The World Matchplay concludes tonight with Phil 'The Power' Taylor aiming to win his 12th title taking on James Wade who goes in search of his second success in the prestigious event.
The final is played over the best of 35 legs (first to 18) and is live on Sky Sports 1.
Phil Taylor v James Wade (7.15pm)
Phil Taylor averaged 105.59 in defeating Andy Hamilton 17-9 in the semi-finals hitting 17/30 of his doubles (57% ). Taylor has looked a fine form all week and hasn't looked under any significant pressure since Mark Hylton pushed him to a 10-8 win in Round One. His opponent, James Wade, averaged 95.37 in defeating Adrian Lewis 17-10 to book his place in the final and hit 17/41 of his doubles (41%). Wade has had a solid tournament and has had that air about him of 'just doing enough to win the match' which has become a common theme with Wade over the years. Too much can be made of averages but they are a good indication of performance and what is clear is tonight Wade will have to up his average from last night by about 8 points to stay with Taylor. There is no reason to suggest Taylor won't average around 105 or more tonight and Wade is going to be forced to up his level significantly. Phil Taylor is best priced at 3/10 (Various) to win while Wade can be backed at 16/5 with Sporting Bet. I can't see anything other than a Taylor win here but Wade should keep the score respectable and with the natural talent Wade has, if he starts flowing, Taylor could be in trouble. I think there may be some value in the 'Highest Checkout' market. Both these players are capable of firing in the big finishes and the biggest match checkout to be over 132.5 at 10-11 (Coral) looks a good bet to me. It's said everytime someone plays Taylor that they will be left with big finishes which they are forced to take out (with Taylor sat on a double) and Wade is more than capable. As is, of course, Phil Taylor. Wade has covered this line in two of his matches so far with a 136 finish against Jamie Caven and a 170 finish against Adrian Lewis while Taylor has covered it once, against Wes Newton, with a 150 checkout. There should be plenty of opportunities during the final for us to land this bet and at 10-11 is a good bet.
Tonight's best bet:
Taylor v Wade highest checkout to be over 132.5 at 10-11 (Coral)
