2016 World Matchplay 1st round: Taylor and Barney highlight the night
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | July 17, 2016
2016 World Matchplay
- First round, day three
- Monday, July 18th
- Session from: 19:15 BST
- Winter Gardens, Blackpool
- Live on Sky Sports 2
Taylor kicks off campaign to reclaim crown
On the final day of the 2016 World Matchplay opening round, the likes of 15-time champion Phil Taylor (6/1 title chance with Coral), Raymond van Barneveld and Jelle Klaasen feature.
Read on to view Coral’s preview of the Monday evening session…
Jelle Klaasen v Steve Beaton
Klaasen (2/5 odds-on favourite) kicks off the final first round session, though takes on fellow former BDO world champion Beaton (2/1), who he simply hates to play.
In 19 meetings, 2001 World Matchplay semi-finalist The Bronzed Adonis has triumphed in 13, including four of the last five and usually with ease.
The Cobra, though, won their only Major televised event in last year’s Grand Slam of Darts, so can be backed at 15/2 to edge this tie again 10-8.
Raymond van Barneveld v Brendan Dolan
Barney (1/6) has been handed a tough test up first too, though boasts an 8-4 advantage over upcoming opponent Dolan (4/1).
The mercurial Dutchman is a former finalist here in 2010, and has won both premier event meetings before by a comfortable margin.
Back Van Barneveld, therefore, at 5/4 to be King of the Oche (player to win match, most 180s and highest checkout. If any of the markets are tied, bets will be settled as losers). He is also 6/1 to win 10-4.
Phil Taylor v Robbie Green
Dethroned former king of the Winter Gardens Taylor will be desperate to add a 16th World Matchplay title to his ridiculous trophy cabinet, after missing out on an eighth successive title last year to Michael van Gerwen.
The Power (heavy 1/12 odds-on favourite) takes on Green (7/1) up first in what should be a one-sided match-up too.
Taylor has won both their previous meetings, and so is 2/1 to be King of the Oche – at least one crown he can wear this tournament!
Michael Smith v Simon Whitlock
In arguably the crunch clash of the evening, seventh seed Smith (4/7) will be hoping to extend his slight 5-3 career lead over Whitlock (11/8).
The Wizard could use his World Matchplay wisdom to cause a slight upset here, though, as he’s a two-time semi-finalist in Blackpool.
This battle has the potential to go all the way, so odds of 7/1 say that Smith will win 10-8 and beat Whitlock for the fifth time in succession.
Related
Coral’s top tip: Taylor is a tasty 2/1 to be King of the Oche against Green.
