World Series of Darts Finals first round: The Wizard, Chizzy star
Published:
Holly Thackeray | November 20, 2015
First round: Chisnall, Thornton and Whitlock take to Glasgow oche
- World Series of Darts Finals
- Saturday, November 20th
- First round begins: 13:00-16:30 GMT
- Braehead Arena, Glasgow
- Live on ITV 4
Glasgow hosts first-ever World Series of Darts Finals
Taking to the Braehead Arena oche for the opening encounters are big names such as Dave Chisnall, Terry Jenkins, Robert Thornton and Simon Whitlock, with superstars Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and co set to join the victors in the second round later on Saturday evening.
After the Grand Slam, all eyes are now on Glasgow for the @Unibet 2015 World Series of Darts. Reminder of the draw: pic.twitter.com/hz1i7XojOv
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 16, 2015
Can Mighty Mike taste glory again, or will one of home hopes Gary Anderson and Peter Wright lift silverware on Scottish soil? First, before the big-guns arrive, it’s back to first round business…
Simon Whitlock v Rowby-John Rodriguez
Though widely adored Whitlock still has plenty of cards up his sleeve, it may prove much more profitable to opt for Austrian upstart Rowby-John Rodriguez at 11/8 instead. Little John continues to cut his teeth against the big-guns but has had success in scuffles with The Wizard before, winning both of their previous head-to-heads by 6-3 and 6-1 margins.
Benito van de Pas v Jamie Lewis
Big Ben also holds the edge having won two of three previous encounters with Welshman Lewis, and customers can potentially find value in a repeat of the 6-3 scoreline that occurred in Van de Pas’ favour back in October at the PDPA Player’s Championship in Coventry. Should your allegiances instead align with Rasta, the 24-year-old is rated evens to progress.
Max Hopp v Dimitri van den Bergh
The 19-year-old German dartsman has already taken part in a World Cup of Darts, as well as PDC majors such as the World Championship and European Championship, so does look good value to capitalise on the cool and composure he has shown previously in televised tussles.
Michael Smith v Mark Webster
It took the power of Mighty Mike to unravel this talented 25-year-old and, though Webster also enjoyed a successful quarter-final finish, Smith’s superb outings make him a justified 4/7 favourite. Bully Boy won the last battle between the two, and can therefore be backed at much more enticing price of 5/1 to be victorious by a 6-3 scoreline again, or at 11/4 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).
Keegan Brown v Ian White
Despite this promise, darting stalwart Diamond has a perfect record against Brown, having beaten him four times in a row, with the last an emphatic whitewash, so is not unreasonably rated as 8/15 to reach the second round, where Jackpot awaits.
Kyle Anderson v Dave Chisnall
The Original has flattered to deceive recently, so English oche star Chisnall should have too much for his opponent, who is an outsider at 21/10 to triumph. Chizzy has a habit of burning brightly early on in competitions, so could clock up some fine finishes, after dazzling crowds with a nine-darter in the recent Grand Slam of Darts. With that in mind, back the St Helens hitman at 9/4 to be King of the Oche in this clash.
Devon Petersen v Robert Thornton
Having downed Mighty Mike to lift the World Grand Prix, the prospect of a re-match already is mouthwatering, and Thornton is unlikely to let that chance slip. The Spartan has a slim 2/1 shot to spoil that reunion, as The Thorn is yet to reach the level of his Grand Prix performances since.
Terry Jenkins v Chris Dobey
Relevant
There’s much more to read about this riveting winter of darts in our archive
