2016 World Matchplay 1st round: Taylor and Barney highlight the night

Raymond van Barneveld v Brendan Dolan

Barney (1/6) has been handed a tough test up first too, though boasts an 8-4 advantage over upcoming opponent Dolan (4/1).

The mercurial Dutchman is a former finalist here in 2010, and has won both premier event meetings before by a comfortable margin.

Back Van Barneveld, therefore, at 5/4 to be King of the Oche (player to win match, most 180s and highest checkout. If any of the markets are tied, bets will be settled as losers). He is also 6/1 to win 10-4.

Phil Taylor v Robbie Green

Dethroned former king of the Winter Gardens Taylor will be desperate to add a 16th World Matchplay title to his ridiculous trophy cabinet, after missing out on an eighth successive title last year to Michael van Gerwen.

The Power (heavy 1/12 odds-on favourite) takes on Green (7/1) up first in what should be a one-sided match-up too.

Taylor has won both their previous meetings, and so is 2/1 to be King of the Oche – at least one crown he can wear this tournament!

Michael Smith v Simon Whitlock

In arguably the crunch clash of the evening, seventh seed Smith (4/7) will be hoping to extend his slight 5-3 career lead over Whitlock (11/8).

The Wizard could use his World Matchplay wisdom to cause a slight upset here, though, as he’s a two-time semi-finalist in Blackpool.

This battle has the potential to go all the way, so odds of 7/1 say that Smith will win 10-8 and beat Whitlock for the fifth time in succession.

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Coral’s top tip: Taylor is a tasty 2/1 to be King of the Oche against Green.