By LadyD
Searle vs De Sousa
Both these players were at a similar standard in round 2, De Sousa averaged 86 and Searle 88 in their wins. Both players are known for big finishes and 180’s but by their standards the 180’s were very light, De Sousa hitting 5 in 5 sets and Searle just 1 in 3 sets. I’d expect them both to play better here, and it could go the distance, but I fancy Searle to get over the line and set up a tie with Price or Barney.
Prediction: Searle 4-3 De Sousa
Bets: Searle to win, De Sousa most 180’s - 5/2
Searle to win, hit over 4.5 180’s and checkout over 106.5 - 6/4
Match to have over 22.5 legs, over 11.5 180’s and a HC over 122.5 - 5/4
Noppert vs Soutar
Two very consistent performers clash here with Soutar one of the 3 unseeded players to progress, taking on Noppert who has become one of the most steady players on tour. This might not have the pace and excitement of some of the other games, but the quality should be equally as high. Soutar averaged 92 in dispatching Gurney 3-0, while Noppy was just shy of 96 in his win over Cameron. Noppy is probably the bigger 180 hitter of the pair but Soutar’s ability to hit massive finishes at key moments means this has every chance of having plenty of legs.
Prediction: Noppert 4-2 Soutar
Bets: Noppert to win with most 180’s - 10/11
Noppert to win, hit over 5.5 180’s and checkout over 110.5 - 5/4
Anderson vs Dobey
Crowd favourite Gary Anderson takes on Chris Dobey in the last game of the afternoon session and this really could be one of the ties of the round. Anderson had 3 100+ finishes in his opener against Razma, while Dobey smashed in 5 180’s on route to beating Kleermaker 3-0. Id be shocked if this game doesn’t have some huge checkouts, and plenty of legs, but I’m backing the Geordie to get over the line.
Prediction: Anderson 3-4 Dobey
Bets: Dobey to win with most 180’s - 15/8
Match to have over 23.5 legs, over 14.5 180’s and a checkout over 137.5 - 7/2
Dobey to hit 8+ 180’s and 3+ 100+ checkouts - 13/2
Dobey to hit 9+ 180’s, 1+ 100+ checkout and a bullseye finish - 7/1
Cullen vs Heta
Heta was extremely impressive in seeing off 2x champ Adrian Lewis 3-0, he averaged 96, hit 4 180’s and had 56% on doubles, losing just 4 legs. Cullen saw off Rapid Rocky Evans in the last game before Christmas in a game that provided so much entertainment and drama, but he too smashed in 7 maximums, with a 109 highest checkout too, and this could be the closest game of the round. Cullen has the power scoring and with Heta’s frailties on the big stages this year I’m backing Cullen to get the job done.
Prediction: Cullen 4-2 Heta
Bets: Cullen to hit a 180 in every set - 5/4
Cullen to win and hit most 180’s - 15/8
Cullen to hit 10+ 180’s, 1+ 100+ finish and a bullseye finish - 15/2
MVG vs Suljovic
MVG really sent a message in his opening game, averaging 101 in seeing off Lewy Williams, he lost just 1 leg along the way. Suljovic was an outsider in his opener but dispatched De Decker with very little fuss, also winning 3-0. MVG is rightly the heavy odds on favourites, and I expect him to beat Suljovic with very little fuss.
Prediction: MVG 4-0 Suljovic
Bets: MVG to win 4-0 - 11/8
MVG to win the match treble - 4/6
Smith vs Schindler
Last years runner up got off to the best possible start, not dropping a leg in his win over Rafferty. Schindler had a pretty tough opening round match, drawing Lukeman, but courtesy of 6 180’s and a 170 finish, he beat the Englishman 3-1. This game might not have too many sets, but I fully expect it to have plenty of 180’s, both are huge 180 hitters and I’m taking an outside punt on Schindler hitting more at a nice price but Smith should run away with it in the end.
Prediction: Smith 4-1 Schindler
Bets: Smith to win 4-0 or 4-1 - 1/1
Smith to win, Schindler most 180’s - 7/2
Both to hit a 180 in every set - 7/2
4+ 180’s in every set - 1000/1
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