World Darts Championship Day 11: Van Gerwen & Barneveld ready to rout
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After a three day break for Christmas, the darting action resumes later today with matches from round two and round three on day 11 of the PDC World Darts Championship.
Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld could set up a quarter-final meeting if they can overcome Vincent van der Voort and Gerwyn Price respectively.
Meanwhile, Peter Wright takes on Jamie Lewis in the last of the matches from round two.
We look ahead to all tonight’s action below…
Simon Whitlock v Darren Webster (12:45)
When these two met at the same stage last year Webster destroyed his opponent with a dominant 4-0 win.
We’re expecting this year’s match to be a little tighter.
However, the Norfolk-thrower still offers plenty of value at 13/10 against 8/13 for Whitlock.
Webster has beaten the Australian twice on this stage in the past four years and can edge through again with a 4-2 win at 4/1.
Alan Norris v James Richardson (14:00)
Alan Norris has reached the latter stages of two PDC majors this season and offers tremendous value at 4/7 to see off James Richardson.
‘Ruthless’ saw off Kim Huybrechts in the first round but has faltered before after dumping out a seed in the opener.
On that basis – and given the Norris’ own excellent form this year – we think the Yeovil-born thrower is well-priced to clean up with a 4-1 win at 4/1.
Over the extended format, ‘Chuck’ should also be more consistent in the treble bed, which makes his even-money price about hitting the most 180s well worth a flutter.
Kevin Munch v Antonio Alcinas (15:15)
Both of these players conquered seeds in the first round, but it’s Kevin Munch who makes the most appeal in this one at 10/11.
The German ace showcased an incredible display of power scoring and big finishing to see off two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis in the last round.
Against Alcinas – who showed signs of weakness against Cristo Reyes – it’s Munch who gets the nod.
It’s 9/2 for the 29-year-old to edge the contest 4-3, although we like the 11/2 about the confident Bavarian brushing the Spaniard aside with a 4-1 victory.
Peter Wright v Jamie Lewis (19:15)
The evening session begins with the conclusion of the second round as Wright takes on Jamie Lewis.
Although the Scotsman should justify favouritism at 1/10, it could be a closer contest than a lot of people think.
Lewis is a good young player and is more than capable of taking sets off the number two in the rankings.
He recorded an impressive 99.02 checkout against countryman Jonny Clayton in his opener and, providing he’s not overawed by the opponent, looks good value to nab a set or two from Wright.
Vincent van der Voort v Raymond van Barneveld (20:30)
Two Dutchman who averaged 100+ will meet up in the second game of the evening in what looks to be an absolute cracker.
Van der Voort has returned to form in fantastic fashion and is yet to drop a set in this year’s World Championship.
Barneveld, though, will provide an altogether tougher test and is 1/3 for the win.
Barney has chalked up a pair of 102 averages alongside a total of 10 180s so far.
This should be a tight match, but we’re backing Barney to prevail 4-2 against his fellow-countryman at 7/2.
With two power-scorers at the oche, both players to hit a 180 in the first leg also makes appeal at 9/1.
Michael van Gerwen v Gerwyn Price (21:45)
After MVG’s blitz of James Wilson in the last round, it’s hard to see Price threatening the Dutchman here.
Van Gerwen allowed Wilson just four darts at double in that match, three of which were for the bull.
He routed ‘Lethal Biscuit’ 4-0 and looks well placed for an 11th straight win over Price this evening.
The number one in the world is just 5/6 for a 4-0 whitewash of the Welshman, with 4-1 offering slightly better value at 12/5.
It’s 11/4 for the tournament favourite to hit 8+ 180s, checkout 131+ and win the match.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
