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PDC World Grand Prix 2013 Day Four Premium Picks.
The first lot of matches from the second round of the World Grand Prix wasn’t full of surprises, but it was a night of great games. We started with Connie Finnan pushing James Wade all the way. He was great value at 9/2, and almost started us off with a nice lift. But class prevailed, and The Machine got through to the quarter-finals. Wes Newton and Gary Anderson were involved in a classic see-saw battle. Anderson had looked good for a 3-1, but Newton fought back, and Anderson had to dig deep to get the 3-2 win. I was a bit disappointed with Anderson at times, but Newton proved he is a class act, no matter what I tend to think about him. Then we had Phil Taylor pushed hard by a resurgent Paul Nicholson. I don’t think the 3-1 scoreline does Nicholson justice, as he put in a great effort against Taylor, and just failed to take his chances at the key moments. Still, the 180 scoring went to plan, with Nicholson winning that duel. And finally we had Simon Whitlock beating Ronnie Baxter in what seemed a comfortable win. But Baxter capitulated at the wrong times, and Whitlock didn’t deserve such a flattering scoreline. That being said, he took his chances and eventually eased through. But the Aussie has to up his game in the next round.
Tonight, it’s four short-priced favourites, with Adrian Lewis taking on Justin Pipe, then Dave Chisnall faces Wayne Jones. After that, it’s the all-Dutch affair between Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld, before Andy Hamilton and Kevin Painter round off the night.
Adrian Lewis (3) Vs Justin Pipe.
It was a good start for Adrian Lewis against Brendan Dolan and a hostile crowd. He put in a great average, and looked like a man in rich form. Justin Pipe, on the other hand, looked like his usual grinding self, although he was never troubled one he got on a roll against Andy Smith. The key to this will be if Pipe’s pace troubles the fast-playing Lewis. If Lewis starts to get frustrated, Pipe might be able to grind him down, and I like the value of the Taunton ace against Jackpot, simply because Pipe’s game can frustrate a player like Lewis, especially if Lewis starts to have double trouble.
Justin Pipe to beat Adrian Lewis: Best price 11/4.
Recommend: 2 units.
Dave Chisnall (7) Vs Wayne Jones.
A solid performance from both Dave Chisnall and Wayne Jones in the first round. I would never have seen Jones’ win over Mervyn King coming, but he did what he needed to do. However, Chisnall looked in good night, and was around 50% on his starting doubles, but only around 35% on his finishing doubles. If he can get his finishing up to around 45%, I can’t see Jones keeping up, simply because Jones struggled to check-in, and a player like Chisnall only needs a small opening to pull 200 points or more clear. I see it 3-0 or 3-1 for Chizzy.
Under 16.5 legs in Dave Chisnall Vs Wayne Jones match Best price 5/6.
Recommend: 2 units.
Michael van Gerwen Vs Raymond van Barneveld
It’s another Master Vs Apprentice battle, which is what we usually call Phil Taylor against Adrian Lewis. However, this is the Dutch version. Michael van Gerwen looked in imperious form against John Part, with an average of over 104. And Barney wasn’t too bad, either, with a 91 average. But there’s no denying that a 13 point deficit on the averages is a huge thing to overcome. I don’t think Barney can do it if they both play to roughly the same as the first round. However, they both played the same amount of legs in the first round, and MVG only put in 1 maximum, while Barney hit 3. We all know Barney can be prolific on the treble 20s when in the zone, and we also know MVG likes to fire in the 177s and the 174s as soon as the lie looks bad on the treble 20 – it’s what’s really brought his game up to the next level.
Raymond van Barneveld to score more 180s than Michael van Gerwen: Best price 7/4.
Recommend: 2 units.
Andy Hamilton (6) Vs Kevin Painter.
I thought Andy Hamilton was perhaps the most impressive winner in the first round. Now because of the averages, but simply because he didn’t miss a dart on a closing double, and only missed 3 to check-in. It’s stats like that which get a player far in the World Grans Prix. Couple that with his scoring and Hamilton is looking dangerous. On the other hand, Kevin Painter looked average against a really shocking Richie Burnett. Painter doubled well, yet only averaged around the 83 mark, while Hamilton hit 91.65. If Painter doesn’t double as well as he did on Tuesday, he’s going to struggle, and I think that’s what’s going to happen. Only one winner here, and I think he’s going to do it comfortably.
Andy Hamilton -1.5 sets to beat Kevin Painter: Best price Evens
Recommend: 3 units.
