Darts Tips: 7/1 trader punt opening night of World Championship

Apparently there are people who think the festivities start in 10 days. Au contraire, the most wonderful time of the year is already upon us!

They won’t come down your chimney, but 96 of the world’s finest darts players are coming down your TV aerials to bring you the greatest gift anyone could ask for.

Okay, it’s not a great metaphor, but you get the idea; Christmas is near, but the darts is even nearer!

We kick things off on Friday night, with Round 1 and 2 matches taking place everyday up until Christmas Eve.

Let’s take a look at the opening night’s games with my picks for each match – including a 7/1 acca…

*Odds quoted are correct at time of publication but are subject to change

Kevin Doets and Stowe Bunts will contest this curtain-raiser, for the opportunity to take on World Champion Michael Smith at the end of the night.

Despite reaching the Quarter Finals of the Grand Slam last month, Stowe Buntz will go to Ally Pally as underdog against 25-year-old Dutchman Kevin Doets. Doets boasts a higher average this year at 90.5 versus Buntz’ 87.0. Even at the Grand Slam, Buntz only averaged more than 90 in one match, so the longer format should favour Kevin Doets here, making him favourite for a reason.

The Dutchman also hits a lot more 180s than Buntz, averaging 0.23 per leg this year, versus 0.14 for the American. Over a long format, this will make Doets a short price for Most 180s, but you’ll get close to even money on the match double which should be a good start for Friday’s Acca.

Doets to Throw Most 180s & Win Match

To Happen in Each Completed Set – Doets to Throw 1+ 180s in Each Set

Cameron Menzies is making his second appearance at Ally Pally having been knocked out in Round 2 last year. The Scot has had his best ever season on the tour this year, averaging of over 93.6, five pts better than Friday’s opponent (88.5).

Rodriguez failed to qualify for last year’s tournament, but impressed in a narrow 2nd Round defeat to Chris Dobey in 2022. He hit 12 180s in last year’s championships, including at least one in eight of his nine sets.

However, he’s only featured in one TV tournament this year – the UK Open in March – so he’d be forgiven for being a bit rusty coming into this one(!) The Austrian has plenty to offer, but I’d expect Menzies to come through a relatively close contest here.

Menzies to Win Match & Both Players to Win a Set

To Happen in Each Completed Set – Rodriguez to Throw 1+ 180s in Each Set

Simon Whitlock will be making his 20th consecutive appearance at the Worlds, while Nebrida makes just his second, following a first-round exit last year. Despite a decline in form in recent years, the Wizard has still averaged over 90 consistently this year and should make light work of this first round tie. He’s also hit 0.31 maximums per leg, making him a heavy favourite for the 180s in this one.

Nebrida put in a valiant display in his opening match last time, but was ultimately defeated by the 83 average of Jansen. 8/1 might be a bit harsh on Nebrida, but this should still be a comfortable outing for Simon Whitlock, who is even money to hit four 180s and win the match.

#WhatOddsPaddy – Whitlock to Win Match & Throw 4+ 180s

#WhatOddsPaddy – Whitlock to Win Match & Throw 1+ Bull Finishes

*Odds quoted are correct at time of publication but are subject to change

• Bullseye! Paddy Power to sponsor World Darts Championship at the Ally Pally!
• When is the Paddy Power World Darts Championship Final? Date and Start Time
• Paddy Power World Darts Championship odds: Who are the favourites to win?