Painter the underdog to side with in next World Grand Prix matches
Published:Phil Taylor is amongst those in action at the World Darts Grand Prix, with ‘The Power’ 1/7 to overcome Robert Thornton in their last 16 clash.
Taylor’s progression would appear academic, particularly if he can repeat the dominant display he turned in when besting Michael Smith 2-0 to reach this stage.
In contrast, it took 4/1 Thornton three sets to overcome Mark Walsh, and the sheer calibre of Taylor should be too much for the Scot to handle here.
The first scheduled match of the night looks more difficult to call, as Brendan Dolan enjoys 8/11 favouritism over Vincent van der Voort.
Northern Irishman Dolan conquered former world champion Gary Anderson in straight sets en route to this tie, and thus will hold no fears against his Dutch opponent.
Dolan’s impressive year also includes a European championship semi-final run, but in Van der Voort he faces opposition vastly more experienced in Professional Darts Cooperation (PDC) events.
With that in mind, some could be tempted by the 1/1 price regarding ‘the fastest player in the world’ in the opening encounter.
It is the following fixture where the best value of the night looks to be found however, as Kevin Painter prepares to entertain Justin Pipe, as a 6/5 hope to progress.
Pipe’s 2-1 triumph over Simon Whitlock last time out was undoubtedly impressive, but at 8/13 he looks far too short to advance to what would be only his second PDC quarter-final.
Therefore Painter, who has reached the last eight of this competition four times before, and disposed of the impressive Kim Huybrechts 2-0 to reach this stage, looks well over-priced.
And the popular Dave Chisnall will hope to round off the night by justifying 8/13 favouritism to beat Mervyn King.
Chisnall survived a scare to eventually best Dean Winstanley 2-1 to book his last 16 berth, and has vowed to improve when taking to the oche again.
After a run to the UK Open semi-final earlier in the year, he should have enough to get past 6/5 shot King, who has failed to reach a tournament quarter-final in three years.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
