profit of +3.68 units for the Premium Picks.
Tonight, I’m just happy that the first round is over, and a lot of the dross will have fallen by the wayside. We’ve also got Mensur Soljovic, who, as long-time subscribers will know, is a favourite of the website. He’s got Mark Webster, who isn’t in World Championship form going into this tournament. The Prelim Match is between two known players, which always helps, and the winner gets Wes Newton, who is one of the weaker “big” names in the draw. We also get to see Kevin Painter take on Thomas Seyler (and just who isn’t excited by that?!?!), while James Wade starts his search for a World Championship against Darren Webster. I promise you the Second Round will be better! Hopefully.
Mark Webster Vs Mensur Suljovic.
First match of the night, and as far as I’m concerned it should be the main event of the evening. Both men will be pleased with the draw, although Webster might end up frustrated due to Suljovic’s action and speed by about the third leg of the match. Webster leads the head-to-head 3-2, so not much in it there, but it’s always been in Players Championship events. The fact is, neither man has been great this year, but Webster looks too short here, and Suljovic’s style has put better players off in the past at the World Championship, most notably James Wade. Suljovic actually made the semi-final of the second last Players Championship event, losing 6-1 to eventual winner Brendan Dolan. Of course, that was the Saturday, and on the Sunday he lost in the first round to Connie Finnan. That same weekend, Webster’s results were a Round One exit and a Round Three exit. So, the value here is on the Austrian, as both men are playing distinctly average, but at least Suljovic has shown some form, with the semi-final and then winning the East European qualifying event, beating Round One loser Zoran Lerchbacher, who wasn’t too bad in his 3-0 defeat to Michael van Gerwen.
Mensur Suljovic to beat Mark Webster Best price 7/4
Recommend: 1 unit.
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Prelim Match:
Gino Vos Vs Royden Lam.
This should be another decent match, as both Vos and Lam are capable of decent darts on their day. I can’t see either man causing too much trouble in the main draw, but the winner here won’t be too disappointed drawing Wes Newton. So a lot to play for, and as much as I would love to give a tip here, all I will say is that the bookies have got nearly all of the Prelim Matches wrong, and they have Vos a rather short price.
Recommend: No bet.
James Wade Vs Darren Webster.
I have to admit that coming into the tournament, James Wade was one of the big players I was looking to take on in the First Round, and I’m a bit disappointed he didn’t get one of the more established players, but Darren Webster should still give him a bit of trouble. Wade’s form over the past year hasn’t been great, and I can’t see him as a 1/8 shot, not having it. His well-chronicled health issues mean I just can’t trust him, and his opponent isn’t bad at all. Webster should put up a first, and, like so many of the underdogs, if he can get to throw first in the match, he’s every chance of getting at least one set on the board.
Darren Webster +2.5 sets to beat James Wade Best price 8/11.
Recommend: 2.5 units.
Wes Newton Vs Vos/Lam.
I can’t advise here without any prices, or knowing who’s facing Newton, but like a lot of the Prelim Matches, if the winner shows some kind of form, there are worse bets to have. Newton is a weak seed, as far as I’m concerned, and I would be looking to oppose him against any classy unseeded player.
Recommend: No bet.
Kevin Painter Vs Tomas Seyler.
We’ve had some decent matches going on last, but I can’t see this being one. Painter is a short-price favourite here, and it’s understandable why – he’s got the experience, his form isn’t too bad, and his opponent shouldn’t be in the same league. I fancy Painter to come though comfortably enough, but Seyler isn’t a complete mug, and is capable of stringing a few legs together and nick a set from Painter, and Painter is prone to switching off should a few of his darts go astray. So, while 3-0 is favourite marginally, I can see Seyler nicking one, especially if he gets to throw first.
Kevin Painter to beat Tomas Seyler 3-1 Best price 5/2.
Recommend: 1 unit.
That’s all for Day Seven of the Premium Picks. Round Two starts tomorrow, and I’ll be back with more tips then.
