DARTS expert Mark Stinchombe (@MarkStinchcombe) shares a selection from Wednesday’s World Championship action.
James Wade v Ronny Huybrechts | Wednesday 21:00 | Sky Sports 3
James Wade opens his 2017 World Championship account as heavy 1/7 favourite against Ronny Huybrechts.
Wade has had his usual consistent year – winner of the European Matchplay in May, he made the final of the Shanghai Darts Masters, semi-finals of the Champions League and final of the Grand Slam with only Michael van Gerwen denying him in those two finals.
Ronny Huybrechts has had a fairly decent year for a player of his standing. With his brother Kim, they knocked Scotland out of the World Cup and he missed two darts to win a Players Championship against Simon Whitlock.
However, Huybrechts’ recent performances leave a little to be desired, losing in the first round of the Players Championship finals and opening stage of the last two European tour events – both as 4/9 favourite.
The head-to-head actually stands at 2-2, although they haven’t faced each other since September 2015 and never longer than best of 11 legs. With Wade having not lost in the 1st Round for over a decade and the current form of the two, it would be a big upset if Ronny won.
‘Machine’ to go low on 180s
The bet I like here is Wade to throw Under 3.5 180s at even-money (SkyBet). ‘The Machine’ has never been a proficient 180 hitter and the data this year suggests that’s set to continue.
In 171 legs in the Premier League he hit 35 180s (0.20 per-leg) and since the Champions League of Darts in September, Wade has thrown 51 180s in 267 legs (0.19 per-leg). The market suggests 14.5 legs which would have James in for around 2.83 180s.
As short as 3/5 elsewhere, this bet would have won in 16 of his last 20 TV matches (80%).
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James Wade v Ronny Huybrechts – James Wade Under 3.5 180s (1/1 SkyBet)
