Players Championship

[Mullahoran]

The last TV tournament before the World's live on itv4.

I am concentrating on the big match of the last 32 between Van Barneveld v Lewis. Barney played well in last weeks Grand slam taking an inspired final few legs from Gary Anderson to knock him out in the quarters in a close match. He took that form into last night's match v Mensur Sulijovic in a top quality match with Barney averaging over 107 to Sulijovics 103. Over the last week of Darts Barney has averaged 110, 107 ,105, 100, 98 + 98 playing his best darts since last years Worlds.

Lewis on the other hand Lost all 3 of his Grand Slam group matches and managed to beat Robert Thornton in a low quality match last night with a 86 average. Averages aren't everything as James Wade keeps proving but without doubt Lewis is a bit downbeat at the moment whilst Barney is talking himself up and is in a positive mindset which is so important for him to be when playing well. Would be happier if this match was a best of 19 but still is best of 11 but still Barney deserves to be favourite at the moment and believe will come out on top . He has a 31-21 h2h record v Lewis.

2.5pts on Van Barneveld v Lewis at 10/11 various.

Edited November 26, 2016 by Mullahoran

[Mullahoran]

Barney wins 6-4.

First semi-final is MVG v Darren Webster , a surprise semi finalist. It is unlikely Webster will trouble ,the bookies think he will win 3 or 4 legs at best and I ain't going to disagree with them though MVG can let his standard slip from his high standards sometimes when he isn't pushed .

I am going to back a low checkout in what I can see being a low intensity s/f where MVG will do enough .

2.5pts on under 134.5 c/o in MVG v D.Webster at 5/6 skybet

I am also backing Peter Wright now at 16/1 each way for the World Championship which I will elaborate on another time.