World Darts Championship Betting Preview – Van Gerwen back on song?

Victories in the World Grand Prix, World Series and World Cup have seen his status grow and he looked virtually unbeatable back in October. The former Rugby League player is a great showman and will enjoy playing in front of a crowd once more, though he may find himself missing the boos that used to follow him.

A World Championships semi-finalist last year, Price lost to eventual winner Peter Wright in a tempestuous 6-3 loss as he lost his cool, refusing to shake his opponent’s hand in defeat. Iceman will need to keep a cooler head if he wants to win it here, but he’s proven more than capable of doing just that throughout a strong 2020.

Peter Wright – 6/1

Last year’s winner hasn’t been shy when discussing his struggles this year. Despite taking several televised titles, Snakebite has found motivation hard to come by without crowds there to energise him.

As recently as the Grand Slam, the Scotsman suggested he was ready to walk away from the sport, but having fans back at the Ally Pally could be just the boost he needs.

In fact, in recent interviews he suggested he’s as relaxed as he’s ever been, having already achieved his dream of becoming a World Champion.

He’ll need to put some poor performances in 2020 behind him to reach the heights of last year, but in the man’s own words – he’s ready to go in “guns blazing”.

Michael Smith 14/1

After the ‘Big Three’, the 30-year old Englishman comes next in the betting. After ending a two-year title drought back in November’s Winter Series, he’ll have felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders.

Can he follow that up with a maiden major win? So far his major career has been a case of always the bridesmaid and never the bride, with four runner-up finishes – including a 3-7 loss to van Gerwen back in 2019’s World Championship final.

Will Bully Boy finally go one better?

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication