After losing in the final of the Palyers Championships on Sunday to Michael Van Gerwen , there's no doubt Taylor will be chomping at the bit to set the record straight as that loss put a stop to him winning a 6th straigt televised event.
In reality I can only see one of 3 winning this years title with Taylor probably being favourite closely followed by Michael Van Gerwen & Adrian Lewis , the latter two possibly facing each other in the semi final stage.
For the rest well here's my opinion on some the of the others -
Michael Van Gerwen - After winning the Players Championship his confidence will be sky high and with being seeded number 2 would only play Taylor in the final BUT he could run into Adrian Lewis in the semi final , apart from beating him in the Players Championships Lewis has had the better of him in recent meetings. His high scoring will always give him a chance even if he does have a tendancy to miss a few doubles. Semi final at least for MVG.
Adrian Lewis - As above his run to the final could be halted at the semi final stage , Adrian has been in good form lately & has been hitting 180's for fun , a little steadier on the doubles then Van Gerwen but can go off the boil for periods which costs him legs. Semi final at least
Barney - has slipped down to 10th in the rankings & that could make it a tough draw after the first round & his ranking could drop further after Justin Pipe reaching the semi finals of the Players Championship , so for me it'll be quarter finals at the furthest for the 5 time world champion.
Simon Whitlock - Has suffered in his las couple of games , especially with the defeat against Ted Hankey in which he completely went to pieces & then in his defeat to Justin Pipe confidence cannot be very high for the Wizard. We have become used to his high scoring & especially his high finishes all of wich seemed to have deserted him at a crucial time of the year , his seeding may be in his favour early on but can't see him progressing any further than the quarter finals if he gets that far.
Andy Hamilton - Ranked 5th in the world , here is a player that epiomises consistency in always seeming to reach the quarter finals & semi finals of tv events & losing in the final of this tournament a few years ago , astonishingly he hasn't won a ranking even in 6 years. A fighter of a player who grinds out results with some heavy scoring & a never say die attitude.
Again a player who will reach the quarter finals but can't see hi progressing any further.
James Wade - His problems away from darts are well documented but lately he seem to be in a better place & isn't playing too bad. The second most successful player in PDC history behind Taylor tell you that he is a good player & a proven winner BUT he's started to slide down the rankings a little & I think he's always prone to be on the wrong end of an upset somewhere.
I don't think this will be a good tournament for James but darts is a funny old game & will depend on the draw being kind to him , don't see him getting past the quarter finals if he gets that far.
Ones to watch out for
Dave Chisnall - Chizzy's rise up the ranking won't be a surprise to many , his high scoring often gives him chances at a finish before there opponents have realised the leg has started but his downfall is his doubles , like many players that are prolific 180 hitters this is often the case
Having gone up to 7th in the world rankings & recently reaching his first tv major final where he was comfortably beaten by Phil Taylor , he'll be wanting to put in a good show in this tournament & will be a tough draw for whoever he faces
Gary Anderson - His fall in the rankings is beyond belief to think a few years ago he was in the top 4 & winning the Premier League , here's another player that can hit 180's for fun but his doubles can be awful at times. This is another player that I don't think will havea tourament to remember only because he is seeded out of the top 16 & the draw will make it hard for him.
Justin Pipe - Probably the most annoying player to watch & play against because of the slow methodical pace he plays at. Justin is known to be one of the toughest floor players on the circuit & is slowly getting used to the tv stage recently reaching the semi finals of the Palyers Championship eventually losing to Taylor.
Another one that none of the other players will want to play , now ranked 11th he'll be looking to go as far as he can & try go up the rankings.
Wes Newton - Wes is a heavy scorer & at times can blow opponents away , having reached 2 major finals already he'll be looking to put in a good performance at the Ally Pally , up to 8th in the world rankings that should help him early on in the tournament regarding the draw. Once he plays any of the real big hitters he'll have to up his average by around 10 points to stand a chance which I feel he struggles to do.
Robert Thornton - The steady Scot who is aformer UK Champion is another steady player who has benefited from being in last years Premier League & in my opinion will be in again next year. Always tough to play against & is deadly on tops , again I feel the draw will play an important part to how far he progresses in the tournament , last 16 will be as far as he goes in my opinion
Kim Huybrechts - His sudden burst of form has come at the right time having won 2 Pro Tour events recently & put in some good tv performances. The emergence this year of Kim started at the World Cup where he reached the final alongside brother Ronny losing to Englands pair of Taylor & Lewis. Kim also lost in last years Players Championship final to Taylor.
His heavy scoring & emotional celebrations have made him a fan favourite & will be a tough game for anyone , I hope the draw is kind as I'd like to see him in the latter stages , games against Lewis or Van Gerwen would be a treat as all have a quick throw & score heavily.
A quick mention to players like Ian White , John Part , Mervyn King , Brendan Dolan & Peter Wright who could be possible outside threats & will most definately push the top players to the limit.
This will be the second year of the tournament without the voice of Sid Waddell , although I really enjoy the commentary of the others it just isn't the same & I can probably say for most darts fans if not all that we miss the excitement he brings to the tournaments.
We'll see what the draw throws up at 11.30 today on Sky Sports News
This is my first attempt so don't be to harsh with any comments , hopefully many more to come
A fantastic read!! :-) xx
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