Tag: darts odds

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!