Some people might say that Colin Lloyd has lost a lot of the confidence that propelled him to the number 1 ranking, but you only have to watch Colin in the untelevised events (if you can), to see that he is currently in great form. At odds of around 8/15, obviously you are not getting any decent price, but I think he should prevail in this evenings opening match. Mark Walsh is a very dangerous player and has to be respected, if he can find his doubles then Colin could be in trouble, but I will certainly take the odds available on Mr Lloyd.
Wayne Mardle v Mark Dudbridge
This promises to be a corker of a match and very close to call. If I am honest I probably would not take a bet on this match, but I think Mardle is the slightly better player and will win. My only concern is that Mardle does start well, but then hits a flat spot in the middle of his matches, if he can hold his throw he looks the one to be on. Dudbridge has already shown his potential in many tournaments this season and surely he will be a champion soon, not the best at doubles though and tends to get frustrated when not playing his best.
Colin Osbourne v Mervyn King
Probably the match of the night and a very, very tough one to call. I favour Osbourne because of his high scoring and superb finishing. He is always focused and very confident in all of his matches. King is a tough customer and will be a massive test this evening. Again he is a high scorer and you can expect plenty of 140s and 180s from this lad. I would certainly not place large amounts of cash on this one, as it looks like a lottery, but I will stick my neck out and opt for Osbourne to come through.
Do you know what Jez, I think I would go against all those picks and pick the opposite! Walsh is playing some very strong darts at the mo, and like you say once lloyd gets on tv he is losing it. Mardle v Dudbridge is a HUGE game and a TOUGH call, I've seen Mardle the last 3 years at blackpool and he just cant help himself, playing to the crowd!Plus with this being a short match I think dudbridge could win through(hopefully not though,cos I'm going on wednesday and mardle should be playing in the afternoon) King v Osbourne-King is by far the better player but he hasnt really performed to his level since moving across to the PDC, but I think he is much better level than Osbourne even though Osbourne did well here last few years. So Walsh, Dudbridge and King for me,
And for what its worth I have had an each way bet for the tournament on Manley 66/1-he is playing some VERY good darts at the mo, probably third best in the world-so 66/1 seems good value to me! I'm going wednesday, and if you have never been to the darts before, you really dont know what your missing-ABSOLUTELY SUPERB!
Some superb darts last night-I think every game is going to be a tough one! How Dudbridge didnt finish off Mardle-bottled it! Walsh is playing superb darts and he could do well this week King flatters to decieve yet again. Well done Jez 2 outta 3 picks!
Ok now we have the final match of the tournament and this should be a really good event.
The layers have Taylor to win at around 1.25 which is a decent price, but you cannot rule out James Wade, because he has also been in amazing form all week. I will be having a small stake bet on Wade to win, along with some further singles on over 18.5 - 180s and also under 31 legs.
