AS WE approach this years much anticipated World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, we do so with hope and excitement at the thought of fans returning, plus many players in with a genuine chance of success, and no doubt more players are in with a chance of rubber stamping a Unibet Premier league place than ever.
Historically, winners at either The Circus Tavern or Ally Pally are people who have shown form in the preceding season, so does that give us a clue as to where the title will land come January 3rd? I think it might, because the top 3 in the world have all won multiple titles this year, and they are some of the hardest to win.
Another thing to consider is that most of the players will not have played in front of a crowd of 1000 people in quite some time, and it may take a little adjustment back to the old adrenaline levels of the boisterous darting public being in attendance. I don’t think this will affect the elite players as much, but the combatants with less stage experience may feel less at ease, which again plays into the hands of the top players in the rankings.
The fluctuations in form, scheduling and shock results throughout the year have given us a very hard task in trying to pick winners for these big events, but none more so than this because of the fact that the form horses have now stood up and found themselves counted, making them (for me) the ones to look out for. As to why, have a glance below.
Michael Van Gerwen – 9/4 (Outright Winner)
If you had asked me about MVG’s chances for getting a 4th World crown about a month ago, I would’ve said that his odds were slim, based on ability levels, a floundering technique, titles won in 2020 and his confidence levels, however when greatness is challenged, it answers the call. Michaels win at the recent Players Championship Finals has re-fired the cannon of confidence and now everyone is aware that he isn’t going into Ally Pally with doubt anymore. He wants to stare down that camera lens and throw up a giant two fingers to every doubter in darts. He will take a lot of stopping as he looks to protect his number 1 ranking, as it IS now under genuine threat. With that comes urgency, and don’t forget that Michael is NOT defending the title and he does better when NOT defending it.
MvG IS THE CHAMPION
Michael van Gerwen is back in the winner's circle as he wins his SIXTH Players Championship Finals trophy, after sealing a deciding leg victory over Mervyn King!
What a sensational final we just witnessed! pic.twitter.com/szs3E6EO11
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 29, 2020
Peter Wright – 9/1 (Outright Winner)
This guy IS defending the title, and he won’t want to let it go easily. It has not been the glory trail that Peter hoped for after picking up the Sid Waddell trophy on January 1st, as the pandemic stopped his world tour with the “And the new” tag, but this year he has had some of those spells where he was untouchable. He will need that form if he wants to be going for 2 in NFL terms. A European Champ this year and a Masters Champ too, he will feel that he has spaced out his form well this season and is now primed for a big run with rest and form in his corner. 1 The biggest thing apart from being the current winner (going into this event) is that he could become world number 1 in January if things go his way. We have not seen that ranking change in 7 years, and we all know how much Snakebite covets being called the number 1 in the world. As if the second world title isn’t enough motivation, this will prime his eagerness as he takes on either Steve West or Amit Gilitwala in round two. Being in the other half of the draw to MVG definitely helps, but he could face Price in the semi-finals again.
Gerwyn Price – 9/2 (Outright Winner)
It is possible that no other player will be expected to do well, more than The Iceman. He has racked up more titles than anyone this season, and they have come on the floor, the stage and in singles and pairs, straight or double start. Gerwyn Price is becoming an adaptable darts player, and this is something we need to both recognise and take note of. If he is able to win events that others have not been able to, and still not fully enjoy their complexities, what will he do when it is long format, set play stuff which he has started to warm to in the last 24 months? The signs of Price becoming a world champion are now more vivid than ever, and he will present a massive threat to all in his quest to become the first Welsh PDC champion. With Luke Woodhouse or fellow dragon Jamie Lewis waiting in round 2, thats enough of a banana skin to keep him on his toes.
Michael Smith – 14/1 (Outright Winner)
In looking for other runners for this years event, you have to give Bully Boy every chance of doing what I like to call “The Adrian Lewis method.” That is picking up your first ranking televised title at Alexandra palace. Michael Smiths form is good, it is explosive at times, and more importantly he is showing genuine evidence of resilience when needed and this is something he will require if he is to go one better than two years ago. If he is to get himself into that championship game again, he will need big starts and cannot allow his opponents to get the jump on him, but he is more ready now than he ever was to get back there, and will not be phased by his first game draw, where two debutants stand in his way. I think even if he doesn’t win the title, he will go deep here in the quest to defend £200,000 in ranking money. That will be on his mind, but by the time a dart is thrown it’s already lost, so he would be wise to think that way.
Simon Whitlock – Dark Horse – 50/1 (Outright Winner)
I could’ve easily piped for someone else in the top 10 for a crack at the title, but in my quest for a dark horse, I have gone for two-time world finalist, The Wizard. He has been casting spells this season under tremendously difficult career circumstances. He has had his share of luck by being gifted a World Grand Prix spot, narrowly securing his Matchplay place and of-course having Damon Heta as his new long term World Cup teammate. But, he has been making his own luck too by owning MVG on stage this year, and scoring more 180’s in a game than anyone in the history of the Grand Slam. His chances cannot be overlooked. In short, he knows how to get there, he will be ready, and if he is there after new year, he can’t be ignored.
