One of the most important tournaments of the year is World Matchplay in Blackpool, Winter Gardens. It is by far the most important tournament of the summer and most players have been preparing for this time.
Once again the favorites are the sacred monster Phil Taylor and the Dutchman who has managed to dethrone Taylor, o Michael Van Gerwen. Michael Van Gerwen is favorites from bookmakers in 3.00, while Phil Taylor is 4.00's second favorite. There is no other player to be awarded under 10.00, since he gives the third favorite of the event, the English Adrian Lewis.
Phil Taylor is a living story for the institution, since 20 has reached the 14 final and has won. He is the only player who made 9-darter at 2002 and is the first 9-darter in the history of darts, which was broadcast live on TV. In addition, he held an undefeated 30 racing series from 2008 to 2013, while in the 20-year history of the event he counts only 6 defeats. Unlike Taylor, Van Gerwen has not yet managed to impress the institution or to leave his mark. His most important achievement is 9-darter that made 2012 and has an important incentive to achieve something in the institution this year.
Michael Van Gerwen 9-darter
The strange thing is that both favorites do not seem to be in good shape. Both Taylor and Van Gerwen were eliminated in the 32nd round of the Gibraltar Tournament at the end of June, but both have shown that in serious tournaments they play much more focused and somehow reached the World Cup final at the beginning of June 2014 and there the Dutchman won.
The draw has brought Taylor and Van Gerwen to a different board, so it's most likely to have a final between the two giants of the sport. You can see the draw here.
Beyond the big favorites, we can find interest in Peter Wright, a player who is the revelation of the year, is constantly improving his game and comes from winning the European Darts Trophy last week, while he was also in the final of the Dubai Masters 2 months ago. Of course the path for him will not be easy, as he will have to face very good players and Phil Taylor to reach the final.
On the other side of the board, there are three separate players, the Australian Simon Whitlock , the Dutchman Raymond Van Barneveld and the Englishman James Wade, who seem to be the only ones who can threaten Michael Van Gerwen in the semifinals. However, both have several weaknesses and their tradition towards the big star of the sport is not good.
Peter Wright vs. Simon Whitlock
The tournament has a way of reminiscent of Wimbledon in tennis, since each player must defeat his opponent with 2 legs difference and play until the difference is created. However, in order not to draw the game for many hours, this breakthrough breakthrough was introduced this year if after the 4 extension legs the winner has not been found. For example, the first round wins anyone who first gets to 10 legs. The winner must have a score of at least 10-8 or else 4 legs will follow to create the difference of 2 legs. If the score reaches 12-12 we will have the tie break.
The final of 2013
Looking at the two boards of the draw, it seems that Michael Van Gerwen will be able to reach the final, as the most difficult opponent will find him in the semifinals and will be one of Whitlock, Van Barneveld or Wade. There is more interest on Phil Taylor's side, mainly because Taylor had a difficult year with instability and many failures. At the age of 53, he shows that he is not in the best shape of his career and this leaves hopes for many to pursue the qualification to the final. Adrian Lewis, Peter Wright and Justin Pipe will have their chance.
As far as 9-darter is concerned, the 2013 tournament did not give us any 9-darter. But the three previous tournaments had 9-darter and all show that this year we will be able to have a player who will make this achievement. 1.80 given to most companies is an acceptable return that can be wagered.
Featured bets:
Outright Winner:
- Michael Van Gerwen @ 3.00 4/10, bet365, paddypower
- Peter Wright @ 26.00, 2/10 each way, bet365
- Adrian Lewis @ 10.00, 2/10, bet365
Nine Dart Finish: Yes @ 1.80, 5/10, bet365, paddypower
