Two cracking semi-finals in Blackpool tonight (Live on Sky Sports 1) including Phil "The Power" Taylor taking on Andy Hamilton but it's James Wade who represents the standout bet.
Adrian Lewis v James Wade (7.15)
The second semi-final sees Adrian Lewis face James Wade. Lewis dispatched of Mark Webster 16-12 with an average of 94.76 in the quarter-finals. Lewis hit 16/37 of his doubles (43%) to reach his second World Matchplay semi-final (2007, 2011). James Wade secured his place in the World Matchplay semi-finals with a 16-11 defeat of Raymond van Barneveld. Wade averaged 94.50 and hit 16/40 of his doubles (40%). As expected, the bookmakers are finding it difficult to split the pair and Lewis is best priced at 20/21 (Bet365) while Wade can be backed at the slightly bigger 20/19 (bwin). I expected Wade to be favourite here. He's got a very good record against Lewis leading the head to head 16-7 with two draws in the Premier League. Lewis has a tendency to switch off at times during matches and Wade will jump on this. Wade was unusually poor on Double 20 against Barneveld but was saved by his accuracy on his favourite Double 10. At over even money, 'The Machine' James Wade looks a good bet to secure his place in the final.
Phil Taylor v Andy Hamilton (9.15)
Phil Taylor is a short as 1/20 (Various) to book his place in the Sunday's Final as he takes on Andy Hamilton who can be backed as high as 12/1 with Sporting Bet. Taylor cruised into the final, crushing in form Wes Newton 16-5 with an average of 108.39. Taylor posted a checkout success rate of 70% and was in control from after the first commercial break. His opponent, Andy Hamilton, survived thanks to a wonderful comeback against Simon Whitlock as 'The Hammer' came back from 15-8 down to win 17-15. Hamilton was aided by Whitlock missing 5 darts for the match at Double 20 but showed great bottle to fight back and take the match on the bullseye. Hamilton averaged 96.49 while recording a checkout percentage of 44%. I just can't see Hamilton getting that close to Taylor tonight. While Hamilton is more than capable, especially on the big stage, Taylor should be far too strong for his Stoke counterpart.
Tonight's best bet:
James Wade to beat Adrian Lewis at 20/19 (bwin)
