Two cracking quarter-finals in Blackpool tonight (Live on Sky Sports 1) incuding the eagerly awaited clash between Raymond van Barneveld and James Wade.
Raymond van Barneveld v James Wade (7.10)
The most eagerly anticipated match kicks off proceedings in Blackpool tonight and it sees Raymond van Barneveld taking on James Wade. Barney ended Paul Nicholson's hopes in Round Two sending 'The Asset' home by beating him 13-9. Barneveld averaged 95.67 in the process, checking out at 39%. Wade edged past Mark Walsh in Round Two 13-11 in a high quality affair with 'The Machine' averaging 98.08 while recording a highly impressive checkout success rate of 76%. Wade is the favourite with the bookmakers for this one and is best priced at 4-6 (Sporting Bet) while Barneveld can be backed at 11-8 with Boylesports to reach the Semi Final. This one really could go either way and the pair have enjoyed some great battles over recent years and the advice here is to watch and enjoy.
Phil Taylor v Wes Newton (9.15)
The second and final match of the evening sees Phil Taylor play Wes Newton. Taylor was too strong for Wayne Jones in Round Two and he defeated Jones 13-7 with the best average of this years tournament: 108.01. Taylor hit 13/28 of his doubles (46%) and looks to be playing great. Wes Newton navigated his way past the tricky Justin Pipe in Round Two and dealt with Pipe's slow throwing with relative ease. Newton ran out a 13-8 winner in the end averaging 99.41. Newton hit 13/31 of his doubles (42%) which secured his first ever Quarter Final place at the World Matchplay. Phil Taylor is best priced at 1-7 (Betfred) with Newton available at 6-1 with Boylesports. In the form that Newton is in he can certainly give Taylor a game but the long format (first to 16 legs) suits Taylor and it's hard to see Newton staying with 'The Power' over this distance. Punters who fancy Newton to get close to Taylor can back 'The Warrior' to do so on the handicaps while those forecasting a close game may look towards the 'Total 180's' market as both players are capable of firing in the big scores. Overall however, it is difficult to find any real value in this game and punters are best advised to wait for a better opportunity or seek out some value in play.
