Grand Slam of Darts tips
19:35: Ryan Joyce v Noa-Lynn van Leuven – Joyce -2.5 leg handicap
21:15: Michael Smith v Jermaine Wattimena – Wattimena to win
21:40: Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson – Anderson to win
WHERE: WV Active Aldersley, Wolverhampton
WHEN: November 9th – 17th
TV: Sky Sports Mix
Ryan Joyce v Noa-Lynn van Leuven – Joyce -2.5 leg handicap
Noa-Lynn van Leuven made her PDC premier event debut on Saturday night and could not lay a glove on Michael van Gerwen. It was also a tough evening for Ryan Joyce, who ran into an imperious Gary Anderson.
Both need to bounce back to maintain hopes of qualifying for the last 16, and it feels like a tall order for Van Leuven. She has ton-plus averages in her locker, but until we see her do it on the stage against the best players in the world, she is somebody to oppose.
Joyce is far more accustomed to these pressure situations, having reached two major semi-finals in the last 12 months. He also made it out of the groups on his previous appearance at the Grand Slam, and will believe he can do the same this week.
Michael Smith v Jermaine Wattimena – Wattimena to win
Since earning his Tour Card in 2015, Jermaine Wattimena has shown flashes of brilliance but rarely on television.
Three quarter-final appearances on the European Tour this year teed him up perfectly for a run to the European Championship final. By the looks of his performance against Mike De Decker on day one, the Dutchman is a legitimate big-stage player now.
The Machine Gun has posted similar numbers to Michael Smith over the past 12 months but has been better in the second half of 2024. If Wattimena hadn’t proven himself on TV recently, I would agree that Smith would be the clear favourite. But he has, so I don’t.
There was a lot to like about Smith’s performance on Saturday, and if his rankings jeopardy has resulted in a bump in concentration, then good luck to him, but Wattimena is the one I trust more to bring his A game.
Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson – Anderson to win
Anderson’s head-to-head record against Mighty Mike is poor, but he comfortably beat him at the European Championship – the only meeting between them this year – and the Scot still looks to be in a better place than his opponent.
More than two points separate them in averages for 2024, and Anderson’s finishing has also been superior. Off the back of a monster average last night, I would make Anderson the favourite the following day against anybody not named Luke.
The match odds on Sunday are almost identical to those in Dortmund two weeks ago. Given what we saw that night and since then, it feels like an opportunity too good to miss to select The Flying Scotsman.
Grand Slam of Darts tips
19:35: Ryan Joyce v Noa-Lynn van Leuven – Joyce -2.5 leg handicap
21:15: Michael Smith v Jermaine Wattimena – Wattimena to win
21:40: Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson – Anderson to win
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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