2017 PDC Worlds semis preview: Barney and MvG’s Dutch dust-up, Anderson and Wright in scuffle of the Scots

2017 PDC World Championship

• Semi-finals, day 14
• Sunday, January 1st
• Session starts: 19:00 GMT
• Alexandra Palace, London
• Live on Sky Sports Darts (3)

Sensational semis including MvG v Barney

The nationalities of the 2017 PDC World Championship finalists are already set in stone, with both a Dutchman and a Scotsman set to contest the Sid Waddell trophy on Monday, January 2nd.

But first, darts fans welcome the New Year in style with semi-finals featuring last four PDC superstars standing Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Gary Anderson and Peter Wright.

This is the first time ever that there will not be an English arrowsmith in the PDC Worlds semis, after Barney bettered 16-time world champ Phil Taylor, Anderson ousted Dave Chisnall and Snakebite saw off James Wade all in the quarters clashes.

So, buckle up for what should be an evening of high quality entertainment at Alexandra Palace and enjoy Coral’s 2017 PDC Worlds semis preview…

Gary Anderson v Peter Wright

First up it is an all-Scottish encounter between second and third seeds Anderson (4/9) and Wright (7/4), as the former seeks his third PDC World Championship crown in succession, while the latter is chasing his maiden major.

This will be the fourth year running that a Scottish star will reach the showpiece finale, but who from these two tungsten talents will it be?

The Flying Scotsman has the pedigree on this stage with Ally Pally, where he has gone 16 games unbeaten, really bringing out his best. After recording a hugely impressive 105.90 average and 12 180s in his 5-3 quarters success over Chizzy, the reigning king is tasty at 7/4 in a throwcast for victory and the winning double to be either his favoured 20 or 10.

Snakebite is so often the nearly man, but has lost 17 of 29 bouts with compatriot Anderson, so backing an agonisingly narrow 6-5 win for The Flying Scotsman at 6/1, or over 9.5 sets at 11/10 both look value.

Michael van Gerwen v Raymond van Barneveld

This blockbuster battle between Dutch darting superstars at opposite ends of their respective careers has fitting billing as the final fray of Monday night.

By then MvG (1/7) and Barney (9/2) will know who out of Anderson and Wright they are fighting to face.

Crowd favourite Van Barneveld has looked more determined than ever this tournament, with his tigers’ eye trained on the big prize after overcoming arguably the toughest path to the final four including The Power, Adrian Lewis, Alan Norris and Robbie Green.

WOW WOW WOW !!! No Words !!! Huge Respect for @PhilTaylor The Greatest Ever !!! But I want this title SO Bad !! Thanks everyone Happy NY pic.twitter.com/SKSQnKa6St

— Raymond v Barneveld (@Raybar180) December 30, 2016

Despite eventual impressive triumphs versus Jackpot and Taylor, Barney all too often missed easy finishes and, as punters know, that will not go unpunished against Mighty Mike. The green machine boasts 26 triumphs from 43 attempts against his older countryman.

Thanks for all the messages. Looking forward to playin @Raybar180 in the semi-finals after a day of rest. May the best man win! #Darts

— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) December 30, 2016

Therefore, even though Van Barneveld memorably knocked the world number one out in the last eight of this competition in 2016, it would require a mammoth effort for a repeat. Van Gerwen is an appealing 13/2 to win by two clear sets 6-4.

It is still also enticing to back over 8.5 sets to be played at even-money, with Barney braced to give his all.

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