*** World Darts Championship - Day 7 ***

Seasons greeting one and all Hopefully we've all had a fine time with our families and friends but if you're anything like me you'll probably be glad to get back with some top class sport. Tomorrow sees the first of the post christmas action and thankfully we're back to double sessions which usually fill most of my days over the festive period. Fingers crossed there is a bet or two to be had as well so let's have a look and see.

Robert Thornton v Ronnie Baxter:
R1 - Thornton bt Andrew Gilding 3-0
Ave: 97.65
180's: 4
CO %: 50%
HC: 144

Baxter bt Daryl Gurney 3-1
Ave: 94.64
180's: 4
CO %: 48%
HC: 106

Opening match sees 2 players who I can never seem to get right face each other. I like Thornton a lot but sometimes his attitude is very frustrating as he is prone to head shaking and throwing the hands about. He played really well in his opening win but as I've said the problem is you never know what Thornton is going to show up. Baxter was another player who played well in his opening win v a very dangerous opponent in Darryl Gurney and actually got through with the minimum of fuss. However he again is a player who you never know what he will produce. I think Thornton is a worthy favourite but looks a tad short to me at 1/3. However Baxter isn't one I trust enough to back so I'm happy to sit back and watch this.

Recommendation: No Bet

Terry Jenkins v Lawrence Ryder:

R1 - Jenkins bt John Weber 3-1
Ave: 98.73
180's: 5
CO %: 45%
HC: 121

Ryder bt Justin Pipe 3-2
Ave: 83.59
180's: 2
CO %: 37%
HC: 101

One of my favourite players in Terry Jenkins takes on qualifier Lawrence Ryder for a place in the last 16. Jenks is the nearly man as everybody knows and I doubt he has a world title in him unless it completely falls into his lap. However he shouldn't have too many troubles in R2 v Ryder who won a low class match v Pipe in R1. Jenks had a 15pt higher average than Ryder and in all honesty if he plays as he can I can only see a comfy win. I like the look of Jenks on the handicap in this match as I think his scoring power will be too much for Ryder.

Recommendation: 2pt win Terry Jenkins -2.5 sets @ 5/6 (Sky)

Peter Wright v Ronny Huybrechts:
R1 - Wright bt Gerwyn Price 3-0
Ave: 98.8
180's: 2
CO %: 50%
HC: 100

Huybrechts bt Andy Smith 3-0
Ave: 87.75
180's: 1
CO %: 41%
HC: 101

Last match of the afternoon sees last years runner up Wright take on the elder of the Huybrechts brother in Ronny. I thought Wright was one of the most impressive winners of the R1 games as his opponent played really well but Snakebite never really gave him a chance. He's had a bit of an up and down year but this place might inspire him again and the draw has started to open up a bit for him too. Huybrechts came through easily in a low standard match with Andy Smith but he needs to up his scoring or else Wright will roll him over. Fancy Wright to win this and I'm going to support him to cover the handicap as well as I think his heavy scoring might be the deciding factor.

Recommendation: 1pt win Peter Wright -2.5 sets @ 6/5 (PP)

Dave Chisnall v Benito Van De Pas:
R1 - Chisnall bt Ryan de Vreede 3-0
Ave: 86.08
180's: 3
CO %: 33%
HC: 116

Van De Pas bt Paul Nicholson 3-2
Ave: 86.28
180's: 3
CO %: 36%
HC: 109

First match of the night sees forum favourite Chisnall take on the young dutch player Van De Pas. Neither was particularly impressive in opening wins but I suppose all you can do is win and then go from there. Chisnall is predictably a short price to win the match but I think the pace of both players could make for an exciting match as Chisnall tends to feed off his opponents. As is his want he will probably miss doubles and give Benito a chance and it all depends whether he can capitalise. I like the look of Chissy's maxes here though as I think this could be a 6 set match and if we get that he can cover the mark easily.

Recommendation: 2pts win Dave Chisnall over 6.5 maxes @ 4/5 (365)

Michael Van Gerwen v Sascha Stein
R1 - MVG bt Joe Cullen 3-1
Ave: 96.96
180's: 8
CO %: 35%
HC: 104

Stein bt Stuart Kellett 3-1
Ave: 79.34
180's: 2
CO %: 29%
HC: 81

Defending champ MVG looked shaky in his first match and I am of the opinion he is going to struggle to defend his crown this year. He's still playing well but there's definite signs he is not as dominant as he was in matches 12-18 months ago this year. However if he loses this match I think it might be one of the biggest shocks in darts history as Stein really shouldn't be able to live with MVG here. He's had a good run coming through the prelim and then beating 32nd seed Kellett but he did it with a sub 80 average and I can't see any way he lives with Van Gerwen. I think 4-0 was an initial 8/11 chance but thats long gone and at this point I'll be happily tucking into some quality street and worrying about the bets for Sunday

Recommendation: No Bet

Gary Anderson v Jelle Klaasen:
R1 - Anderson bt Scott Kirchner 3-1
Ave: 86.2
180's: 3
CO %: 24%
HC: 72

Klaasen bt Christian Kist 3-1
Ave: 96.97
180's: 2
CO %: 35%
HC: 127

Last match of the day could be a potential classic with 2 quick throwers who score heavy and miss doubles which can lead to massive excitement and frustration. Anderson is in form the last 6 months but didn't play well in his opening win. However I expect him to improve round on round and I think the quick pace here will suit him well. Jelle was really impressive beating former world champ Kist but he isn't renowned for his consistency and he could turn up and average 100 or 80 tomorrow. I fancy Anderson to win but I think it might be nip and tuck and as such I like the look of his 180's. Probably in the top 3 of the best max hitters around as long as we get 18 or 19 legs I fancy him to cover the spread with ease.

Recommendation: 2pts win Gary Anderson over 6.5 maxes @ 4/6 (Sky)

Summary: I fancy quite a few bets tomorrow so let's hope R2 sees the start of a succession of winners. Looking forward to it immensely and happy to hear all other views and opinions as per usual. Best of luck to all punting and here is to a prosperous few days.
HH