Another four cracking matches tonight in Blackpool including Phil "The Power" Taylor taking on Wayne Jones, but it's Andy Hamilton who rates the standout bet following his shock victory over Gary Anderson in the first round.
Simon Whitlock v Denis Ovens (7.10)
The first match of the evening sees Simon Whitlock, a semi-finalist in his first year at the World Matchplay in 2010, taking on Denis Ovens, a semi-finalist in the UK Open in June. Whitlock hasn't shown the form that took him the the World Final in 2010 recently but is a consistent performer. Ovens, whose looking to reach the Last 8 for the first time at the Winter Gardens, is throwing well. Ovens defeated Ronnie Baxter in Round One with an average of 87.59 compared to Whitlock's average of 93.91 in defeating Peter Wright. Ovens had a checkout success rate of 31% while Whitlock posted 33%. Whitlock is best priced at 2/7 (Boylesports) while Ovens can be backed at 7/2 (bwin). I think Whitlock is slightly too short here but should win the match.
Andy Hamilton v John Henderson (8.20)
Andy Hamilton caused the biggest shock of the opening round by defeating Gary Anderson 10-6 to send the fourth seed toppling out. Hamilton posted an average of 95.97 aided by his fantastic finishing. 'The Hammer' hit 10/17 doubles (59%) including three 100+ checkouts to stun Gary Anderson. Hamilton has had a poor year so far in 2011 but will no doubt be full of confidence now. He takes on the Scot John Henderson who knocked out former Matchplay champion Colin Lloyd in Round One. Henderson joined the PDC in January and has done well to qualify for this event. He'll have been delighted with his debut at the Matchplay, averaging 91.11 and checking out at 48%. Hamilton can be backed at 4/5 (Stan James) to advance into the Quarter Finals while Henderson is priced at 6/5 (Various). As the odds reflect, this a tight one but it's wise to side with the experienced Andy Hamilton and at 4/5 with Stan James he looks a good bet.
Phil Taylor v Wayne Jones (9.30)
Phil Taylor looked to be playing very well in Round One averaging 101.66 while checking out at 59%. He had to be on form in Round One has Mark Hylton pushed him all the way in a very impressive performance. Jones beat Scott Rand, a match debutant in Round One, averaging 90.83 while posting a checkout success rate of 38%. Rand gave a good account of himself and Jones would have been in trouble had Rand not struggled on his doubles. Taylor should have little trouble in seeing off Jones and 'The Power' is 1/12 (Bet365) to do so while Jones can be backed at 8/1 with Sky Bet.
Wes Newton v Justin Pipe (10.40)
Last on is Wes Newton against Justin Pipe. Newton is one of the form players in the PDC having reached three Pro Tour finals (winning one) as well as a large number of Quarter and Semi Finals. Newton, up to 7th in the PDC Order of Merit reached his first major TV final in June at the UK Open, losing out to James Wade, and has just recorded his first win at the World Matchplay having failed in the First Round four previous times. Justin Pipe, renowned for his slow throwing action represents an interesting opponent for Newton such is the contrast in throwing speed. Pipe is a capable player having beaten an out of sorts Mervyn King in Round One with an average of 93.46 and a checkout percentage of 37. Newton averaged 90.80 in Round One as he defeated Andy Smith 10-2 with a checkout success rate of 42%. Newton can be backed at 1/3 (Coral) to book his place in the next round with Pipe best priced at 11/4 (Sky Bet). Newton should outclass Pipe and over a best of 25 legs match it is hard to envisage an upset here. Newton may attract support on the handicaps although Pipe's not to be entirely ruled out as his throwing speed can upset the rhythm of his opponents.
Tonight's best bet:
Andy Hamilton to beat John Henderson at 4/5 (Stan James)
