By Aidan Smyth
Williams vs Bialecki
Jim Williams is a steady operator and had picked up some big scalps this year, including Rob Cross in PC28. He went out in the first round of the Players Championship last month, but he did hit 5 180’s and average 96 in that game. Bialecki was good in the UK open, winning his first 6 games before losing out 10-9 to Willie O’Connor. I’m expecting this to be a really close game, and the overs markets might be worth a look in that case, particularly the match action market. I’m backing Bialecki to just get over the line but Williams to hit more 180’s.
Bialecki to win 3-2 - 5/1
Bialecki win with Williams most 180’s - 9/2
Match to have over 15.5 legs, over 4.5 180’s and a Highest Checkout over 116.5 - 11/8
Hughes vs Hendriks
This game doesn’t scream classic at you but it should be another tight affair. Jamie Hughes isn’t in the same form he was 18 months ago, and Hendriks is a capable player. Hughes should hover around the low 90’s average though and that should be enough to dispatch Hendriks.
Hughes to win 3-1 - 9/4
Hughes to win the match treble - 11/4
Evans vs Sherrock
The darling of the Ally Pally returns tonight to take on Rapid Ricky in what should be one of the most entertaining games of round 1. Evans has had a torrid time of late, losing his last 7 matches, but he hasn’t played particularly badly in the majority, he had a 92.65 average against Gilding in the Players Championship, and was unlucky to come up against Goldfinger in great form. Fallon failed to average higher then 89 in the Grand Slam and that level probably won’t be enough against Ricky.
Evans to win 3-0 - 15/8
Evans to win and hit most 180’s - 11/10
Van Barneveld vs Meikle
From the incredible pace of Ricky Evans, to the methodical pace of Meikle, this game could take a while, not only because of Meikle’s pace but also because it should be a really close contest. Barney was superb in the Grand Slam, making it all the way to the semis, beating Gerwyn Price on route. In the first 2 sets against Ashton, Meikle was very good, he ended with just shy of a 92 average but the way he won the last set, despite the crowd and momentum being with Ashton was impressive. This really could go either way and it’s difficult to pick a winner, but the experience might just give Barney the edge.
Barney to win 3-2 - 7/2
Barney to win and hit most 180’s - 15.8
Match to have over 16.5 legs, over 7.5 180’s and a HC over 128.5 - 4/1
Acca:
Evans win and most 180’s, Barney vs Meikle and Williams vs Bialecki to have over 4.5 sets - 18/1
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