Premier League Darts Judgement Night: Thornton, Chizzy, Smith in the docks

Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | March 30, 2016

Premier League Darts 2016

Thornton, Chisnall and Smith battle for survival

It’s Night Nine of the 2016 Premier League Darts, and that means Judgement Night with three players in question this year as two of Robert Thornton, Dave Chisnall and Michael Smith will exit at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena.

However, they face respective opponents Adrian Lewis and play-off occupants Peter Wright and Phil Taylor.

Meanwhile, sandwiching those crucial encounters together are battles featuring James Wade against Gary Anderson, while there is an all-Dutch duel between Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen to cap off the evening.

James Wade v Gary Anderson

It looks very bleak for Wade (10/3 for victory with Coral) in this match with defending champion Anderson (4/7), being without a win against the Scot in their last 10 meetings – the previous five of which were all losses.

His only glimmer of hope of gaining a point and stay in touch with the top four (7/4 shout to finish in the play-offs) is that he goes back and watches how he drew with The Flying Scotsman in this competition last year on Night 10. A share of the spoils again is 4/1.

Each of the last four wins for Anderson against The Machine have all been big, however, so back him at 9/2 for a convincing 7-3 result this time around.

Michael Smith v Phil Taylor

Smith’s only chance of surviving elimination in his debut Premier League campaign is he wins, or gains a draw and hopes Thornton gets thrashed by more than four legs.

Unfortunately for the boy wonder (5/1 match chance), he goes up against all-time great Taylor (4/11) who is back to his best and joint-top of the league.

The Power never shows mercy, and he is 6/1 to defeat Bully Boy 7-4.

Dave Chisnall v Peter Wright

This duo are in their own mini league in terms of ability, just under the likes of Van Gerwen, Taylor, Anderson and perhaps Lewis too, as they are darts’ current nearly having lost in multiple major finals.

While Chizzy boasts a 9-5 winning record over Snakebite, he is the 2/1 outsider for victory due to being five points below the Scot (10/11) in the league table. A draw at 7/2 may be the best result.

Robert Thornton v Adrian Lewis

The Thorn shocked everyone last week by finally showing up in the 2016 Premier League as he defeated elimination rival rival Smith before drawing with world number one Van Gerwen.

Now, though, the question is can he do it again by beating Lewis too? Thornton has the advantage of playing after Smith and Chisnall, so even a loss could mean he’s safe.

Jackpot is the 4/7 favourite, The Thorn is a tempting 10/3 while a draw is 4/1. The Scotsman is 5/4 to finish in the bottom two, however.

Raymond van Barneveld v Michael van Gerwen

If anyone can beat Van Gerwen, it’s his fellow Dutchman and still the most successful darts payer form the Netherlands Van Barneveld.

No one expected Barney (13/2) to knock Mighty Mike (1/4) out of the 2016 PDC World Darts Championship, but he did and also won three of their duels last year too.

Van Gerwen has been somewhat inconsistent this PL campaign too, having lost once and drawn two others, despite still being top on leg difference. A draw is on the cards at 6/1.

Related

For more Premier League action check out our specialist darts section.

Coral’s top tip: Back Anderson at 9/2 to beat Wade 7-3.