Auckland Darts Masters semi-finals: Wade stands in Lewis’ way, Barney battles Anderson
Published:
Holly Thackeray | June 18, 2016
Auckland Darts Masters 2016
- Semi-finals and final
- Sunday, June 19th
- Session from: 08:00 BST
- Trusts Stadium, Auckland
- Shown in UK on ITV4 from 19:30 BST
Auckland oche set for stunning final day of darts
The first round of the 2016 Auckland Darts Masters may not have been full of surprises, as all eight of the local Oceanic qualifiers fell at the opening hurdle to the PDC’s octet of oche heroes, but Saturday morning’s quarter-finals more than made up for that.
In a sensational installment of the World Series of Darts event, reigning Auckland champion and English hope Adrian Lewis got the better of compatriot Phil Taylor 10-9 in the best of 19 legs, while New Zealand also saw a real upset as James Wade ousted world number one Michael van Gerwen 10-6.
So, now on Sunday, the final day of Auckland darts action, The Machine stands in fellow Englishman Jackpot’s way of reaching his second successive final on the Trusts Stadium stage.
Over 4,000 here on Saturday night at Auckland #Darts Masters. They love their ‘arrers in New Zealand! pic.twitter.com/xcgxIe2YGl
— Stuart Pyke (@stuartpykesport) June 18, 2016
While, in the other semi-final, Dutch great Raymond van Barneveld wrestles world champion Gary Anderson for a chance to reach the last two and avenge 2015’s finale defeat.
Barney battered Dave Chisnall 10-5 to get to this point, while The Flying Scotsman also had the better of countryman Peter Wright.
So, expect fireworks and read on for Coral’s thoughts on the final day of fixtures and whether Lewis can retain his title, plus all the best bets up for grabs…
Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld
Anderson is the obvious odds-on 4/11 semi-final match favourite with Coral to overcome veteran Van Barneveld, as the Scot will pounce on any arrow errors his Dutch competitor is likely to make, unlike already vanquished Chizzy.
It’s as close as it can get in head-to-heads, with Barney boasting a narrow 14-13 historical winning advantage.
Yet, that doesn’t mean much in context, as The Flying Scotsman was successful in all of his last six duels versus Van Barneveld and last defeated the Dutch cult hero a mere month ago, on the way to ultimate glory in the Dubai Darts Masters.
WINNER! Raymond van Barneveld beats Dave Chisnall 10-5 to reach the semi-finals. #AucklandDartsMasters pic.twitter.com/MvMcTlQWD0
— Auckland Darts (@AucklandDarts) June 18, 2016
That last match-up finished a tight 10-8 in Anderson’s favour, so customers can back odds of 8/1 for a two leg difference result by 11-9 again this time around. While, the world champ is the even-money favourite to bag a successive World Series of Darts trophy and his first in Auckland.
Alternatively, Barney, high in confidence, has been at his best on this stage and looked dangerous again at the recent World Cup of Darts, so should not be counted out.
At 6/1 to go one better than last year and grab glory, RvB is 21/10 to cause what would be another slight shock and dispatch Anderson over 21 legs, with his penchant for comebacks over long games a potential problem for the Scot.
James Wade v Adrian Lewis
Obviously itching to hold onto his crown and feature in the showpiece final, Jackpot is 4/6 to see off The Machine, after emerging victorious in all four of their last fixture frays.
Able to really power score when he puts his mind to it, Lewis with an appetite for retaining is a sensible shout 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). Punters can also plump for the Potter at plum price of 3/1 to retain the trophy.
While, back to Wade, no credit can be taken away from The Machine, who proved he has not lost his touch by thumping Mighty Mike. The Englishman actually has a great record against MvG, and also leads Lewis in head-to-heads with 28 triumphs to 16.
Still, Van Gerwen has been off kilter for the last month or so, and Jackpot should not be so easy to elbow as he defends his status as champion, so Wade looks long at 4/1 for the title, and is 6/5 to win his semi. Instead, another close contest look tasty at 15/2 for an 11-8 scoreline and Jackpot victory.
