The 2017-18 William Hill World Darts Championship has reached the quarter-final stage, and it’s a fascinating final eight that we have remaining. Some of the usual suspects are still in contention, but there are a couple of surprise faces and a few emerging superstars that are keen to make their mark on the world stage.
Let’s take a look at the quarter-final matches and see if we can find some value!
2018 Darts World Championship Quarter-Final Previews
Jamie Lewis vs Darren Webster
The most surprising quarter-finalists clash offers a tremendous opportunity for one of these two outsiders to reach a World Champs semi-final. Jamie Lewis has been a revelation in this tournament. He’s gone from pre-tournament qualifier to quarter-finalists, and perhaps the extra games he got under his belt during the qualification period have helped him to get his eye in. He demolished number two seed Peter Wright in arguably the best performance of the tournament, and had no troubles getting past James Richardson in the round of 16.
He’s up against Darren Webster who has been rock solid while his opponents have floundered. The diminutive character known as the “Demolition Man” knocked out Aussie hope Simon Whitlock in the round of 16, and was convincing in a 4-0 win over Toni Alcinas in the round of 16. With the elimination of top seeds Wright, Whitlock and Adrian Lewis, the draw completely opened up for Webster in this section of the draw, as the number 23 seed became the only seed still in contention.
There’s no doubt that Lewis has delivered the more aggressive firepower in his games, but there are a lot of factors that favour Webster here. We’re starting to get deep into the tournament which means that the pressure is growing – that’s something that Lewis has never experienced before. Webster is an experienced campaigner who brings a totally relaxed attitude, and that will serve him well here. Webster’s consistent game will also bode well for the longer best-of-nine sets format in the quarter finals. I expect Lewis’ moments of brilliance to pinch a set or two but I think Webster will hold his nerve and book a spot in the semis.
TIP: Darren Webster to win - $2.00 at William Hill
Dimitri van den Bergh vs Rob Cross
This quarter-final may not have the biggest names in the darts world, but it’s going to be one of the most exciting matches in recent years as two of the brightest, emerging talents of the tour come together. Dutch ace Dimitri van den Bergh is the Youth World Champion and has brought that form into the main draw. He might have some neat dance moves in his entrance, but once he’s on stage, he’s icy cool, with tremendous composure for someone of his age. He’s been sensational with his performances so far, and he smashed number five seed Mensur Suljovic 4-0 in the round of 16. He’s capable of beating anyone in this sort of form.
The only problem for van den Bergh is that he’s coming up against Rob Cross who is arguably the form player of the year. Cross has been unbelievable in his rise through the ranks with some amazing statistics that put him in elite company. His match with Michael Smith earlier in the tournament was simply epic, and he got past John Henderson in the round of 16 with ease. Many talked up Cross’ chances of winning this tournament, but it looked a tricky draw for him with Suljovic and world number four Daryl Gurney in his section of the draw, but yet, he’s now got a path to the semi-finals that avoided both of those players. This seems like an opportunity that he won’t let slip.
Cross is a warm favourite but van den Bergh can certainly push this the distance which leans me towards the over 180s market.
TIP: Cross vs van den Bergh over 18.5 180s - $2.00 at Sportsbet
Michael van Gerwen vs Raymond van Barneveld
A classic quarter-final match-up will see the two Dutch warriors battle once again on the big stage. World number one, and defending champion, Michael van Gerwen has reached the final eight relatively unscathed but he did have to work hard to get past a determined Gerwen Price 4-2 in the round of 16. MVG wasn’t quite at his destructive best, but how much of that was MVG being off or Price playing well. At one point, MVG lost seven legs on the trot, which is simply unheard of. Either way, I’m sure MVG will bounce back and lift himself for this match.
Raymond van Barneveld has looked in superb touch in this tournament, averaging over 100, and will no doubt push MVG all the way. Barney has eased his way into the quarters, overcoming a testing draw up against seasoned pros Kyle Anderson and Vincent van der Voort. If there’s one player who MVG doesn’t have a psychological hold over, it’s Barney. Who could forget their classic match in 2016 when Barney stopped a rampant MVG in the round of 16?
MVG is a warm favourite, and probably wins the match, but I’m sure Barney is going to take a few sets off the champ and make him work for it.
TIP: Raymond van Barneveld +3.5 sets - $1.67 at William Hill
TIP: RVB vs MVG over 18.5 180s - $2.00 at Sportsbet
Phil Taylor vs Gary Anderson
What a quarter-final! It could be Phil Taylor’s last ever professional darts match as he comes up against two-time World Champ Gary Anderson. Whatever happens here, it’s going to be a classic.
Taylor has enjoyed a good run in this tournament so far, and clearly is focussed and determined to go all the way. Taylor has only lost 15 legs in the entire tournament so far and has the belief that he can claim his 17th world title. He smashed Keegan Brown 4-0 in the round of 16, and knows that if he can get past Anderson, then he has a relatively soft semi-final match before the final.
Anderson will also realise that Taylor is his main (only) roadblock on his way to the final. Anderson may cruise through most of the year but lifts himself for the World Championship. However there is now an injury cloud over Anderson which may cause some complications for this match. Anderson got past Steve West 4-2 in his round of 16 match, but only averaged 95 and struggled to close it out with his doubles. After the match it emerged that Anderson was battling with a back injury that was clearly hampering his ability to switch around the board. Over a longer best-of-nine sets match, any injury is going to make it tough. If you’re not 100% against Phil Taylor right now, then you’re simply not going to win.
Anderson at full fitness would be favourite for this match, but the injury cloud puts this back in favour of “The Power”. It almost seems the perfect script for Taylor to win here and reach the final in his last ever tournament.
TIP: Phil Taylor to win - $1.80 at William Hill
