World Series of Darts Finals first round: The Wizard, Chizzy star

Simon Whitlock v Rowby-John Rodriguez

Though widely adored Whitlock still has plenty of cards up his sleeve, it may prove much more profitable to opt for Austrian upstart Rowby-John Rodriguez at 11/8 instead. Little John continues to cut his teeth against the big-guns but has had success in scuffles with The Wizard before, winning both of their previous head-to-heads by 6-3 and 6-1 margins.

Benito van de Pas v Jamie Lewis

Big Ben also holds the edge having won two of three previous encounters with Welshman Lewis, and customers can potentially find value in a repeat of the 6-3 scoreline that occurred in Van de Pas’ favour back in October at the PDPA Player’s Championship in Coventry. Should your allegiances instead align with Rasta, the 24-year-old is rated evens to progress.

Max Hopp v Dimitri van den Bergh

The 19-year-old German dartsman has already taken part in a World Cup of Darts, as well as PDC majors such as the World Championship and European Championship, so does look good value to capitalise on the cool and composure he has shown previously in televised tussles.

Michael Smith v Mark Webster

It took the power of Mighty Mike to unravel this talented 25-year-old and, though Webster also enjoyed a successful quarter-final finish, Smith’s superb outings make him a justified 4/7 favourite. Bully Boy won the last battle between the two, and can therefore be backed at much more enticing price of 5/1 to be victorious by a 6-3 scoreline again, or at 11/4 to be King of the Oche (Player to win match, most 180s and highest checkout. If any of the markets are tied, bets will be settled as losers).

Keegan Brown v Ian White

Despite this promise, darting stalwart Diamond has a perfect record against Brown, having beaten him four times in a row, with the last an emphatic whitewash, so is not unreasonably rated as 8/15 to reach the second round, where Jackpot awaits.

Kyle Anderson v Dave Chisnall

The Original has flattered to deceive recently, so English oche star Chisnall should have too much for his opponent, who is an outsider at 21/10 to triumph. Chizzy has a habit of burning brightly early on in competitions, so could clock up some fine finishes, after dazzling crowds with a nine-darter in the recent Grand Slam of Darts. With that in mind, back the St Helens hitman at 9/4 to be King of the Oche in this clash.

Devon Petersen v Robert Thornton

Having downed Mighty Mike to lift the World Grand Prix, the prospect of a re-match already is mouthwatering, and Thornton is unlikely to let that chance slip. The Spartan has a slim 2/1 shot to spoil that reunion, as The Thorn is yet to reach the level of his Grand Prix performances since.

Terry Jenkins v Chris Dobey

Relevant

There’s much more to read about this riveting winter of darts in our archive

Coral’s top tip: Rowby-John Rodriguez’s record against Simon Whitlock means an 11/8 price for victory is enticing.