Category: Darts

2017 World PDC Championship: Will Anderson do the Treble

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The biggest event in the darts calendar is almost upon us. The PDC World Championship begins at the Alexandra Pavilion and has a total prize pool of £1.65 million this year. The question is, will anyone stop the two-time reigning champion Gary Anderson from making it a hat-trick of wins? The player in form this year has clearly been the Dutch wizard Michael van Gerwen. The Flying Dutchman has almost been winning tournaments at will and in 2016; very few players have been able to stop him.

Can Anybody Stop Van Gerwen

All of the major bookies have Van Gerwen at odds-on with Paddy Power being 8-11. Despite his massive success this year, that price does seem like poor value. What tends to happen in markets like these is that the price is too low simply based on previous successes and over reaction in the market. The same thing happened with Phil Taylor a few years ago. Taylor lost enough world championships to mean that opposing him at such short odds was a viable strategy.

Michael van Gerwen is by no means a certainty to win this event. He has failed to reach the final of the last two world championships. He did win the world title back in 2014 but has performed poorly by his standards since then. Gary Anderson is second favourite at an interesting 13-2 with BoyleSports. Many people believe that he isn’t in the right form to challenge van Gerwen as he has only picked up one decent title all year outside of retaining the world title in January.

Can Somebody Come Through the Field?

If there is one lesson that we can take from past results in this tournament and it is that outsiders haven’t done too well. It has always been the big established names that have either won it or contested the final. So if you want to pick a winner then staying with the top eight in the world is a sensible policy. Moving away from the big names just seems like wasting money.

Phil Taylor can be backed as high as 11-1 with BoyleSports who also quote the same odds for Peter Wright. Outside of these top four players, the next bunch of players in the betting order are around the 33-1 mark. This is a clear sign that the bookies simply do not rate the rest of the field when it comes to winning the world title.

If you want to find value at the PDC, a one point bet on both Anderson and Van Gerwen will show you a nice profit if Anderson wins and only a small loss should Michael van Gerwen win the event after Christmas. In fact, if you are artful with your staking levels then you will show a profit regardless of which of them wins.

The 2016 Grand Slam of Darts Betting

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

There are several darts tournaments on the calendar that really hit the heights when it comes to excitement. The Grand Slam of Darts is one such tournament. Gone are the days of smoke-filled tournament halls and mediocre players operating at the top end of the sport. The modern darts professional is as committed to their sport as any other leading sportsmen. It is also why the top ten in the world of darts seem to be so far ahead of the rest.

The Grand Slam of Darts takes place between the 12th and 26th November at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall. There is a cool £400,000 in prize money on offer with £100,000 going to the winner. The competition begins with eight groups of four players. The top two in each group reach the last 16, which is then a straight knockout all the way to the final. The early group stages are not going to be dull.

Early Excitement in the Groups

Group E looks very tasty with Gary Anderson facing formidable opposition in Alan Norris and Glen Durrant. The other fascinating line-up is in group G. We see the number six seed James Wade facing James Wilson, Jamie Hughes and Dave Chisnall. In the short race to five legs format then it will be tough to call the winner of that group.

So who will take down the title? As usual, the big names are certain to figure in the final shake up. Michael van Gerwen is the reigning champion. He beat Phil Taylor in an epic final last year 16-13. So it doesn’t come as any surprise that he is the clear favourite again. SkyBet has him at 5/6 which is too short given the strength of the field. Phil Taylor is 13/2 with Coral and better value.

Has “The Power” Peaked

Phil “The Power” Taylor has a record second to none in darts. In fact, it will never be surpassed in all likelihood. With so much powerful competition facing him these days then it is tougher for him to win titles. Gary Anderson has enough big game experience to win this title and he is 7/1 with Stan James. There will be surprises too. The short best of nine format in the group stages will throw up plenty of them.

In fact, the big favourites will be under the greatest pressure early on. Any player that starts with a defeat in the group stages will be under serious pressure. Michael van Gerwen begins his defence against three-time BDO champion Martin “Wolfie” Adams. If Adams can bring his “A” game to the oche then he has the experience to create a shock. The bookies don’t think so, and Bet365 have the Dutchman at 1/9.

The Dublin World Darts Grand Prix 2016

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Dublin World Darts Grand Prix has now become one of the premier events in the darting calendar. The world’s best players are in attendance once again. This year’s event is sponsored by Unibet. Last year’s tournament provided what was for many the greatest upset of the darts year. Can we expect the unexpected again as the World Darts Grand Prix concludes this Saturday, October 8th?

The 2015 World Darts Grand Prix saw little fancied Robert Thornton overcame the odds to defeat the Dutch powerhouse Michael van Gerwen 5-4 in the final. Since this tournament began in 1998, Phil “The Power” Taylor has been dominant. However that is hardly any surprise seeing how he has totally dominated the PDC circuit in that time.

Taylor Owns the Grand Prix

With no fewer than 11 outright wins in the Dublin Grand Prix, Taylor clearly loves this tournament. However that hasn’t cut any ice this year and the four remaining semi-finalists do not include him. The form horse so far this year as we reach the last four has been Michael van Gerwen.

It seems that the rest of the field must match his standard to have any chance. That certainly applies to his semi-final opponent Dave Chisnell. Stan James currently go a best priced 1/7 on a van Gerwen victory…..that’s right and you read it correctly….1/7! So depending on how you see the value, where is your money going?

Taking the Sure Thing

Are you the type that chases apparent “sure things”? Well let last year’s result be a lesson to you because if Robert Thornton could upset Michael van Gerwen in 2015, then Dave Chisnell can certainly repeat the feat this year. The other semi-final sees Gary Anderson showdown against the ever popular Raymond van Barneveld.

As expected, the solid and super steady Anderson starts the clear favourite. Betway and William Hill are as short as 1/2 for an Anderson victory. Barneveld will have huge support and has the big game experience to upset the odds. If you want a slightly better price on van Gerwen than the 1/7 on offer against Chisnell in the semi-final, look to back him to win the tournament?

Who Will Win it?

You can get a much better price of 1/2 for a Michael van Gerwen victory in the outright winner market. Those odds should appeal better to anyone that wants a flutter on the Dutch juggernaut. However there is more than just van Gerwen to consider.

There is enough big game experience in the other three semi-finalists to cause an upset. No one would be shocked to see the popular Scot Gary Anderson go all the way. Boyle Sports are a best priced 7/2 for an outright tournament victory for Anderson. Meanwhile with the same firm you can get an attractive 14/1 on Dave Chisnell winning the trophy.

Come what may, its going to be decided by a few key legs in each match. It will be riveting to watch, but the form of Michael van Gerwen will be hard to beat. It all depends on one thing. Can the Dutchman keep up the pace! If he can, then he will surely be champion. Watch this space folks!

Premier League Darts: Week 15 – Brighton Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Although the play-off positions have all been confirmed heading into this final round of ‘regular’ fixtures for Premier League Darts 2015, there is still the small matter of who will top the table and a tussle between the remaining – admittedly relatively irrelevant – positions.

Michael van Gerwen, Dave Chisnall, Gary Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld are all set to battle it out in the play-offs at The O2 in London next week for the grand title. But there is a notable absentee in Phil Taylor, who will miss out in the Premier League Darts play-offs for the first time in the competitions 11-year history. If nothing else, his absence really shows the progress the profession of darts has made over the past five years or so.

And so, onto the Brighton Centre on the south coast for what will be a slightly disappointing finale to the regular season for spectators – although I’m surely they’ll be suitably entertained regardless.

Phil Taylor v James Wade

In a disappointing end to the tournament for Phil Taylor, he must battle it out with James Wade to avoid slipping even further down the Premier League table.

It’s been a miserable campaign for The Power, who has won just five of his 15 fixtures – and just one of his last seven. Is this really the end for Taylor?

James Wade is well out of form too, and hasn’t won since relegation week – but will there be a silver lining for Taylor?

Verdict: Phil Taylor win – 4/5 at bet365

Adrian Lewis v Gary Anderson

Adrian Lewis recorded an impressive victory over Michael van Gerwen last week to move him up to fifth-place in the table, but, with results going against him later in the evening, it wasn’t enough to keep him in contention for the play-offs.

Gary Anderson has his play-off position assured, meanwhile, but he’ll hope to keep hold of third-place in order to avoid a likely semi-final encounter with MVG in London next week. He can secure his position with a win here or hope that Barney doesn’t better his result.

Verdict: Draw – 19/5 at 888sport

Raymond van Barneveld v Stephen Bunting

Barney’s stunning five-match winning streak came to an unlikely halt last week as James Wade held him to a draw in Newcastle. With Taylor being beaten by Anderson, it turned out to be enough for the Dutchman to claim a play-off position, though.

Facing him is Stephen Bunting who has enjoyed a decent first year in Premier League Darts, although one that won’t see him finish higher than sixth.

Verdict: Raymond van Barneveld win – 10/11 at William Hill

Michael van Gerwen v Dave Chisnall

The night rounds off in style as Mighty Mike faces an unlikely challenger for top position in Dave Chisnall. It’s a case of winner takes all in this encounter – with the victor finishing top of the table – although MVG will stay top with a draw.

Michael van Gerwen has topped the last two Premier League Darts league tables, but can he finish top again with an unlikely challenger in second-place Chisnall hot on his tail?

Verdict: Michael van Gerwen win – 8/13 at Paddy Power

Premier League Darts: Week 14 – Newcastle Preview

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It’s the penultimate week of the Premier League Darts, before the play-off battle gets underway. And it couldn’t be much more exciting, with a resurgent Barney shooting up the table and Phil Taylor desperate to get back into the play-off spots.

After avoiding relegation by the skin of his teeth in week nine, Raymond van Barneveld has won each of his last five to get up to a remarkable third-place. Baring in mind that he has faced the five highest ranked opponents in each of those fixtures only adds to the grandness of the feat he has achieved.

This week’s action comes from the Newcastle Metro Arena, and the four play-off positions could be sealed up if results go a certain way – making this the most crucial round of fixtures to date.

Last week I correctly predicted four of the five results, which earned a healthy Heinz win. Let’s see if we can go one better this week.

Dave Chisnall v Stephen Bunting

A draw with James Wade last week ended Bunting’s hopes of reaching the play-offs in his debut Premier League season, but it has nevertheless been a positive one for the St Helens’ player.

Second-place Chisnall was beaten by Bunting in week six of the competition, and although revenge would be sweet for Chizzy, he is already assured of his place in the play-offs for the first time after beating Adrian Lewis last week.

Verdict: Draw – 7/2 at bet365

Adrian Lewis v Michael van Gerwen

Adrian Lewis needs nothing less than a victory against MVG, while hoping Gary Anderson is beaten by Phil Taylor to stand any chance of reaching the play-offs. Even then, he’d still need to beat Anderson in the final fixture next week, and hope Taylor loses to James Wade. Basically, Adrian Lewis is all-but out of play-off contention.

Michael van Gerwen got back to winning ways last week by beating Phil Taylor 7-4, and a victory here would see him guarantee top spot with a week to spare.

Verdict: Michael van Gerwen to win – 8/13 at Paddy Power

James Wade v Raymond van Barneveld

Barney has risen like the phoenix from the ashes since his play-off scare, and will be very confident of beating eighth-place James Wade who is without a win in six. A win for the Dutchman would assure him of a play-off place.

Verdict: Raymond van Barneveld to win – 11/8 at Stan James

Phil Taylor v Gary Anderson

In the match of the night, Phil Taylor has to beat Gary Anderson if he is to have any chance of making the play-offs this year.

The Power is the only player to have played in all 11 editions of Premier League Darts, and has reached the play-offs every single year. What’s more, Taylor won the league stages of the first eight editions, and has finished in third place for the past two years behind Michael van Gerwen and Barney respectively. While the Premier League Darts competition is without doubt becoming more competitive year-by-year, Taylor failing to even reach the play-offs would be a goliath shock for the sport.

Can Taylor beat Anderson to open the play-off battle right up, or will Anderson secure his own play-off spot?

Verdict: Phil Taylor to win – 11/8 at BetVictor

Premier League Darts: Week 13 – Birmingham Preview

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After dramatic, incredibly mixed week of fortunes in Cardiff, Premier League Darts action heads to the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham, with just three rounds of fixtures remaining.

Gary Anderson started the night with a surprise 7-1 slaughtering by Stephen Bunting, while Michael van Gerwen recorded the first 7-0 victory of the season when he obliterated James Wade – in what was the first to-nil scoreline since MVG beat Phil Taylor on the opening day of Premier League Darts 2014. However, by the end of the night, form was turned on its head as Anderson beat the Dutchman 7-5 in the final match.

In the night’s other fixtures, Barney maintained his return to form by beating Dave Chisnall 7-5, while Phil Taylor could only draw with Adrian Lewis.

Dave Chisnall v Adrian Lewis

It’s a double fixture week for Adrian Lewis, and it really couldn’t come at a more important time. After struggling in the early stages of the season and being on the verge of relegation, he has turned his form around and is now unbeaten in his last four fixtures, putting him on the verge of the play-offs.

However, he faces one of the most in-form players this season in Dave Chisnall, who sits in second place and could all-but secure his place in the play-offs with a victory here.

Verdict: Dave Chisnall to win – 13/8 at bet365

Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Anderson

Three consecutive wins have shown that the reigning champion is definitely back to his best, but he’ll be up against it with Gary Anderson, who ended van Gerwen’s unbeaten run last week.

With Adrian Lewis to face in the last fixture of the night, Barney will force his way into the play-off positions if he wins both the night’s fixtures.

Verdict: Raymond van Barneveld to win – 5/2 at BetVictor

James Wade v Stephen Bunting

Stephen Bunting shocked the Cardiff crowd last week with a 7-1 battering of Gary Anderson and he’ll be eager to keep his play-off hopes alive with a victory over James Wade, who has picked up just one point from his last five matches.

Verdict: Stephen Bunting to win – 13/8 at BetVictor

Michael van Gerwen v Phil Taylor

In the night’s ‘big match’, MVG lines-up against a Phil Taylor that is really struggling for form.

Indeed, The Power has won just one of his last five and is in real threat of falling out of the play-off positions. However, he won’t face a tougher opponent than the young Dutchman who, despite finally losing his unbeaten record last week, remains three points clear at the top of the table.

Verdict: Michael van Gerwen to win – 10/11 at Paddy Power

Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld

Lewis and Barney line-up to make up their fixture deficit on the rest of the table.

Essentially, the winner of this match – subject to their earlier results – will put themselves in pole position for the play-offs with just two rounds of fixtures after Birmingham.

With the way Barney has been performing of late though, it’s hard to look past him.

Verdict: Raymond van Barneveld to win – 13/8 at 888sport

BET OF THE NIGHT: van Barneveld (v Anderson) and Bunting to both win – 8.17/1 at BetVictor