World Darts Championship: Ladbrokes go big on Phil Taylor
Published:The Ladbrokes World Darts Championship has been dominated by one man since its inception back in 1994 – Phil Taylor.
The Power has won the title an incredible 15 times during that period and always heads into the Alexandra Palace event as a short-odds favourite.
This year though the Ladbrokes odds look rather more enticing, with event sponsors boasting the best price on the Stoke man to claim his 16th title.
Following the draw for the first round, Ladbrokes are offering a standout 9/4 that Taylor is able to end what is, by his standards, a barren run and win his first title since 2010.
However, one person who’s breathing down Taylor’s neck is man of the moment, Michael Van Gerwen, who’s currently positioned as the 4/1 second favourite, having been a 66/1 shot as recently as the end of October.
The firm are also quoting defending champion Adrian Lewis at an industry best price of 14/1 to complete his treble of World titles. Raymond Van Barneveld finds himself chalked up as the joint third favourite with Simon Whitlock at 10/1.
Both Taylor (1/50) and Lewis (1/16) are heavily odds-on to avoid any speed bumps in the first round and to progress to the next stage with ease.
Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “This is one of the most wide open Championship’s in recent years but the one person we’re keen to avoid is the flying Dutchman, Michael Van Gerwen who’s in fantastic form.”
She added: “We’re happy to take on the big guns and that’s why we’re best price about Taylor and Lewis.”
All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date
