Monday's World Darts tips: Price to march on

We're back after the Christmas break as the serious action gets underway at Alexandra Palace, here's the pick of Monday's games as the last 32 begins with the matches now best of seven sets in the third round.

Michael Smith v William O'Connor 

There’s not much between these two in terms of averages over the PDC season, but Michael Smith was a class above in his first appearance – averaging a whopping 106.32 in a 3-0 win over Ron Meulenkamp. 

That highest average of the tournament so far really made everyone sit up and take notice, especially the bookies, and Smith now has only four players ahead of him in the outright betting as a 16 shot to lift the trophy. 

The World No.9 has made the final here before and has all the tools to be a world champion of the future. He looked brilliant with six 180s and 75% checkout rate in that second-round victory. 

Smith also holds a 7-1 head-to-head record over William O’Connor, with the Irishman a big 4.5 outsider here who will have to raise his game hugely to test Smith in this form. 

Smith should win this comfortably, while he should also be backed to hit the most 180s at 1.38.

James Wade v Vincent Van der Voort

Fourth seed James Wade's 83.74 average was the lowest winning total of the second round as he failed to hit a 180, and even though he was always in control it wasn’t a confident start to the tournament for the three-time semi-finalist. 

Van der Voort hit three maximums for an 89.55 average in a 3-0 win over Adam Hunt, but it was a classic sets performance as Hunt was right in the contest throughout. 

The Christmas break can often see a big change in form so Wade is a worthy 1.62 favourite and if he’s anything like his best he should beat 2.58 outsider Van der Voort. 

Back the Dutchman to hit over 5.5 180s though at a nice price of 2.12

Reigning champions Gerwyn Price is expected to beat Kim Huybrechts to reach the last 16 at Ally Pally

Gerwyn Price v Kim Huybrechts

Defending champion and World No.1 Gerwyn Price returns to action after a decent test in his 3-1 win over Ritchie Edhouse, where he was a set and 2-0 down before turning things around with a 101.28 average. 

The Iceman remains tournament favourite and a big 1.21 fancy here against Belgian Kim Huybrechts, who was an unconvincing winner over Steve Beaton and 5.5 outsider here. 

The 32nd seed could easily give Price some bother though as he actually holds a 5-4 head-to-head advantage over the Welshman, but crucially is 0-3 against him on TV. 

He shouldn’t win this one but he’s good enough to take a couple of sets.

Jonny Clayton v Gabriel Clemens

Jonny Clayton remains third favourite for the title after reeling off six straight legs, all in 15 darts or less, to turn a 2-1 deficit into victory over Keane Barry. 

It was just the test needed for the winner of the Masters, Premier League and World Grand Prix to settle into this tournament and makes him a huge 1.22 favourite against Gabriel Clemens. 

The big German did beat defending champion Peter Wright here last year, but with Clayton second behind just Michael Smith in tournament average so far, expect The Ferret to cruise this one.

Recommended bets 

Smith -2.5 sets on the handicap at 2.2

Van der Voort over 5.5 180s at 2.12  

Over 5.5 sets in Price v Huybrechts at 2.18

Clayton -2.5 sets on the handicap at 1.89