PDC WDC last 16: Giants Barney, Van Gerwen in Dutch duel
Published:
Holly Thackeray | December 28, 2015
Day 11: Last 16 evening session
- 2016 PDC World Darts Championship
- Tuesday, December 29th
- Session from: 19:10-23:00 GMT
- Alexandra Palace, London
- Live on Sky Sports Darts and Sky Sports 2
Barney and Mighty Mike set for magnificent showdown
There is a real tungsten treat instore for viewers on day 11 of the 2016 World Darts Championship, as the Alexandra Palace plays host to a tremendous last 16 evening tussle between legendary arrowsmith Raymond van Barneveld and seemingly unstoppable force Michael van Gerwen.
Aside from that deadly Dutch duel, current world champ Gary Anderson makes his way back to the oche to face another star from the Netherlands in fast thrower Vincent van der Voort, while there is a third tie featuring two-time world champion Adrian Lewis and Mensur Suljovic. Don’t forget to check out our preview of the day 11 afternoon action either.
Adrian Lewis v Mensur Suljovic
What a calendar year it has been for The Gentle, with the surprise package clocking up semi-final finishes at the World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals, while also reaching quarter-finals at the World Matchplay and Coral UK Open.
Can the Serbian-born Austrian arrowsmith finish the festive season on a high note by giving Jackpot the boot? Odds of 3/1 say Suljovic can, but the fan favourite did only squeeze through to this stage by the skin of his teeth, so may still prove a little long.
While, Lewis (1/4 favourite) looked absolutely lethal as he trounced Andrew Gilding 4-0, to reassert his title challenge in the face of Van Gerwen’s show-stealing darts.
Jackpot’s history against The Gentle makes for impressive reading, with five wins in a row out of six scuffles, including a 11-1 demolition job last time. This encounter should prove much closer, but two-time world champion Lewis’ greater Ally Pally experience should shine through, with odds of 7/2 for a 4-2 victory by the Englishman tempting.
Gary Anderson v Vincent van der Voort
Having emerged unscathed through a tougher than expected test against Daryl Gurney, after demolishing opening opponent Andy Boulton, Anderson is heavily odds-on at 1/6 to similarly dispatch VdV.
Veteran darter Van der Voort is a crowd favourite and certainly one of the quickest throwers around, but is unconvincing at 4/1 for a shock win. Anderson has looked imperious, conceding just one set so far, and holds a 7-2 head-to-head record against the Dutch Destroyer. For these reasons, the Scot looks best value at 12/5 for another 4-1 result.
Michael van Gerwen v Raymond van Barneveld
Ferocious and almost unplayable Van Gerwen made a bold statement last time out by devastating Darren Webster 4-0, though Van Barneveld brought a similarly entertaining battle to the table as he edged Stephen Bunting.
Barney still has it but did miss too many doubles against The Bullet, with his inconsistencies ripe to be punished by the potent Green Machine (1/8). Van Gerwen has proven too much for Barney before, winning 23 times to 15, including the last three meetings.
Though, Van Barneveld still has a few tricks up his sleeve, as shown by his beating of Mighty Mike three times this year already, so back him to at least push MvG all the way, with odds of 13/2 for a 4-3 victory for Van Gerwen enticing.
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