Dubai Darts Masters 2016 quarters: Eight arrowsmiths contest MvG crown

Though there are a gaggle of superstars jostling to take his throne from him in Gary Anderson, Raymond van Barneveld, James Wade, Adrian Lewis, Peter Wright, Dave Chisnall and, last but not least, Phil Taylor – who has helped himself to six titles from the series. After taking spoils in Sydney, Perth and Japan before, only Auckland, Dubai and now defunct tournament Singapore remain elusive for the Englishman. Can The Power cross another off his list?

.@DubaiDarts DRAW! @jackpot180 v @ChizzyChisnall @PhilTaylor v @JamesWade180 @GaryAnderson180 v @Raybar180 @MvG180 v @snakebitewright

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 25, 2016

Now the draw has been made for the quarter-finals on Thursday, with the semis and grande finale to take place on Friday. So, read on for Coral’s best bets from these Dubai darts duels…

Adrian Lewis v Dave Chisnall

Jackpot currently holds the Auckland crown and is 12/1 to also claim this one, but has come a cropper against his compatriot before, with the darts duo level on head-to-heads with 10 apiece headed in to Dubai. Though, unlike in the Premier League there can be no draws here, which makes for an exciting match-up.

At venue awaiting draw for @DubaiDarts Masters @TargetDarts @OfficialPDC @UPN17 #Benchmarx pic.twitter.com/hs6wOGuf3X

— Dave Chisnall (@ChizzyChisnall) May 25, 2016

The last two tussles have finished 7-4, with each player claiming a victory, so back a three leg difference again at 15/2 for a 10-7 scoreline in Lewis’ favour, with Jackpot knowing how to win these events.

Though, there is a tempting tip for Chizzy still to take, as the renowned maximums man is a generous 11/10 to rack up over 6.5 180s in this all-English encounter.

Phil Taylor v James Wade

As 5/1 tournament shout Taylor licks his wounds from an emphatic Premier League Finals Night collapse to MvG, it is worth remembering that the all-time great regularly bounces back with big wins.

The Power, a specialist in these events, is therefore odds-on at 1/3 to turn it on and win against Wade, having been defeated by The Machine just 10 times out of 63 attempts.

Wade memorably lost the 2015 Perth Masters final to superior The Power and, having been inconsistent in his Premier League campaign, in which he was trounced twice by Taylor, looks short at 9/4 to reach the semis.

Instead, punters can plump for the reigning Perth, Sydney and Japan Darts Masters champion at 9/4 to start as he means to go on with a marvellous maximum in the opening leg.

Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld

On head-to-heads it is close, however, with Barney still leading by 14-12, and the Dutch darts cult hero is a nifty 9/4 to pull a surprise victory out of the bag.

Anderson has made the semis of this event in Dubai before, but it is Barney who has the better record in the World Series, having made the first ever final of this competition in 2013, and also made the final two in Auckland last term, narrowly losing out to Lewis.

There looks most value to be had on the Scot here, though, with a 2/1 price for Anderson to be anointed 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).

Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright

Taking on a three-time winner on the trot will be no easy feat, especially with Mighty Mike (1/7 for the match spoils) bullish after netting the Premier League prize.

Also odds-on at 4/5 to retain, The Green Machine is looking unstoppable again, and is set to make it a case of more misery for his colourful Scottish opponent, with Snakebite left out of his nation’s team for the upcoming World Cup of Darts.

Eight losses in a row for Snakebite against the world number one make him an unlikely 9/2 to triumph, with a poor head-to-head of eight to 34. Yet, notably his last victory against MvG arrived in the dramatic Japan Darts Masters semi-final.

Still, Mighty Mike should edge it even if Wright is on top form, and the Dutchman is a magnificent 8/1 for a 170 checkout.

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Coral’s top tip: Taylor is a tasty 5/1 to steal MvG’s crown.