World Matchplay Darts – Taylor Turns Up Heat – Quarter Final Betting Tips

Darts – World Matchplay News And Quarter-Finals Betting Advice: Taylor Turns Up The Heat In The Winter Gardens

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For those speculating as to whether Phil Taylor’s powers are on the wane, The Power provided the perfect riposte in Blackpool last night when hitting a nine-darter en route to a 13-6 victory over Michael Smith.

It’s fair to say that the Stoke thrower has been operating some way below his brilliant best in recent months. He’s been usurped at the summit of the world rankings by Michael van Gerwen, and going into this tournament he was every inch the second favourite behind the Dutchman.

However, the 53-year-old, who hasn’t been beaten at the Winter Gardens for seven years, is clearly in no mood to surrender his World Matchplay crown, and the sponsors BetVictor have reacted by cutting The Power to 2/1, while Mighty Mike remains the marginal favourite at 15/8 with the same firm.

Phil Taylor will now face local man Wes Newton in the quarter-final. Newton lived up to his nickname – The Warrior – when coming from 5-0 down to beat Paul Nicholson 15-13 last night. But the 36-year-old will need to produce a truly monumental performance to lower Taylor’s colours.

BetVictor go 8/1 about Newton causing an upset against 14-time World Matchplay champion Taylor, who is 1/14 to seal his place in the semis. If you’ve been betting on darts this week and would like to spice up your interest of this match, Taylor to win 16-7 in the leg betting is worth a small wager at 11/2.

In the other two matches during Wednesday’s session, Gary Anderson got the better of Stephen Bunting, recording a 13-8 victory, while Adrian Lewis won by the exact same scoreline against Mervyn King. Anderson and Jackpot will now lock horns in a tantalising quarter-final tie.

The Flying Scotsman will go into the match full of confidence having hit ten 180s against Bunting, averaging 104 in the process. However, Lewis, who was runner-up to Phil Taylor in this tournament 12 months ago, will prove a very tough nut to crack. At a tempting 6/5, my money is on Lewis -2.5 in the legs handicap betting.

Dave Chisnall will give it a good shot against World No 1 Van Gerwen, but the Dutchman’s class ought to see him through. From a betting standpoint I’m inclined to swerve that match, but the clash between Simon Whitlock and James Wade presents some good opportunities for punters.

The Machine, one of TVBet’s ante-post tips to win the 2014 World Matchplay along with Adrian Lewis, tends to peak at this time of the year, and that is proving to be the case in 2014. Though the resurgent Whitlock won’t go down without a fight, I reckon Wade will edge this.

The 31-year-old, who emerged victorious in this tournament in 2007, doesn’t rate bad value as far as odds on shots go, with BetVictor offering 4/6 about the World No 6 beating Whitlock, who is 11/10. However, the handicap betting could be the way to go in this match, too, with Wade rating a solid bet in that market (-2.5) at 11/10.

Darts betting tips – World Matchplay

Phil Taylor v Wes Newton

Phil Taylor to win 16-7 in the leg betting – 11/2 (BetVictor)

Adrian Lewis v Gary Anderson

Adrian Lewis -2.5 in the leg handicap betting – 6/5 (BetVictor)

Simon Whitlock v James Wade

James Wade -2.5 in the leg handicap betting – 6/5 (BetVictor)

Already advised (tournament outright betting):

Adrian Lewis – 8/1 (BetVictor)
James Wade – 14/1 (BetVictor)