The Dutchman is in, what can only be described as, ridiculous form. He has won the European Championship, the World Series, the Grand Slam and the Players Championships since the beginning of November. Understandably 'MVG' is a big bookmakers favourite to win his second World Championship, but in this post I will be looking at who I think can possibly challenge the world number 1.
The top half of the draw is by far the most difficult half to win, it includes Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Michael Smith, Mensur Suljovic, Peter Wright and Dave Chisnall, but the player I will be taking a chance with is Adrian Lewis.
The 2 time world champion has hit a nice little bit of form in the past couple of months reaching the final of the Players Championship and the semi-finals of both the World Series and the European Championship. 'Jackpot' could potentially meet either Gerwyn Price or Andrew Gilding in the second round, followed by Suljovic or Kim Huybrechts. Not a straight forward start to the tournament for Lewis, and it doesn't get any easier with Peter Wright and Chisnall possible opponents in the quarter-finals.
The 2 time world champion has hit a nice little bit of form in the past couple of months reaching the final of the Players Championship and the semi-finals of both the World Series and the European Championship. 'Jackpot' could potentially meet either Gerwyn Price or Andrew Gilding in the second round, followed by Suljovic or Kim Huybrechts. Not a straight forward start to the tournament for Lewis, and it doesn't get any easier with Peter Wright and Chisnall possible opponents in the quarter-finals.
Despite the poor draw, I think Lewis will be able to mount a strong challenge towards winning a 3rd World Championship, a prolific scorer and on his day he can hit some huge checkouts, if he is hitting his doubles well then there is no reason why he can't beat anyone right now. He's not the biggest price at 16/1, but I will be getting a few quids on.
Onto the bottom half of the draw, and in particular the 4th quarter. This section includes 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor who is justifiably favourite to progress to the Semi-Finals, but after arguably the worst year of 'The Power's' career I will be backing Robert Thornton.
The Scotsman was my prediction to win the World Grand Prix back in October and he duly obliged by defeating Michael van Gerwen in possibly one of the best finals I have ever witnessed. The Thorn's greatest attribute is his never say die attitude and not knowing when he is beat and in set play format this is very important. Alongside his great attitude is relentless double 20 hitting and tremendous scoring power which sees him regularly feature at the latter stages of big tournament.
After that remarkable triumph which saw him claim his 2nd TV Major in PDC, the Thorn's form dipped with a few poor performances which he claims was down to problems with the heel of his foot, but all seems to be restored now and I think he will go deep into this years World Championship.
Robert has been handed a tricky 1st round match against Alan Norris which could be a potential banana skin but his class should shine through, he could also meet in-form Mark Webster in the last 16 then a potential Quarter Final match-up with Phil Taylor. I genuinely believe that Thornton can do some serious damage this year and at 66/1 he is well worth an each way bet and hopefully he can recreate that dramatic night in Dublin.
Current World Champion Gary Anderson is one of my favourite players, on his day he is the biggest scorer in the world, but his form lately has me worried that he could be an early faller this year. In the last month he has lost matches against Mark Webster, Terry Jenkins and Daryl Gurney, compared to this time last year where he was on a 12 match unbeaten run. I think there is a chance to take advantage of this quarter of the draw and the player I will be choosing is Kyle Anderson. He is a player with bundles of talent and is on the verge of a big run in a tournament, so why not do it on the biggest stage?
The Australian faces an out-of-form Brendan Dolan in the first round who has really been struggling this year followed by possibly Vincent van der Voort. A tough match but one that I think he can progress from. From the last 16 he could face Gary Anderson, this could be the match that sees Kyle burst onto the scene and put his mark on the tournament. You can back the 'Original' at a huge 500/1 to win the tournament, a bit unrealistic so I will be on him to win the 3rd quarter at 66/1, Betfred have already shortened this bet to 16/1 and others might follow in the coming days so get on early as it's a bit of value in my eyes.
The whole tournament comes down to 2 points in my opinion. 1. If Gary Anderson is on form and 2. If anyone can stop MVG. If 1 of these key factors don't happen then there will be a surprise package. To conclude, it's going to be a great tournament with some memorable moments no doubt and to say I'm excited is an understatement. Enjoy the spectacle folks and Happy Christmas!
Robert has been handed a tricky 1st round match against Alan Norris which could be a potential banana skin but his class should shine through, he could also meet in-form Mark Webster in the last 16 then a potential Quarter Final match-up with Phil Taylor. I genuinely believe that Thornton can do some serious damage this year and at 66/1 he is well worth an each way bet and hopefully he can recreate that dramatic night in Dublin.
Current World Champion Gary Anderson is one of my favourite players, on his day he is the biggest scorer in the world, but his form lately has me worried that he could be an early faller this year. In the last month he has lost matches against Mark Webster, Terry Jenkins and Daryl Gurney, compared to this time last year where he was on a 12 match unbeaten run. I think there is a chance to take advantage of this quarter of the draw and the player I will be choosing is Kyle Anderson. He is a player with bundles of talent and is on the verge of a big run in a tournament, so why not do it on the biggest stage?
The Australian faces an out-of-form Brendan Dolan in the first round who has really been struggling this year followed by possibly Vincent van der Voort. A tough match but one that I think he can progress from. From the last 16 he could face Gary Anderson, this could be the match that sees Kyle burst onto the scene and put his mark on the tournament. You can back the 'Original' at a huge 500/1 to win the tournament, a bit unrealistic so I will be on him to win the 3rd quarter at 66/1, Betfred have already shortened this bet to 16/1 and others might follow in the coming days so get on early as it's a bit of value in my eyes.
The whole tournament comes down to 2 points in my opinion. 1. If Gary Anderson is on form and 2. If anyone can stop MVG. If 1 of these key factors don't happen then there will be a surprise package. To conclude, it's going to be a great tournament with some memorable moments no doubt and to say I'm excited is an understatement. Enjoy the spectacle folks and Happy Christmas!
Suggested Bets: Adrian Lewis Each Way 16/1
Robert Thornton Each Way 66/1
Kyle Anderson to win 3rd quarter 66/1
Robert Thornton Each Way 66/1
Kyle Anderson to win 3rd quarter 66/1
