World Darts Championship Day 10: Barneveld, Taylor and Cross feature
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There are six scintillating second round matches to enjoy on day ten at the PDC World Darts Championship, as the Alexandra Palace prepares for a three-day Christmas break.
Today’s double session sees the highly-fancied trio of Rob Cross, Daryl Gurney and Phil Taylor all take to the stage once again.
Raymond van Barneveld, Michael Smith and Keegan Brown – conqueror of James Wade in the first round – are also in action.
We’ve previewed all of the day’s action and found the best bets on day 10 at the darts…
Keegan Brown v Zoran Lerchbacher (13:15)
Brown should build on his opening win against Wade and justify favouritism at 8/13 against Zoran Lerchbacher.
The 2014 PDC World Youth Champion showed glimpses of his potential in that match, clocking four 180s and chalking up an impressive 124 finish.
Against Lerchbacher, who shocked Mervyn King earlier this week, Brown has the quality to power through to a 4-2 win at 4/1.
He’s a tasty 2/1 to be King of the Oche.
Michael Smith v Rob Cross (14:30)
Two of the game’s brightest young stars face off in the second game of the day.
‘Voltage’ showed his class in his World Championship bow, recording a 104.12 average and hitting six 180s.
After reaching the latter stages of the last four PDC majors, we think he’ll edge a tight encounter with the talented by inconsistent Smith.
Cross is 11/4 to be King of the Oche, while it’s 10/3 that he gains safe passage through with a 4-2 win.
Steve West v Jermaine Wattimena (15:45)
Steve West and Jermaine Wattimena both upset the odds to dump out fancied seeds in the first round.
This game will likely be down to which player can remain the more consistent.
‘Simply’ should get the job done at 8/11, but it won’t be easy against the sporadic Dutchman.
It’s 4/1 for West to win 4-3 in what we think could be a slow-burning thriller.
Daryl Gurney v John Henderson (19:15)
The evening session begins with what looks like a humdinger between Gurney and John Henderson.
Big John has taken a number of equally big scalps in recent times but should find the Northern-Irishman too hot to handle at 1/6.
Gurney has been in excellent form in 2017 and possesses the scoring power, finishing prowess and overall quality to dispose of the Highlander in quick fashion.
We go 12/5 about a 4-1 victory for the Ulsterman, while it’s 6/4 that Gurney – who almost hit a nine-darter in his opener against Ronny Huybrechts – bags a 180 in the first leg of the match.
Phil Taylor v Justin Pipe (20:30)
After coming through ‘cough-gate’ against Bernie Smith, Justin Pipe’s luck will likely run out against 1/12 shot Taylor in his final ever World Championship.
The Power will need to sharpen up on his doubles to guarantee victory, but that shouldn’t be a problem for the 16-time Champion who loves it on the Ally Pally stage.
Pipe is still a dangerous player, though, and looks value at 9/2 to take two sets off the Staffordshire arrowsmith.
Raymond van Barneveld v Kyle Anderson (21:45)
Raymond van Barneveld and Kyle Anderson have enjoyed some excellent contests already in 2017.
And we’re expecting this evening’s match to produce more great darts.
Barney beat the Australian 2-0 in the World Grand Prix and should advance through again at 4/9.
However, Anderson provides plenty of value at 7/4.
Both are excellent players who should pepper the treble bed in what looks set to be a pulsating encounter.
We like the look of the Dutchman to edge the contest 4-2 at 7/2, with a first leg 180 from either player providing value at even-money.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
