PREMIER LEAGUE OF DARTS WEEK TWO LATEST BETTING TIPS

Last week I fell into the trap of writing off an under-practiced Phil Taylor. Lesson learned. Although his opponent Simon Whitlock was well below par himself, and if he could have been more ruthless in the opening legs it may have been a different story, it is clear that it will take more than a rogue virus to dethrone ‘The Power’.
Week two kicks off with Raymond van Barneveld against Adrian Lewis a match which I would probably have given a contrasting review of at this time last week. Barney had looked jaded and fatigued at the World Championships and there were question marks over how he might fair after a five week break from the game, but he came back refreshed and revitalised and blew James Wade away. Lewis on the other hand put in another disappointing performance and there were signs of a headshake after bad darts were thrown – one of the clearest signs of a darts players mental weakness. On last week’s form Barney wins this one comfortably and at 2.1 (11/10) with Betfair to do so he is the bet to get the night underway.

Next up is Simon Whitlock and Terry Jenkins. Whitlock will be disappointed with his performance against Taylor in that opening match but having landed in the country just two days before, jetlag will certainly have played a part in his poor showing. The Aussie beat Jenkins in the third round of the World Championships at Alexandra Palace this year so will have the psychological advantage but Jenkins is now a seasoned pro in the Premier League and showed his battling qualities to secure a draw against Ronnie Baxter last week. I’d stay clear of the match odds where Whitlock is 2.1 (11/10) to win and plump for ‘The Wizard’ to rediscover those big finishes that he became famous for at the World Championships. Back Whitlock to record the highest checkout at 1.8 (4/5) with Betfair.
Taylor will be back in action for the penultimate match of the night against Ronnie Baxter and to be honest I fear for the man they call ‘The Rocket’ as he could be in for a classic Taylor pasting. The two players have locked horns on 34 occasions throughout their illustrious careers and Baxter has won just three times, the only win in a major event coming way back in 1998. Baxter is one of those players who is often already beaten by Taylor before they even throw a dart and if ‘The Power’ takes the first three legs then I wouldn’t be surprised to see him then take the next five and win 8-0. Those of you who like to trade in-play could find backing Taylor 8-0 at 16.0 (15/1) and Taylor 8-1 at 7.0 (6/1) as good trading opportunities on Betfair. Others can opt for Taylor -4.5 legs at 4/5 with Betfred.
Recommended Bets;
Back van Barneveld to beat Lewis @ 11/10
Back Whitlock to hit highest checkout of match @ 4/5
Back Taylor -4.5 legs @ 4/5