The Reebok Stadium erupted at the end of this afternoon’s play as Sid Waddell & Eric Bristow pulled out the tie that everyone came to see – Phil Taylor v Simon Whitlock in the last 16. Taylor earlier enhanced his own TV average record in producing a staggering 118.66 in his 9-0 whitewash of Kevin Painter with Whitlock averaging something similar in winning the final seven legs against Scotsman Robert Thornton. The eagerly awaited clash is the third on the main board this evening. Firms have reacted by pushing Whitlock to 14/1 for the Outright with Taylor still a general 1/3 shot. Paddy Power are standout best price on ‘The Wizard’ knocking out ‘The Power’ at 9/2 (Taylor 1/6).
Elsewhere, Gary Anderson and Mervyn King will face off after tight wins over Paul Nicholson & Michael Smith respectively. The layers quite rightly find it difficult to split the pair with Anderson the slight favourite at 8/11 and King at 5/4.
Ronnie Baxter remains on course for a second successive semi final at Bolton after a comfortable win over Mark Webster’s conqueror Tony Eccles. He will face Andy ‘The Hammer’ Hamilton with the world number ten taking out Alex Roy this afternoon. Baxter relinquishes favouritism and is available to back at 11/10 with Totesport best price (5/6) about Hamilton.
James Wade finally ended the run of young Irishman William O’Connor and will once again take to the main stage against Kevin McDine who is enjoying his best ever run at The Reebok. ‘SuperMc’ needed a last leg decider to see off the final pub qualifier Paul Warwick and is 3/1 to once again progress.
Away from the limelight on board two, 1000/1 pre-tournament outsider Nigel Heydon continues to make waves and will face local lad Wes Newton. ‘Av It’ has been mightily impressive in taking consecutive 9-1 victories over Terry Jenkins & Steve Maish and is chalked up as the 3/10 favourite to make the last eight. Three-time quarter finalist Alan Tabern has been made to work hard for his wins over Stephen Hardy & former champion Roland Scholten but the draw has again been kind and he’s 1/2 to take the spoils against Tony Ayres (15/8). Andy Smith & Denis Ovens won’t be too disappointed at having drawn each other and both will fancy their chances of making it through to Sunday; both men can be picked up at even money. Last on board two is Adrian Lewis who will take on Wolverhampton’s Wayne Jones. ‘Jackpot’ has never made it past this stage and there may just be a little value in the 2/1 about Jones – a two-time quarter finalist in this tournament and a tremendous floor player.
The eight winners of tonight’s fifth round games will return for tomorrow’s quarter finals with the semis and the final taking place at 19:00 tomorrow night.
UK Open 5th Round Draw
Main Stage
Ronnie Baxter v Andy Hamilton
Kevin McDine v James Wade
Phil Taylor v Simon Whitlock
Gary Anderson v Mervyn King
Board Two
Andy Smith v Denis Ovens
Alan Tabern v Tony Ayres
Nigel Heydon v Wes Newton
Adrian Lewis v Wayne Jones
Tournament Outright (Best Price) – Each Way 1st 2 places
Phil Taylor (7/19)
James Wade (9/1)
Simon Whitlock (14/1)
Gary Anderson (16/1)
Adrian Lewis (22/1)
Wes Newton (25/1)
Mervyn King (33/1)
Andy Hamilton (40/1)
Ronnie Baxter (50/1)
Alan Tabern (50/1)
Wayne Jones (80/1)
Kevin McDine (100/1)
Denis Ovens (100/1)
Andy Smith (150/1)
Nigel Heydon (200/1)
Tony Ayres (250/1)
