Four more selections for the second night of the World Grand Prix Darts!
It was a fantastic first night in Dublin that produced plenty of drama and some great games. We saw how having to start on the double was very difficult and massively affected some players. It really does kill your rhythm the players must hate it but it makes for exciting viewing!
My first selection is over 2.5 sets for Glen Durrant v Krzysztof Ratajski. Durrant has taken the PDC in his stride since leaving the BDO. His run to the semi-final of the Matchplay proved he was right up there with the big boys. Ratajski is in fine form of his own, winning the Gibraltar Darts Trophy last week. He hasn’t quite taken his floor form into TV events and this is a tough first round test. I expect it to be a close game and go the distance.
My second pick is the Daryl Gurney match treble. The Northern Irishman won here two years ago and will come here full of confidence. His scoring has been one of the best on the circuit for a number of years now and his doubling is very solid too. There is no easy game in this competition but he really should have too much for Danny Noppert, who is one of the weaker players on show this week.
Next up, I like the look of over 4.5 180s for Rob Cross v Mensur Suljovic. Both players are top quality and it should be a cracking tie. Cross scores very well and when Mensur is on a roll he can fire in the 180s. Cross does often switch to 19s which would be a slight worry, but I expect they will get at least 5 between them.
Finally, I have Peter Wright to win his match treble. I watched an interview with him the other day and he sounded extremely confident which normally bodes well for Snakebite. He has hit the 6th most 180s in all ranked tournaments so far this year and he always seems to fire in a big checkout. Max Hopp is a decent enough player and whilst his darts and very straight and rarely stray from the 20, he doesn’t hit enough trebles. Wright should have too much for him this evening.
