World Darts Championship: no problems for Barney in first match
Published:Raymond van Barnelved’s victory in the 2007 World Darts Championship saw him take part in what is widely considered one of the the greatest finals in the history of darts.
He beat Phil Taylor – who has already won his first round match against Japanese qualifier Haruki Muramatsu – in a deciding set to claim the title in the most dramatic fashion.
He has failed to live up to those heights since then though and has yet to add a second title to that triumph.
He should have no trouble in his opening game in this year’s tournament though…
Brendan Dolan to beat Kim Huybrechts @ 4/5
This has all the makings of an extremely close encounter but it’s Dolan who heads into the game as the narrow favourite at 4/5.
Huybrechts is making his debut in the tournament and the experienced Northern Irishman – who has made the last 32 in each of the previous two years – looks good for the win.
Connie Finnan to beat Warren French @ 4/9
Finnan is the big 4/9 favourite heading into this game and things look set to go to plan.
Finnan has a very handy qualifying record and should have more than enough to see off the New Zealander.
Mark Dudbridge to beat Dave Chisnall @ 1/3
Chisnall was runner-up in the 2010 BDO World Darts Championship and made it to the last 32 at Ally Pally last year.
He’s been in decent form this season but will struggle to progress in this clash.
Dudbridge was runner-up in the tournament back in 2005 and there should be no upsets in this encounter.
Raymond van Barneveld to beat James Richardson @ 1/12
Former champion Raymond van Barneveld starts his campaign against James Richardson this Sunday
Debutant James Richardson faces the unenviable task of taking on former champion Raymond van Barneveld in the final match of the night.
The 1/12 odds on a win for Van Barneveld are hardly enticing so backing a 3-0 whitewash at 6/5 looks the way forward.
