By Ryan Skidmore
Andrew Gilding vs Robert Owen
Andrew Gilding has had a resurgence in 2022 and will be confident going into Ally Pally off the back of a great season, one he has reached 3 finals in. Goldfinger has averaged 95.01 this year but his opponent is no mug as Robert Owen has had a productive season on the Challenge Tour. I imagine Gilding will win the game and just outclass Owen but it won’t be a demolition.
Prediction: Gilding 3-1 Owen
Danny Jansen vs Paolo Nebrida
The Mullet was a surprise winner on the Pro Tour this year and has emerged as a serious talent going forward so it is no surprise he is favourite for his debut at Ally Pally. Jansen’s seasonal average is higher than his opponent’s but Nebrida represents the Asian Qualifier form which has proved better than expected so far. I expect Jansen to win but he will have to work for it.
Prediction: Jansen 3-1 Nebrida
Niels Zonneveld vs Lewy Williams
Zonneveld is a player on an upwards curve and will be confident going in to his match against Lewy Williams. Williams has been off the tour for a while due to parenting duties while Zonneveld has put a few few good runs together and been unlucky in defeat too, such as bumping into Chisnall in the Players Championship Finals. I’ll take Zonneveld to advance in to Round 2 here.
Prediction: Zonneveld 3-1 Williams
Bets: Zonneveld to win and hit most 180’s - 6/4
Jose De Sousa vs Simon Whitlock
This is certainly the tie of the afternoon and I think The Special One and The Wizard could produce an exciting match. Neither player has been at their best in 2022 but I still expect a lot of maximum hitting here as I think it will go the distance, possibly even to a deciding leg. De Sousa is slightly ahead on season average but has lost a lot of his prize money and Whitlock has had a poor year barring his World Cup heroics. I am just about edging the Portugese and hope maximums fly like they can with the pair of them.
Prediction: De Sousa 3-2 Whitlock
Bets:
De Sousa to win and hit most 180’s - 9/4 Both players to hit 6+ 180’s - 7/2
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