Andy Hamilton: Factfile and chances at World Championships
Published:Name: Andy Hamilton (The Hammer)
World Ranking: 8
Best World Championship Performance: Final 2011
Age: 45
Entrance Music: U Can’t Touch This by MC Hammer
Andy Hamilton has come into his own since unexpectedly reaching last years’ Ally Pally finale.
Although he was comprehensively beaten by Adrian Lewis on the day, he surprised both punters and rivals alike throughout the tournament and his tenacious style of play along with a steady hand under pressure mean he’ll be a threat again this time around.
He can be backed at a sizeable 25/1 to go one better and win this years’ World Championship, but must come through a tricky first round tie against James Richardson, who famously beat Raymond van Barneveld in this competition last year.
At 1/12, he’s one of the shortest prices to win his opening match, yet being placed in the same half of the draw as the mighty Phil Taylor is a big setback to his chances.
The Power recently knocked him out of the Players’ Championship at the quarter-final stage to rack up his 28th victory in 29 meetings over his fellow Stoke native.
The Hammer will definitely have his fingers crossed that someone knocks Taylor out before their paths cross but, should he get his wish, he is more than capable of enjoying another long run in this tournament.
