We’re into the second round at the Winter Gardens, with some intriguing match-ups landing at the World Matchplay Darts. Gerwyn Price and Adrian Lewis were the only two big-ish shocks as the first round came to a close on Monday night, with the favourites still in the draw looking to towards Sunday’s final.
There are some huge pairings in the second round, with the format extending to a race to eleven legs. Let’s take a closer look at the action:
Michael van Gerwen vs Glen Durrant
MVG was far from his best in his opening round missing a plethora of doubles. “Duzza” on the other hand looked in fine form on his debut at the Winter Gardens. This could be a very tense night for the world number 1, and it’s expected that Durrant will push him all the way. Can MVG play that poorly again? No. Back “The Green Machine” to come good, winning this 11-6.
Michael van Gerwen to win -4.5 @ 2.78 (MarathonBet)
Gary Anderson vs Mervyn King
King looked very assured in his first round victory and he will be confident of progressing against the brilliant Scot. Anderson will need to show better form but has the scoring power to hurt King. Back “The Flying Scotsman” to nick this 11-8.
Gary Anderson to win @ 1.33 (MarathonBet)
James Wade vs Mensur Suljovic
Wade will not be upset by the style of Suljovic and his consistency may prove the difference. Suljovic strolled into the second round but didn’t hit huge scores. Back “The Machine” to progress in a tight contest 11-8.
Wade most 180s, highest checkout and win @ 4.00 (MarathonBet)
Michael Smith vs Max Hopp
This could be a close encounter with both players winning well in the previous round. Both kept their composure and looked sharp and this is a pick’em match on current form. If “Bully Boy” can score like we know he can he may just have too much for the German. Back Smith to edge this 11-8.
Over 10.5 180s @ 1.952 (MarathonBet)
Peter Wright vs Simon Whitlock
Wright is on a long winning run at the moment and has expressed his desire to go deep at the Matchplay. Whitlock can beat anyone on his day, but the longer format will suit “Snakebite’s” rhythm, allowing for his dips in form. Both are capable of huge checkouts; back a 170 out in this one.
Over 0.5 170 checkouts @ 8.50 (MarathonBet)
Rob Cross vs Krzysztof Ratajski
Rob Cross wouldn’t have seen too much to worry about from the debutant in his 1st round victory and will fancy a quick nights work. Ratajski has the ability to give the former World Champ problems but will need significant improvement on Sunday Afternoon’s average. Back “Voltage” to progress with relative ease, 11-5.
Rob Cross to win @ 1.33 (MarathonBet)
Stephen Bunting vs Ian White
“The Bullet” came through an epic first round encounter and showed a lot of heart and nerves of steel to set up a clash with Ian White. White on the other hand coasted to an emphatic 10-0 win. This one should be closer than that but White could be a real dark horse for this tournament and if he starts fast he could blow Bunting away. Back “Diamond” to win 11-4.
Ian White to win -2.5 @ 1.92 (MarathonBet)
Daryl Gurney vs Keegan Brown
Gurney’s looking in the mood at the Matchplay and will capitalise on any crumbs Brown leaves on the board. A quick start from “Superchin” is expected, with the Northern Irishman winning by 4 or 5 clear legs.
Daryl Gurney to win @ 1.40 (MarathonBet)
