Bet of the Day: Kist to take a set off van Gerwen in World Darts

MVG – Kist main game on the opening night

The 2017 PDC World Darts Championship kicks off at the Alexandra Palace tonight.

There are a handful of decent matches to ease us into the action with defending champion Michael van Gerwen involved.

The Dutch magician is up against compatriot Christian Kist in the first round. At match odds of 1/100 to win, MVG will most likely storm to victory.

However, ‘Mighty Mike’ might not have it all his own way. He has dropped sets in the opening round in two of the last three World Championships.

Kist – who qualified from the Pro Tour – got to the Last-32 here last year after shocking Justin Pipe 3-0. He also took a set off Jelle Klassen in the 2015 edition of this tournament.

It’s a brave one, but the Coral Bet of the Day is Total Sets – Over 3.5 at 5/2.

Back Kist to make it difficult

Staying with the theme of Kist nicking a set off van Gerwen, it might also pay to look at similar markets.

The Correct Score of 3-1 is 3/1, and Kist in the +2.5 Handicap Betting also looks a decent shout at 5/2.

The hope will be that Kist slows MVG’s infamously quick pace down and stops the Dutchman getting into a rhythm.

MVG’s Double delight

Unless there’s a shock of seismic proportions, van Gerwen should win this relatively comfortably.

If MVG is in a commanding position going into the final leg, you might see him finish with his favourite double sixteen. And it’s 3/1 that he does just that.

The Dutch superstar has hit 15 Nine-Dart finishes in his career but has never made one at the World Championship.

One here would be a serious statement of intent – and you can back it at 20/1.

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing