2016 Shanghai Darts Masters first round: Legendary Lim meets MvG

Barney looked impressive last time out in Auckland, smashing his way past arguably the best local player in the draw, Cody Harris of New Zealand, and then Dave Chisnall, before being edged out by an inspired eventual champion Anderson in the semis.

The five-time world champion (25/1 title chance) has been handed a more straightforward task against Chinese qualifier Wen, though will face Dutch compatriot Van Gerwen in the quarters – if both get through.

Peter Wright v Royden Lam

Up next on the Shanghai oche is Snakebite Wright (16/1), who’s not really turned up at World Series events yet, losing in the quarters in both Dubai and Auckland.

Hong Kong’s World Cup of Darts star Lam, nicknamed The Wolf, will certainly provide the Scotsman a tougher test than Warren Parry back in New Zealand, so Wright can avoid no slip-ups. Taylor is his likely opponent in the next round.

James Wade v Shiyan Lai

Mr consistent Wade reached the semis last time out in Auckland, and will relish a probable meeting with Anderson in the quarters if he gets past China’s Lai.

The local qualifier could face a whitewash here against The Machine, who is 20/1 to claim his first World Series title.

Dave Chisnall v Scott MacKenzie

Chizzy (20/1) adapted well to the windy and hot conditions in Dubai as he smashed Lewis 10-1, but looked out of sorts in Auckland against Barney.

In Brazil-born Hong Kong arrowsmith MacKenzie, who was born to a Scottish father and a Japanese mother and brought up in England, Chisnall faces an experienced player on the PDC tour.

Phil Taylor v Yuanjun Liu

Like Taylor did to Rob Szabo in Auckland, Chinese qualifier Liu could be on the end of a 6-0 thrashing here.

The Power has looked back to his best at times, and will be desperate to start winning tournaments like these again to show he is far from done. Taylor is the 4/1 third-favourite.

Adrian Lewis v Jianhua Shen

Jackpot (12/1) lost his Auckland title, but still reached the final last time out after dramatically improving his form after a woeful display in Dubai.

The recent World Cup winner comes up against a local qualifier too, so should come through with ease before a potential quarter-final duel with fellow Englishman Chizzy.

Michael van Gerwen v Paul Lim

This is undoubtedly the crunch clash of the opening round, though the legendary Lim is unfortunate to have drawn the world number one (11/10 favourite).

The Singapore Slinger, now 62, is one of the most popular players on tour and will forever be known as the first man to hit a World Championship nine-darter in 1990, but will have to roll back the years to have any chance of toppling the dominant Dutchman.

Gary Anderson v Yunfei Jiang

Anderson (7/2 for a third straight title) has been in dominant form this 2016 World Series, as stated above, and takes on invited Chinese player Jiang up first.

The Flying Scotsman will avoid the likes of Van Gerwen and Lewis until the final, but may have to face Taylor in the semis to be the first winner of this event.

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