Tuesday's World Darts tips

Michael van Gerwen vs Chris Dobey 

Will Tuesday night’s headline act even make it to the oche?

Van Gerwen spent Christmas Day with Vincent van der Voort who subsequently tested positive and withdrew from the tournament, leaving his compatriot looking at risk.

As a result, ‘Mighty’ Michael’s tournament win chances halved from 18% to 9%, with both Jonny Clayton and Peter Wright ahead of him in the betting.

Van Gerwen didn’t look at his best as he dropped a set and struggled with doubles against Chas Barstow, but he should still have more than enough about him to advance to the last 16, but a price of 1.25 is not particularly appealing.

Chris Dobey, on the other hand, will be flying after his dramatic comeback win against Rusty-Jake Rodriguez (real name, not nickname), and he could cause the three-time champion problems.

With that in mind, over 5.5 sets at 2.04 represents decent value.

Michael van Gerwen's tournament hopes could be hit by Covid.

Ryan Searle vs Danny Noppert

Having been considered a dangerous outsider for the last couple of world championships, is this the year when Ryan Searle finally lives up to the hype?

On the surface, he whitewashed William Borland in round two, but bear in mind that the last two sets both went to deciding legs, so it wasn’t necessarily all plain sailing.

The world number 15 should prove too strong for Dutchman Danny Noppert, who only dropped three legs in his victory over Jason Heaver, but averaged below 90, with only 28% of doubles hit.

Weigh that up against Searle’s 43% success ratio and 92 average and backing the Englishman at 1.76 looks a wise choice.

Rob Cross vs Daryl Gurney

Is the former world champion a good bet to emerge triumphant in what feels like a wide-open tournament?

Cross certainly looked the part when he saw off Raymond van Barneveld last week, and he can still be backed at a massive 18.5.

Daryl Gurney came from a set down to defeat Ricky Evans, but it’s hard to look past Cross, who’s available to back at 1.61.

The former electrician powered in seven maximums against Barney, while Gurney hit six in his victory, and 2.02 for over 13.5 180s in this one looks solid.

Peter Wright vs Damon Heta

On the face of it, with Wright 72% likely to win this one, coming off the back of a straight sets second-round win, against an opponent who’s playing in his maiden last 32 tie at the World Championships, you’d be crazy to oppose ‘Snakebite’.

But Heta, available to back at 3.65 is a player who has performed consistently well this season in an under-the-radar way, and will be buoyed by his Aussie compatriot Raymond Smith’s run to the last 16.

Add to that the fact that Wright’s opening match was eleven days ago, and this one may be a lot closer than you’d imagine.

Wright should still do the business, but over 5.5 sets at 1.84 looks appealing.

Recommended Bets 

Over 5.5 sets in Michael van Gerwen v Chris Dobey at 2.04

Over 13.5 180s in Rob Cross v Darryl Gurney at 2.02

Ryan Searle to beat Danny Noppert at 1.76