Bullseye!

It’s quarter final time at the 2013 World Darts Championship – we cast an eye over the match ups and predict who will meet who in the semi finals:-

Phil “The Power” Taylor (ENG -$3.00) vs Andy “The Hammer” Hamilton (ENG – $20.00)

What a match up – the winner of 15 World Champs titles up against last year’s runner up. Phil Taylor is the best known name on the world circuit, and his road to this point has been a comfortable one, losing just the one set. Hamilton has been pushed slightly harder, but he put Terry Jenkins under all sorts of pressure in the last round and came up trumps. It’s the World #1 up against the World #8, and under normal circumstances you would expect Taylor to come up trumps. But being the World Champs, we’ll take a punt and go with a massive upset – Hamilton to take it out 5-4.

Simon “The Wizard” Whitlock (AUS – $10.00) vs Raymond “Barney” van Barneveld (NET – $6.00)

Barney has won five World Titles – Whitlock is yet to win one. The Australian had a great run last year before stumbling in the semis, but is yet to recapture his European Championships 2012 form, and wasn’t so convincing in beating Dave Chisnall. The Dutchman has one of the most relaxed styles on the circuit, and his 4-0 thumping of Gary Anderson was the most impressive display of those remaining. If both were at the top of their game, you’d have to go with Whitlock. But they’re not, so for us it’s van Barneveld to take the match 5-2.

Adrian “Jackpot” Lewis (ENG – $9.00) vs Michael “Mighty Mike” van Gerwen (NET – $3.75)

Lewis is the two time reigning champion, and even when he is not at peak form he has the ability to hang in there like a streetfighter. van Gerwen is still only 23, but his performances so far have been impressive, and he has hit more 180’s than any other player still in the competition. Lewis looked to have hit form against Kevin Painter, only to allow Painter back into the game. But he showed his experience and pulled out some big totals just when he needed it, and it’s about this time last year Lewis really hit his straps – we’re picking he will do it again, and upset the Dutchman 5-3.

Wes “The Warrior” Newton (ENG – $13.00) vs James “The Machine” Wade (ENG – $10.00)

Newton, like Taylor and van Barneveld, has only dropped one set in the tournament so far. He doesn’t always throw huge totals, but his consistency is hard to match. James Wade took out the clutch points in the last round to defeat Vincent van der Voort, but hasn’t yet looked to be at his best. In the 2012 he way one set away from the final before Adrian Lewis romped home, whilst Newton has only been to the quarters on one other occasion. Wade’s experience should get him through here, and we’ll pick him to win 5-2.

NOTE: The prices are for the overall winner at the time of writing on the NZ TAB.