World Darts Championship Day 12: Afternoon session preview

Recovered from the pre-Christmas scattering of seeds at Alexandra Palace yet? Because today’s action at the World Darts Championships promises to be full of even more thrills and spills.

With both and afternoon and an evening session to look forward to in North London, we can’t wait for the arrows to start flying once again.

Devon Petersen v Steve West

Both of these players will seriously fancy their chances of an extended run after the exits of several big seeds. Devon Petersen is 2/1 to prevail, against 2/5 for world number 23 Steve West.

There’s not a great deal to separate the two. Although we’re inclined to lean towards the latter based on his consistency over Petersen in both the floor tournaments and on the big stage.

Take out the one outlying set in each of their respective second round matches, and the pair are more or less even in terms of averages at Ally Pally too.

West should edge through as a result, with a 4-2 win for Simply at 7/2. Both players have shown decent form in terms of maximums so far, with 12 apiece in round two. Over 11.5 is 8/11.

Dimitri Van den Bergh v Luke Humphries

Dancing Dimitri loves it at the Palace. After blitzing his way to the quarter-finals 12 months ago, the Belgian got this year’s campaign under way with a 104.25 average in a 3-1 win over Jonny Clayton.

What makes that victory all the more impressive is that the 21-year-old averaged under 100 in just a single set. Add in eight 180s and a 50% checkout rate and we reckon he’s a man to be feared.

Luke Humphries has been pretty impressive himself in victories over Adam Hunt and Stephen Bunting. But this is a different kettle of fish and perhaps one step too far for Cool Hand.

Van den Bergh is 2/5 to prevail and 9/4 to do so as King of the Oche. Both players have been mustard on their trebles bed so far. Over 12.5 180s in the match is 4/5.

Michael Smith v John Henderson

This should be a cracker if John Henderson’s first round match against Gabriel Clemens is anything to go by. Big John edged the tie 3-2 with a 95.17 average and 61.9% on his doubles.

That could present a problem for 2/9 shot Michael Smith. Bully Boy has the quality to power through, but if he’s off colour as so many seeds have been this year, he might be in trouble.

Over 5.5 Sets is available at even-money, with Over 12.5 180s at 5/6. Smith should edge the maximum count over the four-set format at 4/11.

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