12:15: Krzysztof Ratajski v Stephen Bunting – Over 7.5 Sets
It should be a tight one this. Ratajski has beaten Ryan Joyce, Simon Whitlock and Gabriel Clemens so far and has a tournament average of 95 and a checkout rate of 34%.
Bunting hasn’t shown much form at all prior to this tournament but he’s had a good run here. Ratajski and Bunting are closely matched on stats and overall ability.
Ratajski will probably get over the line but they’re both in uncharted waters at the moment.
I think this one will go all the way so my recommended bet is Over 7.5 Sets.
14:00: Gary Anderson v Dirk van Duijvenbode – Van Duijvenbode to win
Van Duijvenbode has been in better form than Anderson heading into this one but it should be a really good match. Anderson’s competition in this tournament hasn’t been top level, whereas Van Duijvenbode has beaten Rob Cross, Adam Hunt and he came back from 3-1 down against Glen Durrant.
I’m willing to take a chance on Van Duijvenbode here despite Anderson’s superior experience in the tournament. All the pressure will be on Anderson and Van Duijvenbode should play with more freedom and get the better of him, so I’m going Dirk van Duijvenbode to win
18:15: Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney – Gurney Most 180s
Gurney, despite a lacklustre season, has found some form in this tournament.
Price has the second-highest checkout rate of players left in the tournament and has also impressed. But one thing I did notice about Gurney is he’s starting to get sweet in that red bit again.
When he gets going on that he’s one of the best in the world. Gurney to hit the Most 180s is a good play here.
20:00 Michael van Gerwen v Dave Chisnall – Dave Chisnall (+2.5) on Handicap
This should be a cracker. Chisnall has impressed and Van Gerwen did well to come through his last round against Joe Cullen, where he had a real scare. Chisnall has beaten stiff opposition with a tournament average of 100, which is only bettered by MVG.
With Chisnall’s scoring power, he should push him all the way so my bet is Dave Chisnall (+2.5) in the Handicap Betting.
Tips for Friday’s darts action
12:15: Krzysztof Ratajski v Stephen Bunting – Over 7.5 Sets
14:00: Gary Anderson v Dirk van Duijvenbode – Van Duijvenbode to win
18:15: Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney – Gurney Most 180
20:00 Michael van Gerwen v Dave Chisnall – Chisnall (+2.5) on Handicap
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