Bet365
Betclic
BetVictor
Bwin
Ladbrokes
Paddy Power
Pinnacle
SkyBet
Sportingbet
Stan James
Unibet
William HillAfter an amazing first round of matches from the Premier League last Thursday where two matches ended in a draw and the two lowest ranked players managed to win, all is to play for this Thursday.
Taylor put on an amazing show at recover from 6-1 down to snatch a point last Thursday
Review of Round I
After watching Barneveld, Whitlock, Taylor and Lewis each give incredible performances leaving darts fans dribbling ecstatic, it is the performance by Kevin Painter and Andy Hamilton thay shocked us all.
‘The Hammer’ was first up against James Wade. It was clear from the get go that Hamilton’s success back in January had not hindered his strenuous training regime as he started confidently and consistently. As the match went on though, it seemed that Hamilton just had that extra gear. Wade, from Aldershot, seemed to have no answer to the brilliance that flowed from Hamilton’s hands and Hamilton deserved his 8-5 victory. Kevin Painter also gave an impressive performance but in a different fashion. ‘The Artist’ exploded out to a 5-0 lead before Gary Anderson seemed to blink. Although the reigning champion found a little bit of form, it was not enough to stop Painter winning 8-6.
The other two matches were just amazing games of darts. Raymond van Barneveld showed the form of a past World No. 1 by matching Simon Whitlock shot for shot, double for double. Both men smiled as Barneveld hit the last double in the 14th leg to end the match in a 7-7 draw. In the highly anticipated last match of the night, the World No. 1 and World No. 2 battled as Lewis and Taylor didn’t fail to deliver top quality darts. The match started off with Lewis taking a commanding 5-0 lead which lead to 6-1 scoreline with most thinking that this match would be over early. Taylor, who seemed a little short of form, showed the true calibre of a great player by responding crucially and taking six of the last seven legs and ending the match in another 7-7 draw.
The Hammer shows good value at 11/4 to beat Gary Anderson
Hamilton shows Value at 11/4 to Oust Anderson in 2nd Round
The second round of matches sees the ever-improving Andy Hamilton take on Gary Anderson. The Scotsman will be looking for a quicker start than last week while Hamilton will be looking for more of the same. Anderson is the clear Favourite, chalked up at 8/13 by most bookmakers while ‘the Hammer’ shows some value at a seducing price of 11/4 by Sportingbet. It is not a bad price considering what happened last week. The draw is also invitingly priced at 5/1 (Bwin) which could easily occur if Anderson can start faster. However, I personally believe that Hamilton will deliver more of the same and win.
The first match up on Day 2 will an interesting one between Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld. I would have normally given the Dutchman no chance but after seeing him re-gain form last week, it is not a given that Lewis will win. The bookies clearly favour the Englishman. He is 5/6 On by most to win while ‘Barney’ is priced at 9/4. The draw is listed at a tempting price of 9/2. Not a bad price if both players can repeat last week’s form although I believe the World Champion should win quite comfortably.
Still bookies Favourite, Phil Taylor, looks to notch up his first win of the campaign against Kevin Painter. ‘The Power’ will be looking to carry over his form from the end of his last match into this match while Painter will be full of confidence as he currently sits second in the league. The offer him at 1/4 On while Painter is 13/2 to win by Bwin and Ladbrokes. The draw is also lightly priced at 13/2 (Sportingbet and Ladbrokes) suggesting that nothing but a Taylor win should be expected.
The last game of the night will see Australia play England as Simon Whitlock and James Wade look to end round 2 in style. ‘The Wizard’ has been in solid form since his injury lay-off and is odds on 10/11 by BetVictor to win. ‘The Machine’ seemed unable to find another gear last week; lets hope for us all that he has practiced harder and is ready to perform at a high level. Sportingbet offer Wade at the best price of 15/8 while the draw is chalked up at 9/2 by most bookmakers.
