World Darts Championship quarters: Scottish-heavy New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day not only brings us the excitement of 2015, but also the first two quarter-finals of what has been a riveting PDC World Darts Championship at the Ally Pally.

Thursday’s terrific tungsten action sees title holder Michael van Gerwen take on Scot Robert Thornton, before two more stars from north of the border, Peter Wright and Gary Anderson, clash. At least one Scotsman will reach the semis.

Michael van Gerwen (1) v Robert Thornton (9)
Defending champion Van Gerwen (12/5 second-favourite) has dropped just one set in each of his matches to get to this stage so far, and he is a 3/1 chance with Coral to beat Thornton 5-1. However, the Scot has been in devastating form, whitewashing all those who have challenged him.

The duo have met 15 times before, with Mighty Mike (1/5 odds-on favourite) winning more than double the amount of matches as The Thorn (7/2).

Ahead of the encounter with Van Gerwen, Thornton, who defeated the Netherlands’ Benito van de Pas 4-0 in the third round, said: “Another Dutchman. We’ve had a few battles, me and Michael.

“I don’t see this one being any different, but I need to brush up on my scoring a little bit. It was little bit ragged up there.”

Van Gerwen, meanwhile, had to come through a potentially tricky test against Terry Jenkins, but saw the veteran Bull off 4-1. “Terry did well, but I thought he played better in the fourth set,” the Dutchman said. “He was 2-0 ahead. That was a big key moment in the game and that hurt him.

“You need to feel comfortable and relaxed to beat Terry Jenkins in the last 16. I feel confident, I feel good.”

“I am up to the quarter-finals and I feel confident. There is still something in the tank,” Van Gerwen added.

Thornton is in unchartered territory in this competition, but he is an 11/1 shout to reach the final. The winner of this match will face one of Wright or Anderson.

Peter Wright (5) v Gary Anderson (4)
This will be an intriguing match-up of two top Scottish players, and Coral fancy Anderson as the 2/5 odds-on favourite, due to his form leading up to this tournament and his 13-10 winning record over Wright (2/1).