World Matchplay Preview: Can Michael van Gerwen claim third title?

The tournament starts in Milton Keynes this weekend

The World Matchplay is back for another year and Michael van Gerwen is looking to win the competition for a third time.

The Dutchman won two successive titles in 2015 and 2016 but hasn’t tasted success since, with Rob Cross beating Michael Smith in last year’s final.

The World Matchplay is back in Milton Keynes and ahead of the first round of matches, we take a look at the key fixtures taking place this weekend.

Michael van Gerwen v Brendan Dolan – Saturday, 21:15

Van Gerwen meets Dolan in the first round and the two-time winner is the clear favourite to progress to the next stage.

Our traders have him at 1/11 to win, with Dolan going at 13/2. Van Gerwen is also the overwhelming favourite to win the competition at 81/50.

But Dolan could spring a surprise and the Northern Irishman is 9/2 to get the most 180s and 50/1 to be crowned King of the Oche.

Gary Anderson v Justin Pipe – Saturday, 22:15

Anderson is looking to win the competition again after coming out on top in 2018 and he’s a 16/1 shot to go all the way.

First up is Pipe, who is 10/3 to cause an upset against Anderson, who is priced at 2/9. Pipe is a huge 300/1 in the outright market.