PDC World Darts Championship Final Tips

We could well have one of the greatest finals of modern times, and that’s saying something. Whilst we saw the coming of age of van Gerwen back in 2012, we’re seeing Smith realise his potential over this past few weeks. His scoring has been so powerful and his hitting of Doubles 20 and 10 (and 9!) has been robotic. Both players have the same fluid, rapid, instinctive style and all signs point to a maximum fest played at blistering pace.

MVG battered Gary Anderson into submission two days ago and he could easily do the same thing to Smith here if he gets ahead early. The way that Smith wins this is carrying on what has served him so well, and hoping that van Gerwen has those off periods that he had against Ryan Joyce. I really think that we will see many sets and I’m going with a bet that served me well with Smith’s semi-final. I think the more consistent player with the higher ceiling is the Dutchman, and his experience in this match will see him to victory. I’m going for 7-5 and 7-6, with both outcomes giving us a chunky potential profit.

Smith hit five ton-plus checkouts in his win against Nathan Aspinall, and will need to win legs in the same fashion to keep the pressure on the favourite. Will Hill have set the line for ‘Bully Boy’s’ highest checkout at 133.5 and I fancy him to clear it: I can imagine that he’ll have the chances and it’s all about just taking it once.

Finally, the first five legs in Smith v Aspinall saw five 180s. van Gerwen hit 11 against Anderson and could have hit so many more if he was pushed. They will need no time to start firing, hence the 10/11 odds for a first leg 180. But I feel they will. It’s a bit of a coin flip bet but hey, we’re sitting on a lot of profit, so why not!

Thanks for reading these previews over the last month, and wherever you watch it, I hope it’s a final you’ll remember. Game on!