World Grand Prix semis: Title is Van Gerwen’s to lose in Dublin

While Scotsman Thornton is the odds-on 8/13 for victory, Suljovic (13/10) actually has a better record against him and has won five of their last six meetings.

The Austrian has become known as a giant-killer in recent years, but if he makes the final surely that label should be taken away and replaced with the fact that he is now among the darting elite.

Former UK Open champion The Thorn has not been his best in the last couple of years in the major tournaments but did come through a 3-2 epic against Ian White. But, with Suljovic in such good form, back the Austrian at an enticing 11/2 to triumph 4-2.

Michael van Gerwen v Mark Webster

It really is Van Gerwen’s title to lose, with the rest of the top six seeds all out, and he is the only man left in the draw who can preserve the record that there have only been World Grand Prix champions from England or the Netherlands.

Mighty Mike may be the only Netherlands star to have won here, but his two titles mean that he is the heavy 1/3 odds-on favourite to defend the crown.

Van Gerwen goes up against another former world champion in Wales’ Webster, who finally looks back to his best after knocking out Stephen Bunting, Adrian Lewis and an in-form Jelle Klaasen, who at one stage looked as if he won their quarter encounter.

The Spider may have beaten the Dutchman six times before, but he hasn’t done so in their last six meetings and not since 2011 which was arguably his best season since crossing over to the PDC.

Webster (6/1 for victory) should be able to cause Van Gerwen (1/6 odds-on favourite) trouble, but it’s difficult to see him knockout the world number one for only his second PDC major final. Mighty Mike is 21/10 to come though 4-1.

Here is how the #partypokerWGP draw bracket has opened up with the semi-final line-up now confirmed! pic.twitter.com/9jLTW0z2uF

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) October 8, 2015

Coral’s top tip: While a number of players have come close to getting a nine-darter this tournament, none have been able to do so yet. Thornton once managed one here last year, so take tasty odds of 12/1 for there to be another on the night.