*** World Darts Championship - Day 8 (Afternoon) ***

Apologies again for the early posting but got a night out tomorrow and working Friday so might not get another chance. Always handy to start the debate and gauge other people's views as well so here goes

Andy Hamilton v Richie Burnett:

R1 - Hamilton bt James Richardson 3-1
Ave: 90.24
180's: 4
HC: 122
Checkout %: 40%

Burnett bt James Hubbard 3-2
Ave: 82.73
180's: 4
HC: 92
Checkout %: 22%

Opening match of the round sees the ultra consistent Hamilton take on the more erratic former world champion Burnett. Hamilton was as poor as I can remember seeing him early on in his first match but he got better as the match wore on and its expected the longer match should suit him. Burnett was coasting in his first match until the crowd got to him, his head went and in the end had to compose himself and progress to this. He's played much better last 12-18 months but he's still very inconsistent and his doubling can kill him at times which makes him frustrating to support. I'd fancy Hamilton to get through this but prices look about right and while I toyed with the max bet I get the feeling if Hamilton starts well it might be a rout.

Recommendation: No Bet

Dave Chisnall v Daryl Gurney:

R1 - Chisnall bt Shane Tichowitsch 3-0
Ave: 92.89
180's: 5
HC: 93
Checkout %: 50%

Gurney bt Andy Smith 3-1
Ave: 83.35
180's: 3
HC: 122
Checkout %: 32%

Chissy Rascal takes to the stage looking to follow up his comfy first win v the irish qualifier Daryl Gurney. Chissy is a player I have a lot of time for as I just think hes fun to watch with heavy scoring and lots of iffy finishing. He finished well in his opener though and if he carries on like that he'll be a lively contender for the title. Gurney is playing here for the first time but has played before at Lakeside and gave Martin Adams a game on 2 occasions. He's got a nice action and I think he might give Chissy a match. The bet I really like here is the maximums as Chissy can rattle them off with the best of them and Gurney is more than capable of weighing in too based on his R1 match and from his lakeside appearances. I think this will go 5 or 6 sets and with Chissy's ability to throw legs away we should have quite a few chances to get the maxes adding up. Its a bet I really like the look of and think the line is just too low.

Recommendation: 3pts win over 10.5 maxes @ 5/6 (VC)

Gary Anderson v John Bowles:

R1 - Anderson bt Jani Haavista 3-1
Ave: 98.82
180's: 5
HC: 96
Checkout %: 58%

Bowles bt Jamie Caven 3-2
Ave: 93.56
180's: 5
HC: 121
Checkout %: 50%

Last match of the afternoon sees my outright pick Gary Anderson take on another qualifier in John Bowles. I was really impressed with Anderson in his opening win as he was put under really pressure at times but stuck to it and in the end got a comfy win with a good average and fine checkout percentage. I think it might suit him playing in the afternoon too and if he plays as he can Bowles will have a long day ahead. Bowles did the forum regulars a right turn in the win over Caven and I thought he acquitted himself really well. He hit some crucial shots at the right times and he held his nerve well down the stretch. I'm of the opinion he might find it hard to follow up that win though but I could be proved wrong. Anderson is justifiably a short price favourite and I'm going to have a smaller bet this time on the maximums. Both hit 5 in opening wins and provided Bowles can nick at least 1 set I think this can triumph.

Recommendation: 1pt win over 10.5 maxes @ 6/5 (BSQ)

Summary: All about the maxes for me in the afternoon and hopefully we get a few sets to ensure they cop. Chissy and Anderson are 2 of the best in the game at hitting them and hopefully they can find their scoring power for anybody who follows me in.

Best of luck to all punting on Friday and all views are welcome from all.
HH