Whitewash record makes Anderson right final favourite v Lewis
Published:
Since the home of the PDC World Darts Championship moved from the Circus Tavern in Purfleet to Alexandra Palace in London in 2008, there have been two examples of players whitewashing their opponent in the semi-finals.
Phil Taylor averaged 106 on his way to dismantling Mark Webster in 2010 for the loss of only four legs in the match. Taylor then went on to defeat Simon Whitlock 7-3 in the final.
Then in 2014, Michael van Gerwen averaged over 103 when beating defending champion Adrian Lewis 6-0 in the semi-finals. The Dutchman lifted a first title by seeing off Peter Wright 7-4 in the final.
This all bodes well for Gary Anderson defending the title that he won by beating Taylor 7-6 in last year’s final when he looks for revenge against Adrian Lewis.
These two squared off in the 2011 final at Alexandra Palace with Lewis claiming a maiden title thanks to a 7-5 success. He is the underdog this time at 7/4 to repeat his victory over Anderson from five years ago.
There is little between the pair on tournament averages, with Anderson averaging 101.46 en route to the final. Lewis is marginally worse at 101.06.
However, Lewis has lost 16 more legs in reaching this stage and three more sets. Despite playing 22 fewer legs throughout the tournament, Anderson has still thrown more 100+ scores.
Where else Anderson is heavily favoured is in terms of semi-final performance, with the Scot beating Jelle Klaasen 6-0. Lewis had to dig deep to thwart a Raymond van Barneveld comeback, before eventually getting across the line 6-3.
Based on the final performances of Taylor and Van Gerwen previously, Anderson is a worthy favourite here after his semi-final whitewash. He is 4/9 to beat Jackpot.
It is 28/1 that Anderson whitewashes Lewis in the final and 5/1 that there is another nine-dart finish. Anderson achieved this against Klaasen in the semis and was a double 12 away from registering another against James Wade in the quarter-finals.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.
