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The bearded Simon Whitlock faces the stubbly Denis Ovens in the first match at Blackpool tonight. I'm a fan of both these players but the head has to rule the heart in all matters punting-related, so the only way to go here is to back The Wizard to extinguish The Heat. Whitlock is a genuine title contender, especially now Anderson has been dumped out, while Ovens hasn't quite got the all-round game that this first-to-13 contest requires. Whitlock's price is as skinny as his ponytail, but it's an accurate reflection of his chances.

Both John Henderson and Andy Hamilton went through against the ante-post odds, with the latter's win over Anderson comfortably the most invigorating darts of the first round. Interestingly, Henderson's nine-darter earlier this season came in a match against The Hammer in a 6-5 win. Hamilton will be looking to avenge this and, buoyed by his thrilling performance in round one, should shade it. Try backing Henderson on the most 180s market as he found the treble bed with ease against Lloyd.

'The Power' simply hasn't been himself for quite some time, but the post-match interview following his narrow win over Hylton showed that jibes from other players, particularly Nicholson, have annoyed him into action. His opponent tonight, Wayne Jones, could be the first person in a while to face Taylor at his best, so take The Power on the -6.5 handicap.

In the final clash of the evening, the only chance Justin Pipe has of winning is if he sends Wes Newton asleep in between visits to the oche. Rumours that watching Pipe is the chief cause of sleep apnea in the UK are unconfirmed, but his first round win against King would have instantly cured any insomniacs who happened to tune in on Monday evening. Pile into Newton here, on the proviso that he's packed his Pro Plus.

Recommended Bets
Back Whitlock @ 1.3
Back Henderson on the most 180s market @ 2.5 or better
Back Taylor on the -6.5 handicap @ around 2.0

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