The Ultimate Darts thread!

[Master D]

Serious business is starting from now.

1pm
King v Klaasen (Round 2)
Smith v Van Der Pas
Wade v Caven
7pm
Lewis v Suljovic
Anderson v Van Der Voort
MVG v Barney

Van Der Pas is a good talent but I don't see much to suggest he will be becoming a great player and I expect Smith to win. I actually think Michael Smith will win this tournament in the next few years as he is potentially that good. Anderson against VDV is the match to bet on for most 180's scored and wouldn't surprise me if VDV hits more than Anderson. 4-1 against Gurney flattered Anderson in the last game and I think VDV will give him a real test. Michael Smith is 3/10 to hit more maximums than VDP which is nothing great obviously but that is simply buying money if you add it to another selection that wins. Tempted to go for a 9 darter tonight, if there's going to be one in this tournament I see it being Lewis as he's hit 2 here before.

Barney has nothing to lose so I hope big game Barney turns up, and pushes MvG all the way to a decider.

 

[Baz]

Tell you what all 6 of those matches could be quality and could easily go either way. So i'll work it top down.

I've always liked King and Klaasen is always hit and miss so i'd take King for the win there by the odd set. I'm with you on Smith vs VDP, I think Smith has too much in his all round game for VDP at the moment so should win by a couple of sets at worst. I think Wade will have too much for Caven as Wade seemingly has his head screwed on this time and admitting he's actually practised for this tournament speaks volumes.

The way Lewis has been playing I can't see him having any problems with Suljovic however we all know Mensur isn't the easiest of guys to beat for whatever reason that may be so I think it'll be closer than many expect it to be. Anderson vs VDV will all be about those doubles. We know both men can score brilliantly and we also know both men can be horrific on their doubles. I'd expect Anderson to come through just about but I dread to think how many darts they'll miss at doubles between them haha.

As for the big one well it depends on which Barney turns up doesn't it? He hasn't been playing too badly and he's been hitting big out shots so he needs to keep that going if he's to hang with MVG. However if we see the MVG that turned up in the first round it could be a close contest, however if it's the 107 average MVG that turns up it could be a silly score and over quickly. For the fans sake I hope Barney turns up and we see a classic.

 

[Leewilson]

I like a good prediction/being wrong.

3rd round

MVG beats Barney
Smith beats VDP
Lewis beats Suljovic
Wright beats Chisnall
VDV beats Anderson
Wade beats Caven
Webster beats Norris
Taylor beats Klassen

Quarters

MVG beats Smith
Wright beats Lewis
Wade beats VDV
Taylor beats Webster

Semis

MVG beats Wright
Taylor beats Wade

Final

MVG beats Taylor

Nothing that outlandish

 

[Master D]

Tell you what all 6 of those matches could be quality and could easily go either way. So i'll work it top down.

I've always liked King and Klaasen is always hit and miss so i'd take King for the win there by the odd set. I'm with you on Smith vs VDP, I think Smith has too much in his all round game for VDP at the moment so should win by a couple of sets at worst. I think Wade will have too much for Caven as Wade seemingly has his head screwed on this time and admitting he's actually practised for this tournament speaks volumes.

The way Lewis has been playing I can't see him having any problems with Suljovic however we all know Mensur isn't the easiest of guys to beat for whatever reason that may be so I think it'll be closer than many expect it to be. Anderson vs VDV will all be about those doubles. We know both men can score brilliantly and we also know both men can be horrific on their doubles. I'd expect Anderson to come through just about but I dread to think how many darts they'll miss at doubles between them haha.

As for the big one well it depends on which Barney turns up doesn't it? He hasn't been playing too badly and he's been hitting big out shots so he needs to keep that going if he's to hang with MVG. However if we see the MVG that turned up in the first round it could be a close contest, however if it's the 107 average MVG that turns up it could be a silly score and over quickly. For the fans sake I hope Barney turns up and we see a classic.

I honestly would not be shocked to see VDV put Anderson out, I remember him pushing Taylor all the way here last year. His quick throwing will suit Anderson though. James Wade I don't know as he can lose to anyone if something suddenly bothers him, I've seen it too many times before. I always think once James Wade gets to a finish in a leg I can see him taking anything out, he is that good on big pressure checkouts. Anytime he leaves himself a 100+ finish I can see him taking it out, it's always about his scoring to get there as he doesn't hit as many 140+ as the other top guys. Lewis will win but I bet he will be annoyed at the rhythm of the match, inevitably slowed down by Sulijovic's clowning about.

 

[Murphy]

I'm surprised that a few of the pundits are backing Anderson quite heavily in spite of his odds, bar one or two runs at certain tournaments he's had a pretty shocking year for someone who won the Worlds less than 12 months ago. VDV on form he'll cause a shock tonight - I'd have him down for most 180s at least.

Wright has been massively underplayed as well, something like sixth favourite all the way through when he's been the second best after MVG all year. Tough ask in the next round though against Chizzy, should be a cracking game. Really like Michael Smith as well, tighten up those doubles and make sure he doesn't crumble against the big, big gun in the next round and it'll hold him in good stead.

Making a call now that there's absolutely no way Taylor should be getting to the final this year. He's had a massive slice of luck that his section of the draw looks pretty favourable, easily the most straightforward section out there. He comes up against anyone that can consistently score and not crumble on the doubles and he's a goner.

 

[Super_horns]

Easy wins for Wade and Smith so far..

 

[Master D]

That 135 is fucking sensational from MvG, even if he loses here.

 

[Baz]

That 135 is fucking sensational from MvG, even if he loses here.

Agreed. It's been a brilliant match and it's a shame there has to be a looser.

 

[markpvfc]

That's twice Barney has thrown a dart into the flight of another.

 

[markpvfc]

Well done Barney, stunning game of darts, one of the best ever.

 

[Munkiki]

absolutely sensational. what a result.

 

[Master D]

What a match, just a shame this is R3. Incredible from Barney but MvG showed ridiculous bottle there. Sky talking bollocks as per, making out as though Barney was a rank outsider with no chance. The man is a 5 time world champion and we all knew if big game Barney turned up then he could take MvG all the way.

 

[Baz]

MVG certainly put it on in that one leg against the throw. So it's Barney vs err Smith in the quarters now? Barney must fancy his chances of making the final now.

 

[slaphead]

Best game of darts I've ever seen. Amazing.

 

[Baz]

Best game of darts I've ever seen. Amazing.

Don't think it tops Taylor vs Barney in 07.

 

[slaphead]

Didn't see that one, was working out of the country for a while

 

[Richard Cranium]

Absolute class. £5 on Barney at 40/1 is looking alright now.

LOVE THE DARTS

 

[Hooped Wizard]

MVG certainly put it on in that one leg against the throw. So it's Barney vs err Smith in the quarters now? Barney must fancy his chances of making the final now.

I love Barney but I get the awful feeling Smith will win that one.

 

[Baz]

I love Barney but I get the awful feeling Smith will win that one.

Pressure will be on Smith though, he won't be able to be sloppy against Barney. Also on this win I believe that will secure Barney as one of the wildcards for the Premier League. Unless he wins the whole thing then he won't need that wildcard of course.

 

[Master D]

I would imagine the only Premier League changes will be dropping Huybrechts and Bunting for Thornton and Smith. Thornton lost early here but should be back in on the back of winning the Grand Prix and being 6th in the world.

 

[claret50]

Really pleased that Barney dispatched MVG from the tournament, I don't mind who wins the final now as long as it's not Taylor.

 

[Hooped Wizard]

I would imagine the only Premier League changes will be dropping Huybrechts and Bunting for Thornton and Smith. Thornton lost early here but should be back in on the back of winning the Grand Prix and being 6th in the world.

Klaasen potentially beating Taylor tomorrow could put to bed Thornton's chances.

Very unlikely but if either Webster or Norris get as far as the semis that would make things interesting too.

At this point I wouldn't rule out an expansion to 12 players. Of course Barry Hearn would love to get Martin Adams on board after his performance in the Grand Slam but thats nigh on impossible.

 

[Master D]

One thing is for sure, Phil Taylor's eyes just lit up in this tournament. He's already got the easiest route to the SF known to man and now his main rival has gone. Anyone but him to win it from here frankly, looking likely that we will need Anderson to take him out in the SF.

 

[Hooray]

Also on this win I believe that will secure Barney as one of the wildcards for the Premier League. Unless he wins the whole thing then he won't need that wildcard of course.

As long as Barney is a professional darts player he'll keep getting picked for the Premier League, regardless of how he's been playing or where he's ranked in the world. He's too big a name.

 

[Baz]

Klaasen potentially beating Taylor tomorrow could put to bed Thornton's chances.

Very unlikely but if either Webster or Norris get as far as the semis that would make things interesting too.

At this point I wouldn't rule out an expansion to 12 players. Of course Barry Hearn would love to get Martin Adams on board after his performance in the Grand Slam but thats nigh on impossible.

Don't think Wolfie will move over now it's too late for him unless he only does it for a year or two. Wolfie has it too easy and made in the BDO system to warrant him throwing it all away, plus at the age of 59 I don't think even Hearn would do it.

 

[Hooped Wizard]

Don't think Wolfie will move over now it's too late for him unless he only does it for a year or two. Wolfie has it too easy and made in the BDO system to warrant him throwing it all away, plus at the age of 59 I don't think even Hearn would do it.

True it is a shame because he's thew only great player to never be at a PDC WC.

Anyway onto tonights action...

Wright 2-4 Chisnall
Norris 4-3 Webster
Taylor 2-4 Klaasen.

Interesting set of games tonight, praying Taylor is knocked out.

 

[Master D]

Not sure I've ever seen MvG that gutted, saying he'd swap every title he's won this year for this one. Showed a lot of class and respect after the match towards Barney. Can only imagine what Taylor would have been like losing under such circumstances, in fact I know what he'd have been like.

Wright v Chisnall is close to call though Chizzy has knocked him out of the Grand Prix and beat him at Grand Slam recently. Can never back against Snakebite though, he's just too consistent and tough to put away. Webster is another tough competitor and Norris is playing well but I have to go with North Wales' finest there.

Hope Klaasen can do it, but I doubt it. Taylor getting through to the SF and getting smashed to bits by Anderson will be worth the wait.

 

[Gilly?]

Don't think Wolfie will move over now it's too late for him unless he only does it for a year or two. Wolfie has it too easy and made in the BDO system to warrant him throwing it all away, plus at the age of 59 I don't think even Hearn would do it.

Wolfie loves the county circuit too much, he's still playing for Cambridgeshire. If he made the jump a few years ago I think he'd be up there with the best.

I'd love Michael Smith to get a major win, there's a few players here that could go all the way now.

 

[Baz]

Snakebites/Chizzy is turning into a classic too. Both men averaging over 100 and 50% on checkouts brilliant stuff.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Got a pretty big bet on tonight and if it wins I will be very happy. For it to go down to the last leg as they say I need 4 more 180's in this game!