PDC WDC round 1: Title outsiders Thornton, Smith and Wade feature

Cypriot-born Michael, nicknamed Deadly Rose, is the odds-on 4/9 favourite and to beat Scheffer (13/8), and a more enticing 6/4 price to triumph 2-0.

First Round

Robert Thornton v Alan Norris

Number six seed Thornton (8/15 favourite) has had a terrific year to date, capped off by his victory over Michael van Gerwen in the World Grand Prix final to claim his third major trophy.

But the veteran Scot may not have it all his way against former BDO World Championship finalist Norris (6/4), who has been gradually showing his worth in the PDC since switching over earlier this year.

The duo have faced each other twice before, with a win apiece, and this battle has the potential to go the distance. Back Chuck, therefore, at 9/2 to defeat The Thorn 3-2.

Michael Smith v Jeffrey de Zwaan

Former World Youth champion Smith (1/4) has been touted by a few to be a shock title winner at this year’s event, and should be able to easily dispatch of Dutch teenager The Black Cobra (3/1).

Bully Boy, a semi-finalist at the Grand Slam of Darts recently, is 15/8 to whitewash De Zwaan 3-0, while is a tempting 50/1 shout to lift the trophy.

James Wade v Scheffer/Michael

Eight-time major champion Wade has been handed a favourable tie with one of preliminary round qualifiers Scheffer or Michael, and will be heavily backed to beat either.

This event is perhaps the one tournament The Machine has failed at, although most players on tour will be happy to reach just one semi-final in their career let alone Wade’s three. Like Smith, the left-hander is a decent outsider to go all the way at 20/1.

Related

Check out more from our dedicated darts archive, where you’ll find much more on the 2016 PDC World Darts Championship.

Coral’s top tip: Thornton has been handed a tough test for the first round, and you can back his opponent Norris at 6/4 to win.