AN opening night win for The Asp, who saw off the reigning champion in a thriller merely set the touchpaper for a brilliant night of Unibet Premier League of Darts action. Three debutants all racked up points as we were treated to four 6-6 slugfests on the trot. 

What a start – and we're only just getting going! 

Jonny Clayton v Glen Durrant (Night 2)

Looking ahead to Night 2, you would have to have Clayton as a big favourite against Durrant on the current form. As to how they will be feeling after night 1, we can only speculate, but the shear obliterating attitude of The Ferret this year and his relaxed approach to pressure makes him the ideal candidate to make matters worse for the holder of this title. 

Jonny’s proclivity to hit 180’s is way more likely than Glen’s, plus his likelihood to win matches right now is evident too, so you may think King of the oche is possible, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see it either. If Glen is going to spoil that, he has to snare The Ferret early, otherwise it could get a little ugly for him. Focus is key, and we know Glen has that. He will need it in abundance all campaign long. 

Tip: Clayton to win, have most 180’s and the highest finish – (2/1) 

Nathan Aspinall v Dimitri Van Den Bergh (Night 2)

Even at this early stage of the league, these players, who both graduated from the development tour school of The PDC, will earmark this as a key chance to get valuable points in their assault for the top spots. I have already written that I think these guys may struggle to make the top 4 (on current form) but based on the statistics from this season you may have to give the edge in this to The Asp. He is winning more games than Belgiums number 1, and when he loses he does so after playing well, so thats where my thinking lies.

Dimitri is a darting enigma. I could write him off and “whallop,” back he comes with something out of the stratosphere. He does have a sore knee but he is used to that now, but his lack of wins on tour the past few months is what really puzzles me. I personally think something isn’t clicking for him, and playing a fired up Aspinall isn’t a recipe for success. 

Odds – I fancy Aspinall to win 7-5. Nathan has this knack of making things exciting so I am going for the close win.

Tip: Whatever happens, I see there being 12 legs in this game. – (Evens)

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