World Cup of Darts: Netherlands set for second successive triumph
Published:
The Darts action continues thick and fast over the coming few days with the World Cup from Frankfurt.
Over 25,000 fans will pack out the Eissporthalle as the Netherlands bid to retain the trophy they won 12 months ago.
With competition from as far afield as Thailand, New Zealand and Hong Kong, it should be another rip-roaring five days of oche action…
The favourites
The Netherlands (even-money) are going for their third win in this event and their second on the spin after seeing off Wales in last year’s final.
Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld will pair up for the sixth year in a row as they bid for a third combined success. It’s a tried and tested partnership which should go well again this time around.
Scottish duo Peter Wright and Gary Anderson are considered their most likely challengers at 5/2. Both players performed well in the German Darts Masters last week and will fancy their chances in what looks like the kinder side of the draw.
England’s hopes
For the first time since the PDC World Cup of Darts was introduced in 2010, England will not be represented by Phil Taylor.
The Power retired earlier this year, leaving Rob Cross and Dave Chisnall to take up the mantle for the Three Lions.
Unfortunately for England fans, neither player is in particularly good form. Cross has looked out of sorts following reports of a muscle injury prior to Premier League Finals Night earlier this month.
Alongside Chisnall, who has not made it past the last-16 of a major in his last eight attempts, the four-time winners could find it tough at 5/1.
Best of the rest
Australia (16/1), Wales (20/1), Austria (25/1) and Northern Ireland (25/1) are considered the next most likely challengers by our traders.
It’s the latter of that trio that takes our interest. Daryl Gurney will lead their charge alongside veteran arrowsmith Brendan Dolan.
Belgium (33/1) will do battle with German Darts Masters finalist Dimitri Van den Bergh and the dangerous Kim Huybrechts.
Last year’s beaten quarter-finalists Germany (50/1) and Singapore (300/1) will both be eyeing another extended run.
Click here for our latest World Cup of Darts odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
