World Matchplay Darts: Back ‘The Bullet’ to fire in Blackpool

The tungsten action at the Winter Gardens is hotting up as we reach the second round matches of the World Matchplay in Blackpool.

Darting royalty Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor and Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis are both in action on day five of the tournament but with both Stokies available at 1/4 for victory in their respective matches we are looking at the night’s other matches for our best bets.

Stephen Bunting to beat Gary Anderson @ 6/4

BDO world champions Stephen Bunting got his World Matchplay campaign off to a flying start with a 10-6 victory over World Championship finalist and Premier League showman Peter Wright.

The world no. 5 had no answer to what the Bullet, who was making his Winter Gardens debut, was throwing at him and now he faces Gary Anderson in the next round.

The Flying Scotsman overcame Jamie Caven 10-8 in the opening round but he will have to up his game against the talented Bunting.

The 29-year-old Liverpudlian is already showing his class in the PDC having moved inside the top 50 on the order of merit and is determined to make an impact in Blackpool.

There would be no bigger impact than knocking out Anderson after his victory over Wright and we are backing the Bullet to fire at 6/4.

Paul Nicholson to beat Wes Newton @ 10/11

Nicholson has endured a tough start to the year but his 10-8 opening round victory could be the confidence boost he needs to have a run at the World Matchplay.

Up next for the Aussie is Wes Newton, who enjoys an excellent record against ‘The Asset’.

The Warrior, who overcame Ronnie Baxter 11/9 in a round one thriller, holds an 8-4 winning record over Nicholson but we are not expecting that to play too much of a part in Blackpool.

Nicholson tasted victory the last time the pair clashed back in May and after erasing his defeat of 12 months ago on the Winter Gardens stage Nicholson will be in confident mood and looks in excellent shape to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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