2016 World Grand Prix round 2: Seeds fall like flies but top three remain
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | October 4, 2016
2016 World Grand Prix
- Second round (bottom half)
- Tuesday, October 4th
- Session starts: 19:00 BST
- Citywest Hotel, Dublin
- Live on Sky Sports 1
Old foes Jackpot and Barney tussle
Round 1 of the 2016 World Grand Prix saw a whopping five of the top eight seeds fall for the first time in the tournament’s 18-year history, which further proves the unpredictability of this event as well as the ever-growing strength in depth across darts.
Defending champion Robert Thornton and two-time winner James Wade were sent packing on day 1, while Phil Taylor (11 trophies here), Peter Wright and Michael Smith all exited on day 2, leaving just top three seeds Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Adrian Lewis.
Coral preview the bottom half of the second round draw on Tuesday evening, so read on to find out our picks and top tips…
Terry Jenkins v Benito van De Pas
Not many would’ve predicted that veteran Jenkins could’ve seen off in-form Wade, whose usual assurance of hitting one of double 10 or 20 had him down as a title outsider to lift his third title here.
However, The Bull (6/5 to win) saw him off in style, and will fancy his chances against young-gun Van de Pas (4/6), who saw off Gerwyn Price on a low-quality duel and who he beat most recently this year.
Jenkins, who was a losing finalist here in 2006 and 2007, is an even more tasty 4/1 chance to knock down Big Ben 3-1.
Stephen Bunting v Kim Huybrechts
It will be difficult to separate this duo, who are similar in standard, but, after knocking out defending champion Thornton, Bunting represents better value at even-money.
Huybrechts and the Bullet have two wins apiece against each other, as well as a draw in the Premier League of Darts, suggesting that this match could go all the way. Odds of 6/4 say it’ll go over 4.5 sets.
Gary Anderson v Kyle Anderson
An intriguing all-Anderson duel is on the cards next, though Scotsman Gary (1/6) might not have it all his own way against his Aussie namesake (4/1).
Bring a double world champion and nine-time major winner, it might be a surprise that The Flying Scotsman has only got to the semis here once, suggesting he is not a fan of the double in, double out format.
Having said that, Gary did look very impressive in his first round win over Jamie Caven, averaging 96.92 (the second highest of the tournament so far), but The Original may be able to pull off another shock.
Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld
The big battle of the night sees multiple world champions and former World Grand Prix runner-ups Jackpot (4/6) and Barney (6/5) collide on the Dublin oche.
Van Barneveld may be down in 13th in the PDC rankings these days, but has a 30-20 winning record over Lewis and has beaten him in their last three duels.
The mercurial Dutchman has claimed two of his three World Grand Prix fixtures over Jackpot too, both by one set, so is 4/1 to triumph 3-2.
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