We started with 32 players and are down to the final four, where a place in Sunday’s Final at stake. With the marathon best of 33 leg showdown will have some tense moments, with three of the four players all in the top six with the chance of Glen Durrant to power past into the top 32 if he lifts the crown.
Stats from the players:
Glen Durrant:
- Legs played (Won) – 61 (39)
- 3 dart average – 97.74
- 180’s scored – 13
- Highest checkout – 137
- Checkout % - 43.82%
Michael Smith:
- Legs played (Won) – 66 (38)
- 3 dart average – 97.35
- 180’s scored – 16
- Highest checkout – 137
- Checkout % - 38.38%
Daryl Gurney:
- Legs played (Won) – 66 (37)
- 3 dart average – 94.89
- 180’s scored – 26
- Highest checkout – 116
- Checkout % - 32.31%
Rob Cross:
- Legs played (Won) – 59 (37)
- 3 dart average – 99.54
- 180’s scored – 22
- Highest checkout – 170
- Checkout % - 58.33%
Glen Durrant Vs Michael Smith – 19:15
Best odds:
- Durrant – 10/13 Marathonbet
- Smith – 6/5 Boylesports
Durrant has impressed many of the fans into winning them over showing his emotional side to the game. Glen is by far a respectful player and may not be the quickest at the oche and this may upset the rhythm of Smith.
Looking at the match average prices both players lines are at 96.50. Smith on the last two games had only just crossed the betting line, with the last one on the very last dart of the game. No wonder odds compilers punt this at 17/20 or 5/6. I feel Smith’s style may submit to the slower pace and with the longer format and heat in the arena surely a factor. With a checkout success a smidgen under 40% there is a fighting hence, especially if a leg, like one against King goes around the houses to the madhouse to finish off.
There is a fair chance of seeing four or more 100+ checkouts in the game with Hills at evens. Skybet punt just 8/13 on the same bet with the same firm 1/2 on Durrant hitting two or more and 4/7 on Smith. Durrant to land fewer than 9 maximums may appeal at 4/6 with Skybet and 7/10 with Sportingbet also.
Daryl Gurney Vs Rob Cross – 21:15
Best odds:
- Cross – 8/15 Bet365
- Gurney – 7/4 Boylesports
Superchin went the distance with Snakebite to edge over the line in a performance, which saw both players average over 100. Kudos for both competitors in the contest to maintain a title winning performance. Gurney is BIG at 7/4, having pocketed two majors under his belt.
Voltage had made rather light work in his first two games, until a close encounter with Stephen Bunting with a narrow 16-14 victory and has played seven fewer legs than his opponent. Cross had to put in some sterling efforts in breaking free from the bullet in their epic contest and is on the rather short side of 8/15 with a number of firms including Bet365.
Gurney has the slight edge on Cross on the maximum count, with gurney BIG at 6/4 with Hills for the most maximums. Daryl has more 140’s than Cross, however the leg variance would make that about even.
The checkout lines for both players are high, on the basis of the expected number of legs in the game. I have noticed there are a lot of tall markets at odds on without a NO option attached. Bookmakers might have taken a hit on certain markets and look to be playing this with some caution. The Gurney 180 bet is all that appeals if I was forced to offer a tip.
Recommendations:
Smith – U96.5 average – 17/20 Sportingbet 1pt
Durrant/Smith – 4+ 100+ checkouts – 1/1 Hills 1pt