Scottish pair lead the way at Auckland Masters
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Gary Anderson favourite to defend
We’re off to New Zealand for our darting fix this weekend, with the Auckland Masters getting underway bright and early on Friday. This will be the third staging of the PDC event, as eight of the sport’s biggest names face eight local qualifiers.
Gary Anderson arrives as defending champion. Will he retain his title? Have your say on the outright winner from the Trusts Stadium, or place accumulator bets on the matches that matter. Click here to get involved.
Traders keen to side with Flying Scotsman
Flying Scotsman Gary Anderson came out on top here 12 months ago, beating Adrian Lewis 11-7 in the final. The beaten man last year was the champion in 2015 – what was the inaugural staging of the tournament. 32-year-old Jackpot had been struggling with a back injury of late however, and doesn’t make the trip.
Does that hand the title to Anderson? Our traders think so, and have the two-time world champion marked up as a convincing 15/8 favourite to defend. He gets his campaign underway on Friday morning vs Kyle Anderson, and is expected to make light work of the Australian. 1/7 says he’ll win the tie, even money goes about the jolly -3.5 on the handicap.
Taylor in high spirits following Matchplay win
Never far from the head of the betting, and rightly so, is Anderson’s countryman Peter Wright, and he leads the chasing pack, going in to the weekend as a 7/2 second favourite. That’ll catch the attention of value-hunters, as Wright has been one of the most consistent players on the circuit this year, and arrives on the back of some great form at the World Matchplay.
The 47-year-old from Livingston battled his way to the final in Blackpool, only to be caught out by 16-time champion Phil Taylor. The Power signed off with an 18-8 win on an emotional night. With the wind in his sails, and retirement just around the corner, a bet on Taylor to land the prize money here may be worth a second look. The Englishman can be backed for glory at 7/2.
