2016 World Grand Prix round 2: Northern Irish contingent to shine in Dublin

Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | October 5, 2016

2016 World Grand Prix

English stars in danger of all exiting

Another seed fell after Tuesday night’s action, as Adrian Lewis was demolished by a determined and rampant Raymond van Barneveld, to leave just Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson – the former of which stars tonight.

But it will be Northern Irish duo Brendan Dolan and Daryl Gurney that the crowd will cheer most as they aim to join Barney, Benito van de Pas, Kim Huybrechts and Anderson in the quarters.

MvG is the sole seed left in the top half of the draw, and he takes on England’s James Wilson, while Alan Norris and Simon Whitlock duel too.

English players are in serious danger of all exiting before the final eight, with just Dave Chisnall being favourite of the Wednesday matches to progress, but he’ll find live tough against former finalist Dolan.

Read on for Coral’s 2016 World Grand Prix round 2 preview of the remaining stars…

Alan Norris v Simon Whitlock

Whitlock is a tasty price to edge Norris.

This will be a first meeting between two former BDO World Championship runner-ups, but Coral have made established PDC player Whitlock the slight 4/5 odds-on favourite.

The Wizard looked more impressive in the first round to edge Joe Cullen, while Alan Norris (even-money chance) was lucky to have taken on an out-of-form Michael Smith.

These top competitors could go the distance, so odds of 7/5 say the match will go over 4.5 sets, or a more enticing 7/2 price has Whitlock to beat Chuck 3-2.

Brendan Dolan v Dave Chisnall

Dolan can give the Irish crowd something to cheer about by upsetting Chisnall.

Chizzy may be the heavy 1/4 to beat Dolan (3/1) for a fifth time in succession, but he’ll know the Northern Irishman gained his History Maker nickname at this event after being the first man to hit a World Grand Prix nine-darter.

Dolan also reached the final that year in 2011, and again this tie could go all the way against fellow former runner-up here Chinsall. The home hope is 7/1 to win 3-2.

If you fancy there to be another perfect leg, then take odds of 33/1.

Steve West v Daryl Gurney

Gurney is expected to defeat Taylor’s conqueror West.

Dolan’s compatriot Gurney follows next onto the oche, and he is far more fancied at 8/13 to progress, despite being extremely lucky to beat Mensur Suljovic and facing Phil Taylor’s conqueror Steve West (13/10).

SuperChin is 3/1 both to be King of the Oche (player to win match, get most 180s and highest checkout – if any of the markets are tied, bets will be settled as losers) as to triumph 3-1.

Michael van Gerwen v James Wilson

Van Gerwen is just one of two two seeds left, but should have no trouble beating Wilson.

MvG (1/16) of course rounds off the evening, and it is unlikely he’ll exit the expense of James Wilson (8/1), who he’s beaten in all three meetings which all came this year.

Odds-on 4/7 title favourite Mighty Mike is 8/11 to win 3-0, but if you fancy in-form Yorkshireman Jammie Dodger to take a set then odds of 5/2 say he’ll lose 3-1.

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