The new darts season effectively gets underway this weekend with a double header in the tax-haven of Gibraltar.
A 163 man field head for the Rock on Saturday with 153 entered for Sunday's tournament. Big names such as Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld, Dennis Priestley & Simon Whitlock are the only notable absentees in what should prove an ultra-competitive 48 hours.
Saturday's event, held in memory of PDC official Eddie Cox who passed away late last year, sees world number three James Wade installed as the 6/1 favourite. Recent Players Champion Paul Nicholson is a best priced 20/1 (SportingBet) to lift the trophy come Saturday evening.
Both tournaments are as ever, sponsored by Stan James and their Head of PR Charlie McCann had this to say: "We are looking forward once again to hosting a wonderful weekend of darts and are delighted to have 16 of the World's top 20 players as confirmed starters for the 2nd Eddie Cox Memorial on the first day. For James Wade, Mervyn King, Adrian Lewis, Ronnie Baxter and Terry Jenkins it will be their last competitive action before the Premier League Of Darts in front of a full house at the O2 Arena in London on Thursday night. Both weekend events are sold out in Gibraltar and whilst the local sports hall might not have quite the same atmosphere as the O2 Arena it is an event which both players and spectators alike are eagerly looking forward to".
Full marks must also go to SportingBet & Victor Chandler who along with the tournament sponsors are the only firms brave enough to offer any sort of market on the event thus far. SportingBet already have Sunday's event chalked up with Wade once again the current market leader although prices (and seedings) will be subject to change after Saturday's play.
Seedings for Saturday's Event (Best Outright Price)
1. Mark Walsh (25/1)
2. Colin Osborne (20/1)
3. Adrian Lewis (12/1)
4. Steve Beaton (50/1)
5. Gary Anderson (20/1)
6. Wes Newton (50/1)
7. Colin Lloyd (20/1)
8. James Wade (6/1)
9. Ronnie Baxter (40/1)
10. Robert Thornton (50/1)
11. Jamie Caven (50/1)
12. Wayne Jones (50/1)
13. Vincent van der Voort (40/1)
14. Michael van Gerwen (66/1)
15. Alan Tabern (25/1)
16. Paul Nicholson (20/1)
17. Andy Smith (66/1)
18. Andy Hamilton (20/1)
19. Mervyn King (12/1)
20. Terry Jenkins (20/1)
21. Kevin Painter (33/1
22. Denis Ovens (100/1)
23. Peter Wright (100/1)
24. Jelle Klaasen (66/1)
25. Co Stompe (40/1)
26. Tony Eccles (100/1)
27. Steve Hine (250/1)
28. Peter Manley (250/1)
29. Mark Dudbridge (66/1)
30. Steve Brown (250/1)
31. Matt Clark (250/1)
32. Kevin McDine (100/1)
