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PDC World Matchplay 2013 Day Six Premium Picks.
The final four matches of the second round and, lo and behold, we copped a 32/1 four-timer thanks in no small part to a great fight back from Dave Chisnall. Chisnall’s huge win over Jamie Caven was the highlight of a great night of darts. We also saw Peter Wright outscore Michael van Gerwen on the 180s, but losing out 10-3. We also saw comfortable wins for Andy Hamilton and Adrian Lewis. Hamilton easily got over the handicap line for us, and Lewis didn’t do much damage on the 180s, so it was the perfect night. It was a long time coming this week, but we landed it.
Phil Taylor (1) Vs Justin Pipe (9).
I don’t think there was a lot of people predicting this quarter-final. I think Pipe’s form coming into the World Matchplay might have suggested he’d be making an early exit, or at least not getting past Raymond van Barneveld. Sure, I think we all thought Taylor would be here, but it was the man from the Potteries that has had a harder time of it that Pipe.
To be fair to Taylor, it’s not like he struggled against Terry Jenkins, it’s just that Jenkins played an unbelievable game of darts, and both men would have been deserving winners. But Taylor had enough in his locker at the end, which is why he’s the greatest player the game has seen. Taylor hit a 102.64 average in the second round, taking his tournament average to 102.91, which is hard for anyone to beat. 10 maximums and a highest checkout of 161 also show just how well The Power is playing. However, Pipe’s game is a different matter – it’s hard to know how someone playing so slowly will affect the rhythm of a player’s game, and it’s the one concern Taylor backers might have.
Justin Pipe, as I mentioned, had been struggling for form this year, and it’s quite pleasing to see him playing so well this week. He knocked out Raymond van Barneveld with a 91.88 average. Barney averaged under 90 in that match, though, and it was clear Pipe’s style frustrated him. Pipe’s average dropped almost 8 points from the first round, and he’s going to have to find those 8 points and a couple more to be a bit of a threat. Pipe’s performances this week have centred around his maximum scoring, and he’s fired in 13 over the course of 36 legs. So he’s looking at one every 3 legs or so, which isn’t bad at all. He’s also got the highest checkout of the week – an impressive 170 against Barney, so his game does seem to be clicking, but he showed a few lapses against Barney to cause some concern.
I think it’s safe to say Taylor looks a good thing here. Pipe put in a great performance against Barney, but his average dropped big time. He’s prone to a few lapses through the game, and Taylor will punish that. I also think Taylor’s 180 scoring against Terry Jenkins was impressive – he battered in several in the first few legs, and it’s always a positive sign. He’s the outsider on the Most 180s market, and it’s worth a dabble considering just how prolific he can be. It’s also worth noting that Taylor’s highest checkout is 161 and Pipe has a 170 to his name, so the overs line on the highest checkout is worth a play here, too.
Phil Taylor to score most 180s Vs Justin Pipe: Best price 5/4
Recommend: 2 units.
Highest checkout in Taylor Vs Pipe match over 136.5: Best price 5/6
Recommend: 1.5 units.
James Wade (4) Vs Simon Whitlock (5).
A real battle of the big guns, and a match that we’re all familiar with. It’s definitely going to be a classic, and I’m looking forward to it.
James Wade has done all that’s been asked of him this week. He edged past John Part, and came back from well behind against Gary Anderson. While I don’t think either match was vintage Wade, he showed a hell of a lot of determination, especially against Anderson when his head could have just gone right down, as has been the case in the past. He’s averaging aroud the mid-90s, which isn’t bad, but if he’s to win this, he’ll need to find at least another 5 points to trouble Taylor or Van Gerwen. Still, an average of 96.79, with 10 180s and a highest checkout of 110 is good enough and puts him on part with the remaining players with the exception of the two market leaders.
Much like Wade, Whitlock has done all that’s been asked of him. He wasn’t spectacular in either of his first two matches, but he was good enough, and, like Wade, he was pushed hard by his two opponents, Jelle Klaasen and Kevin Painter. If he’s able to up his game a few points, he’s got every chance of winning this. His tournament average of 94.81 is only 2 points below Wade, he has 9 180s and has a highest checkout of 96, so his stats more or less reflect those of Wade.
This battle between the two big guns is going to be a close affair. I can’t pick between them on the form they’ve both shown over their two matches so far, and the stats also back this up – they’re almost identical. The commentary team on Sky Sports seem to be impressed by Wade, but he’s not done anything out of the ordinary, and I think Whitlock is going to give him a good test. I think we’re going to get a lot of legs, and I think both men are going to be pushing each other to get the best from each other, so I think a big checkout is on the cards, as both men will know they need it; 25+ legs, so there’s a great chance for these top class players to put in a big checkout.
Highest checkout in Wade Vs Whitlock match over 136.5: Best price 5/6
Recommend: 1.5 units.
Over 27.5 legs in Wade Vs Whitlock match: Best price 5/6
Recommend: 2.5 units.
And that’s all the Premium Picks for Day Six of the 2013 World Matchplay. We’ve got 5 matches left, so let’s keep that winning run going.
