Darts World Cup Betting Preview

The world’s best darts players pair up to represent their nation in the inaugural PDC World Cup at the Rainton Meadows Arena in Sunderland this weekend.

Ranked number one and two in the world it is hardly surprising that Phil Taylor and James Wade combine to make England the bookmakers’ favourites for this one. Odds of 2/5 are as big as you will find at any of the online betting firms on an England World Cup win, Fabio Capello will be wishing his job was that simple.

But victory isn’t a formality for the pair representing St George in Sunderland this week. There are a number of other high quality pairings and the unique format offers potential for an upset or two along the way.

Australia will be represented by Simon Whitlock and Paul Nicholson at the event, although the two haven’t always seen eye to eye in the past their competitive spirit and undoubted talent make them strong contenders.

One of the crowd favourites, aside from the home nation, is likely to be Dutch duo Raymond van Barneveld and Co Stompe. Both players have a special rapport with the fans when playing individually and together that could be amplified. Supporters of Netherlands will be hoping that Stompe’s jovial manner can keep Barney from slumping when things aren’t going his way. If he can do just that then odds of 6/1 on a Dutch win may prove to be generous.

Fourth favourites in the betting, and perhaps the only other nation with realistic chances of winning, are the Scottish pairing of Gary Anderson and Robert Thornton. Anderson has looked to be edging towards top form in the last two televised events whilst Thornton’s game has also appeared to be on a positive incline.

As with any Scottish sportsmen playing in England they may have to combat elements of negativity from the crowd. Yet, at odds of 10/1 the bookmakers are suggesting that a World Cup win for Scotland isn’t completely out of the question.

Teamwork may be an unfamiliar attribute to associate with darts but with players playing in pairs at various junctures throughout the tournament it could be a crucial one. The form book suggests a comfortable win for the hosts but it may not be quite so straight forward.