*** World Darts Championship - Semi Finals ***

Well after the drama of last night and possibly one of the best matches ever in the PDC we're left with 4 players who still have a chance of the world title. There's potentially another epic match in store so lets take a look and see what bets are out there for us.

Michael Van Gerwen v James Wade:

QF - MVG bt Adrian Lewis 5-4
Ave: 102.73
180's: 15
HC: 120
CO%: 30%

Wade bt Wes Newton 5-4
Ave: 92.89
180's: 5
HC: 101
CO%: 41%

The first match of the night sees the ever exciting Michael Van Gerwen take on James Wade. I think most people watching last night would agree that Van Gerwen & Lewis served up one of the finest matches ever seen and it was a shame there had to be a loser. However there was and MVG I think just about deserved to win. He had to survive 2 match darts against him but sometimes thats the little bit of luck you need to go on and win tournaments. His scoring power is absolutely frightening andif he doubles even moderately then he's going to take some stopping. Wade again did just enough and hit some clutch doubles at really critical times to edge out Wes Newton. I've said the whole tourney that he doesn't seem to have anything above a mid 90's average in him and if hes going to win he either has to find power scoring from somewhere or MVG has to underperform. I personally can't see either of those things happening and I like the look of 2 bets in this match quite strongly. First up is the match handicap where Wade is receiving 2.5 sets. For him to won this he has to get 4 sets and I honestly dont think that will happen and if MVG gets on a roll he could easily blow Wade away. If pushed I think a 6-2 or 6-3 scoreline is likely so this is a bet I do fancy. The second bet I like the look of is the 180 handicap bet. I'm wary of playing match 180's or individual 180's as I do fear it could be a blow out but on this bet MVG has to outscore Wade by 5 or more to win. He's hit 34 so far in the tournament which is the most and is averaging 1 ever 2.76 legs. Wade on the other hand has only hit 16 in 88 legs which is 1 every 5.5 legs. So based on stats Van Gerwen can be expected to hit 2 to ever 1 of Wade's per 5 legs played. So roughly calculated he should hit 5 more if they play 25 legs and more if it goes further. I honestly think he's capable of 12 or 13 and given Wade has yet to hit more than 5 in a match I think this is a solid wager.

Recommendations: 2pts win Van Gerwen -2.5 sets @ 4/6 (general) & 3pts win MVG -4 180's @ 11/10 (Sky)

Phil Taylor v Raymond Van Barneveld:

QF - Taylor by Andy Hamilton 5-0
Ave: 101.38
180's: 5
HC: 118
CO%: 56%

Barney bt Simon Whitlock 5-1
Ave: 102.32
180's: 9
HC: 135
CO%: 52%

Second semi would be as anticipated as any match between these since their first meeting in the final at the circus tavern. Last few years Barneveld has rolled over to Phil (Think its 16 straight losses) but now he seems to be in a better place and if he keeps his form it should be a tremendous match. However I would always say when Phil's back is against the wall thats when he normally finds his absolute best. Neither were tested seriously in their QF wins but Taylor especially has sauntered through to this stage despite allegedly not being at his best. It shows the fear factor he puts in other players that he's lost only 9 legs so far and this is while his overall tournament average sits around 96. He will have to play well tonight but I fancy he is starting to peak at the right time. Barney has averaged over 100 twice already this championship and in full flow looks so relaxed. He's not been pushed seriously though and has only dropped 2 sets so far and it remains to be seen if he starts to tighten up when the gun is put to his head. I honestly can't pick a winner here but if pushed I'd side with Phil in a thriller but there is 2 bets I like to small stakes. First of all I like the look of the HC market as I expect a lot of legs here and Taylor especially seems to find big finishes as the tournaments progress. Over 139 is beatable but its a high line and as such its a small bet. I also like the look of Barney winning the h'cap 180's bet again to small stakes. He's hit 25 in 71 legs so far for an average of 1 every 2.84 legs while Taylor has only hit 11 in 58 legs played for an average of 1 every 5.4 legs. As in the previous match it means Barney is hitting almost 2 to every 1 of Phil and as such the -2 handicap looks beatable.

Recommendations: 1pt win HC over 139 @ 5/6 (VC) & 2pts win Barney -2 180's @ Evs (Paddy)

Summary: Really looking forward to this tonight after last nights matches and hopeful of a few winners too. Hopefully a comfy Van Gerwen win sets us up nicel for the big match and if there's a high check from either and Barney hits a few more maxes then I'll be a happy chappy

All the best to all on here punting tonight and all wagers and discussion as welcome as ever. Hopefully it matches last night when I can honestly say I had one of the best nights on the forum having a laugh and watching some great arrers.
HH