World Matchplay: Saturday’s preview

Peter Wright to march on

We are whittling down the numbers in Blackpool, as the 2017 World Matchplay arrives at the semi-final stage. There have been plenty of shocks to keep fans interested in the early rounds, but it’s serious now, and we expect the cream to rise to the top.

You can place your bets on all the action right here at Coral. We offer odds on the outright winner, as well as each of the live matches, covering handicap betting, correct score and most 180s. Coral’s sports team look at the chances of an upset on Saturday. Click here to have your say.

Gurney targets another major scalp

The Daryl Gurney story has captured the imagination of fans, with the Northern Irishman battling his way to the latter stages. He now faces Peter Wright, which would cause most a few sleepless nights in the run-up, but with a win over two-time world champion Gary Anderson already under his belt, what has he got to worry about?

The 31-year-old Derry native has no pressure on his shoulders, and has been playing like a man enjoying his darts so far. That victory over The Flying Scotsman shocked everyone, but it was fully deserved, and proved again that we can never take anything for granted in this game. He then won a thrilling contest with Mensur Suljovic in the quarters, sneaking past 16-13.

That’ll do nothing but encourage the underdog to claim another major scalp, and Coral traders have priced him at 2/1 to beat Wright. Punters still sitting on the fence, or those who expect a close match on Saturday, can take Gurney with the benefit of the handicap. +3.5 is sure to attract a share of attention at 10/11.