The Draw for the BetVictor World Matchplay Darts championship takes place later on this evening from Las Vegas in America. The reason for the exotic location is due to the fact that the city will be hosting the next leg of the World Series of Darts with some of the best players in the World including Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Peter Wright compete against America’s best.
Before that the draw for the Matchplay in Blackpool will take place. Often spoken about as the second biggest event in World Darts to the World Championship another magical nine days are expected to take place by the seaside at the majestic Winter Gardens.
Among the field is Phil “the Power” Taylor who will appear in his final World Matchplay and will be wanting to win his 16th title in Blackpool which would match his record of World Championship wins. But the heavy favourite for the title is the World number 1 and reigning World Champion Michael van Gerwen who is looking for his third straight Matchplay crown with other runners including twice World Champion Gary Anderson, UK Open winner Peter Wright and an inform Dave “chizzy” Chisnall.
Among the bottom half of the seeds a clash between Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld is on the cards as the pair with 21 World titles between them are seeded 8th and 9th for the tournament. Michael Smith comes into the tournament with good form after his triumph in the Gibraltar European tour event. Kim Huybrechts is always a dangerous opponent, James Wade has a good Matchplay record an in-form Simon Whitlock ranked 16th could be MVG’s opponent in Round 2.
The unseeded players are as strong as the seeds this year. With World Series representative Gerwyn Price among the seeds this year, he will fancy himself as a dark horse for the title. But the real dark horse for the title is Rob Cross, who has made his name since joining the pro-tour this year, who he plays is what people are most intrigued about.
The draw takes place a 7pm UK time in Las Vegas.
Henry Deacon Media 