Premier League Darts 2010 Betting Preview

Phil Taylor is now a 15-time World Darts Champion with a glittering career that is likely never to be matched in Darts again. He is, of course, the heavy favourite for the Premier League title and he will be very hungry to win the event after losing in the semi-finals to rival Mervyn King in last years event. The eventual winner James Wade returns to defend his title. Let’s preview the chances of each of the eight participants. With live matches on TV each week for the three months the tournament runs it is a great event to place a sports bet with Darts a very spectator friendly sport. The odds presented in this guide are from bwin.com

Phil Taylor 9/25

The heavy favourite in every event he participates in. He will almost certainly reach the final and has won the tournament so many times you have to consider Mervyn King beating him last year a random result. Even at 9/25 he seems like a value bet with such consistency in his game. League prediction, 1st place.

James Wade 8/1

James does not practise much at home and this could be his undoing. He is a quality player who plays left handed and is likely to make the semi-finals. My prediction is he will make the semi-finals this year. League position prediction, 4th place.

Raymond Van Barneveld 11/1

Barney struggled at the World Championships and has a massive mental block when facing Taylor, who seems to raise his game when he faces Raymond. I would think Raymond has a better chance of success than Wade to reach the final but must improve to beat Taylor. My prediction is that Barney will eventually lose in the semi-final. League position prediction, 3rd place.

Simon Whitlock 16/1

Simon is an excellent player and he pushed Taylor hard despite the score line in the World Final. He looked a cut above most of the other players at the event. Very consistent on the Treble 20 and a good scorer, he should win many matches. I think Whitlock will make the final to face Taylor, where he is not intimidated and does not have many losses against him to break his spirit like Van Barneveld. League position prediction, 2nd place.

Adrian Lewis 16/1

Adrian is growing into a good player and can easily beat many of the top players. He is likely to win games but may struggle to win enough games against this field to qualify for the semi-finals. Probably has no win value for this event in my opinion, but is starting to show signs of breaking into the top echelon of the game. League position prediction, 7th place.

Mervyn King 16/1

The King is an excellent match player and you only need look at his face to see how much each match means to him. A fiery competitor who feels he should have won the tournament last year. At 20/1 I would say he is value because of his victory over Phil Taylor last year. 16/1 is about right for the odds for him to win, if he makes the semi-finals you never know. League position prediction, 5th place.

Terry Jenkins 25/1

The Bull is a very good player but has a history of many 7-7 ties in the group stages. Although he has the game to win many of his games unfortunately I struggle to see him succeeding in this format against such a strong field and I do not think he can win the tournament. 25/1 is a good price, but the field is too strong in my opinion. League position prediction, 6th place.

Ronnie Baxter 66/1

Ronnie is certainly the underdog in the field but he is very heavily supported by the crowd at all venues. Having never won a major he is the wild card in this event. It will be great to see Ronnie and perhaps he can have a run, but on form and expectation against the rest of the field unfortunately he sits at the foot of the table for me. League position prediction, 8th place.

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By Malcolm Clarke