Live on Skysports 1: Thu 19.00: Simon Whitlock plays Denis Ovens in the World Matchplay and is 8/11 (Betfred) to go on and win his quarter.
Whitlock came through a tough match with a spirited Peter Wright and now faces Denis Ovens as 2/7 fav with Boylesports. Ovens did well to beat Baxter but almost threw it away late on. His low 3-dart average should be no real contest for Whitlock, the Australian should come through on the handicaps available. If Whitlock does make it through to the quarter final stage, he will be face another unseeded player (both of whom admittedly played very well in the opening round) and Betfred rate Whitlock 8/11 to win his quarter of the draw.
Andy Hamilton and John Henderson come together in the clash of the ‘giant killers’, Hamilton beating Gary Anderson in round 1 and Henderson taking down Colin Lloyd. Hamilton is Stan James’ 5/6 fav in what should be a very close fought thing and could face Whitlock next.
Phil Taylor is in 2nd round action and depsite only beating Mark Hylton 10-8, his darts were solid and should have the beating of Wayne Jones. Ladbrokes make him evens with a -6.5 leg handicap in a first to 13 competition.
The final match of the evening pitches Wes Newton as 4/11 fav (Ladbrokes) against Justin Pipe. Newton is a solid fav after blowing away Andy Smith in Round 1 but Justin Pipe performed admirably when beating Mervyn King. Pipe with a 3.5 leg headstart (first to 13) at 10/11 with Totesport could be worth following.
All matches live on Skysports 1:
World Matchplay Thursday 21 July:
Whitlock, S v Ovens, D (19:10 BST)
Hamilton, A v Henderson, J (20:20 BST)
Taylor, P v Jones, W (21:30 BST)
Newton, W v Pipe, J (22:40 BST)
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