World Cup of Darts 2015: cracking quarter-final clashes await
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A thrilling second round full of shocks, ambitious underdogs and fantastic finishing comes to a close, but Sunday promises a superb finish to the tournament with the 2015 World Cup of Darts quarter-finals, semi-finals and final still to come.
So here, Coral previews the quarter-final clashes and beyond…
Belgium v Australia
Seeded sides Belgium and Australia both come into this clash on the back of emphatic 2-0 victories over Spain and fan favourites Gibraltar respectively, so this should be a close contest.
Belgian half brothers Kim Huybrechts and Ronny Huybrechts boasted an excellent average of 90.90 in the second round and, if they keep up this consistency, victory could be in the offing. They are odds-on with Coral at 4/5 to win the match and 12/1 to take the title, but could see any potential path to the final blocked by England.
Scotland v Hong Kong
This looks set to be a tasty clash, as surprise package Hong Kong have already proven to be a giant killer, shockingly knocking out seeded Wales and the Republic of Ireland in the previous two rounds.
Scott MacKenzie’s mercurial talent took the Asian nation through in a doubles decider against the Irish, but it is the ice-cold composure of Royden Lam that may trouble the Scots the most.
However, in-form world champion and Premier League holder Gary Anderson, and a rampant and revived Peter Wright, should still be too strong, with the latter’s swagger in the second round seeing him whitewash Hungarian opponent Gabor Tackacs, snagging three maximums along the way for good measure.
The Scots are 11/4 to win the World Cup but, should they reach the semis, could face a stumbling block in the Netherlands.
England v Germany
This looks set to be a sporting classic, as home nation Germany take on old foes England. The hosts are 33/1 outsiders to lift the title but must find a way past their rivals first. Young star Max Hopp was magnificent in a gripping second round game against Austria’s Mensur Suljovic, but the English duo’s experience should shine through.
England’s second round opponents Japan, meanwhile, only managed one leg on the board against Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis, although ‘The Power’, who roused the Frankfurt crowd into continuous song, subjected Haruki Muramatsu to a masterclass and a whitewashing. Back this prolific pair at 13/8 to grab their trophy back from the clutches of the Dutch.
Northern Ireland v The Netherlands
Michael van Gerwen made the Oche his own once more as he thrashed Graham Filby 4-0 with a flawless whitewash, as the Netherlands soundly beat South Africa 2-0 on the night, with Raymond van Barneveld also defeating dancing Devon Petersen.
Now the dangerous Dutch duo will duel against Northern Ireland, who pushed past New Zealand with ease to secure their quarter-final place. The smart money will certainly be on the combination of precise Barney and powerful Mighty Mike, however, and the formidable pairing could well be headed for a semi-final showdown against Scotland, with England looking a likely opponent in the final. Back them at an excellent 11/8 to retain their title in style.
Betting tip: the Netherlands @ 11/8 to win the World Cup of Darts 2015
