Philip Rowlands only played 34 games in the 2013 Super8serieS . Only Kevin Carrie and Brett Arkley played fewer matches. Statistically, out of the 18 competitors last year, Rowlands was the 10th best player. He claimed 16 wins with a win percentage of 47%. The average person claims 3 event wins throughout the year and Rowlands fell just below that with 2. A difficult day ahead for Rowlands but a top 3 finish is a possibility.
The explosive Wayne Willgress returns to the Super8serieS. It was around this time last year he first appeared with his attacking play. The tactics paid off and he played in two Super8serieS event finals in his first two events, winning one of them. Surprisingly, Willgress only won 36% of his 53 games played last year. It'll be interesting to see if he will continue with his exciting play and continue to play aggressively. I think he'll cause some issues today for his opponents and I expect a spot in the final awaits.
Les Gillett was impressive in the recent World Championship at Potters. A world class performance in the first round resulted in a 8-3, 3-8, 2-1 victory over world number 2, David Gourlay. Unfortunately for Gillett, he was unable to advance beyond the second round and was narrowly defeated by Jonathan Ross. If he can repeat that kind of form he showed against Gourlay, he'll be unstoppable today.
The 2013 Super8serieS champion, makes his first appearance of the 2014 campaign. Brett fully deserved to be crowned as last year's champion and his stats backed that up. The English international won 72% of his games played last year, winning an impressive 10 events along the way. It was a joy to watch and the 2013 Scottish Open champion looks set to have another impressive year. I fully expect Brett to continue his fine form and win today's event.
Match Predictions
08:00: Philip Rowlands v Wayne Willgress - Wayne Willgress (10/11) 09:00: Les Gillett v Nick Brett - Nick Brett (4/7) 10:00: Phil Rowlands v Les Gillett - Les Gillett (4/6) 11:00: Wayne Willgress v Nick Brett - Nick Brett (4/9) 12:00: Nick Brett v Phil Rowlands - Nick Brett (1/2) 13:30: Wayne Willgress v Les Gillett - Wayne Willgress (5/4)
Tue Feb 18
It'll be interesting to see how Scott Edwards performs today. The 2010 English Champion runner-up will be looking to get off to a good start. It'll be difficult for him though as he's up against three players ranked in the top 22 in the world.
Similar to Wayne Willgress, Tim Stone got off to an impressive start in the 2013 Super8serieS. He produced some world class shots on the draw and put his opponents under pressure early on in each end played. With the natural talent he has, you would have expected Stone's stats to be better than they were. He did claim 2 event wins in the year, but only won 37% of his games. Today, I think will see Stone advance to the final. The game at 13:30 against Greenslade will be close, but I think he'll just edge it.
Jason Greenslade's stats and performances were very similar to Tim Stone's last year. Having played 50 games, Greenslade won 21 and claimed 2 event wins along the way. The 'Welsh Wizard' has slipped down the world rankings recently and will be working hard this season to get back into the top 10. I think Greenslade will claim 1 victory today but I can't see him making into the top 2.
It was an impressive 2013 Super8serieS for Simon Skelton. Only Nick Brett and Greg Harlow had more wins than him. His form outside of the Super8serieS has seen him slip to 15th in the world. Skelton's performances in the Super8serieS were much different. The Englishman won 64% of his games played and won 5 events too. An impressive all around player and it's difficult seeing him lose a game today.
Match Predictions
08:00: Scott Edwards v Tim Stone - Tim Stone (4/9) 09:00: Jason Greenslade v Simon Skelton - Simon Skelton (8/11) 10:00: Scott Edwards v Jason Greenslade - Jason Greenslade (4/11) 11:00: Tim Stone v Simon Skelton - Simon Skelton (1/2) 12:00: Simon Skelton v Scott Edwards - Simon Skelton (4/11) 13:30: Tim Stone v Jason Greenslade - Tim Stone (6/4)