World Championship betting: Favourites to prosper in Last 16

World Championship betting: Favourites to prosper in Last 16

Shocks look unlikely as we near the quarter-finals at the Ally Pally

There have been plenty of upsets at the PDC World Championship so far, but the cream is starting to rise to the top and the big names are really hitting their straps as we head into the last 16 of the competition. This means value is harder to come by in picking a winner of a match, but the other markets can still be profitable affairs if used wisely.

The clash between Michael van Gerwen and Terry Jenkins is a good example of this as the 180s market looks very tempting indeed. Both players are playing really well at the moment and if this one does not go at least to six sets then it will be something of a surprise. Neither has averaged under 96 in both their contests thus far so we can expect some impressive scoring along the way.

Over 14.5 maximums to be hit in this one is 19/20 which looks a fabulous price on two of the top players in the game at the moment, who have already hit 28 between them in two games.

Sticking with the 180 market, the match between Andy Hamilton and Peter Wright is not likely to produce anything like the number of maximums as Mighty Mike and the Bull will muster up. The Hammer and Snakebite have hardly played badly to reach the last 16, but neither are particularly prolific on the 180s. Incredibly, Wright has hit just five despite averaging over 97 over this two matches to date.

It looks best to go the other way in this one. It is not to say it will be a poor match, but you can achieve excellence without a stack of maximums, as Phil Taylor has proved for years.

The Power has never been known for his prolific 180 hitting. Clearly he has hit plenty over his 20 years of dominance in the sport, but they are not as regular as some of the quicker more rhythmic players. One of those speedier players he meets in the next round; Kim Huybrechts.

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The Belgian has not quite been at his best so far this tournament, but as the underdog against Taylor he should relax a bit compared to how pumped up he was against Ian White in his last outing. He is unlikely to beat Taylor but he could fire in a couple more maximums than him and looks good value to out-180 the Power at 9/10.