Dubai Darts Masters 2016 finals: Another Taylor v MvG final on the cards

There are not many darting tournaments across the globe that Taylor (8/11 match favourite) hasn’t won, but this is one of them after three attempts.

The all-time great has improved over the years in Dubai, however, having gone out at the first stage in 2013, to a semis exit in 2014 and then losing in the final to MvG last year. So, can he go one step further this time around?

Wind and temperature has played a part in this year’s event, which was to be expected with it being an outside venue in the Middle East, and the likes of Adrian Lewis and James Wade certainly struggled to cope with the conditions.

It was Taylor who capitalised against The Machine, thrashing him 10-2 on Thursday, while upcoming foe Anderson (11/10 match shout) edged Raymond van Barneveld 10-8.

The Flying Scotsman knows he’s up against it when facing The Power, as he still seems to be in awe of the Englishman, despite now being a double world champion.

Taylor has won each of the last four duels with Anderson, and 36 of 51 in total (with two draws), so certainly has the upper hand when facing his old rival.

Their most recent battle came at the semi-final stage of the 2016 Premier League last week, where The Power came through a relatively straightforward 10-7 match-up. In this first-to-11 clash, you can back Taylor to win 11-8 at 15/2.

Evergreen Taylor also said in his post-match interview with Wade that he has his eyes on the nine-darter prize of a car, so can he get his wish? More often than not in the darting world he does, and there are odds of 14/1 for either him or Anderson to throw a perfect leg in this semi-final.

Michael van Gerwen v Dave Chisnall

In another recent rematch, of the intriguing 2016 Gibraltar Darts Trophy final, big scorers Van Gerwen (heavy 1/7 odds-on favourite) and Chisnall (9/2) take to the Dubai oche.

The deadly Dutchman won comfortably 6-2 in the oversees British territory in early May, but didn’t have it all his way in the last round of this event against Peter Wright, coming through 10-7 eventually.

Chizzy, on the other hand, swept away a clearly condition-affected Lewis 10-1, so his odds for victory are tempting to take.

Mighty Mike has beaten the Englishman, playing in his first Dubai Masters, in seven of their last eight clashes; however, this has the potential to go all the way.

You can back Chisnall at 18/1 to come though 11-10, or 14/1 for that scoreline in favour of the world number one, who has a habit of finding a way to win even when not at his best.

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Coral’s top tip: Back Taylor or Anderson to hit a nine-darter in their semi-final at 14/1.