By Ryan Skidmore
Rowby-John Rodriguez vs Lourence Ilagan
This match sees two players who don’t mind making their presence known on stage but Rowby-John Rodriguez will be confident of victory in his first match at Ally Pally this year. Ilagan has not won a match at this tournament and while Rowby’s record is not the best, he has a good season, captured by almost winning his first European Tour Title. He has averaged 92.07 over the season in 2022 and should outclass Ilagan today and setting him up for potentially a nice little run.
Prediction: Rodriguez 3 - 0 Iligan
Bets:
Rodriguez to win 3-0 - 15/8
Rodriguez to win and hit most 180’s - 4/5
William O’Connor vs Beau Greaves
William O’Connor was probably hoping to avoid 18-year-old Beau Greaves in his first round tie as she has been incredible on the Women’s Series this year. Greaves comes into this on a run of 52 wins in a row, producing some good numbers during that time. However, O’Connor has still got the stats to suggest he should do the business and I expect him to edge it in what could be a thriller.
Prediction: O’Connor 3 - 2 Greaves
Keegan Brown vs Florian Hempel
Both players desperately need a win as are at risk if losing their tour cards which suggests this game could be edgy. Hempel has had a poor season following his run here last year and while Brown hasn’t lit the world up, he did win a Pro Tour Title and that is tilting me his way.
Prediction: Brown 3 - 1 Hempel
Bets: Brown to win - 11/10
Michael Smith vs Nathan Raffery
Bully Boy ended his major final defeat run impressively at the Grand Slam and that should stand him in good stead for a good run at Ally Pally again this year. He will be confident of starting with a convincing win against Rafferty, who edged past Wattimena last night averaging in the 80’s. If everything goes to plan there is no reason why Smith cannot win well here.
Prediction: Smith 3 - 1 Rafferty
Bets: Smith to win and hit most 180’s - 1/2
Evening Treble
Rodriguez to win & hit most 180’s, O’Connor to win, Smith to win & hit most 180’s - 2.78/1
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