CHRISTMAS wouldn't be the same without the PDC Darts. Wayne Dews (@dewsy_21) gives us an early view of the best bets.
PDC World Darts Championship | 17th December – 3rd January 2016 | Sky Sports
Seventy-two of the finest darts players from the length and breadth of the globe all have hopes and aspirations to walk away as a world champion from the Alexandra Palace in early January, but in reality, there is only a handful of men that truly have strong claims for the Sid Waddell Trophy and a winners’ cheque of £300,000.
After claiming 18 titles in the calendar year of 2015, Dutchman Michael van Gerwen is the hot favourite to become the new champ at the current best industry price of 6/5.
Such has been the dominance of the 26 year-old in recent times, it is slightly surprising that MVG is not odds-on to claim his second title in three years. Van Gerwen ticks all the right boxes when looking for a potential champion; high scoring power, deadly finisher and is a proven winner.
Evergreen darting legend, Phil Taylor is rolling himself out for another crack at world title number 17 – and can be backed at a top price of 5/1 to claim the big prize.
At 55 years of age, Taylor is obviously in the twilight of a glittering career that is unlikely to be paralleled, let alone bettered. However, the man from Stoke does not currently hold any of the PDC major tournaments, and I personally cannot see that changing in the New Year for a man who is unfortunately – in my view – on the downgrade.
Reigning champion Gary Anderson is likely to prove a popular value choice with punters to retain his title at the best available odds of 8/1. Anderson has a relatively kind draw to the semi-final stages and the 5/4 is worth consideration in the 3rd Quarter Winning Market.
It must be said that the popular Scot has not maintained his high standards of form in 2015 compared to the previous year, but if Anderson can perform to his undoubted potential, then another title could be his.
Former two-time world champion Adrian Lewis offers some real value at 16/1 and if he can hit his very best form, the Englishman could offer the best chance of a home winner. The fifth seed is in the unenviable half of the draw with van Gerwen, but the 5/2 on offer with for the 30-year old to win his quarter could prove profitable, irrespective of winning the tournament.
Others to consider at big prices are former 2014 finalist, Peter Wright at 28/1 and 2015 Premier League runner-up Dave Chisnall at 33/1. Both seem to relish the big stage and go deep here.
Youth Champion Michael Smith could make his presence felt at a generally available 50/1, while Robert Thornton showed his recent good form with a win at the World Grand Prix. At 80/1 he's a long shot, but the 15/2 to win his quarter is worthy of consideration.
Best Bets
2016 PDC World Darts Championship – Michael van Gerwen to win (6/5 William Hill)
2016 PDC World Darts Championship – Adrian Lewis to win his Quarter (5/2 Sportingbet)
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