The second round starts today and especially one match stands out.
All the matches of the first round have been played and this has resulted in Michael van Gerwen being eliminated. In addition, most favorites have moved on to the second round and therefore we can look forward to some very intense matches with higher levels than the first round.
And there should be plenty opportunities this evening. In the first match we have Dave Chisnall against Michael Smith. Both players played some pretty first matches, both of which played with averages over 90.
In the second match, Daryl Gurney plays against Joe Cullen. Cullen came easily through to the second round as he almost demolished Gerwin Price. No matter what, it’s expected that Cullen gets more resistance tonight and the question is whether he can cope with that resistance.
After that, the surprise Jeffrey de Zwaan will play against the former world champion Adrian Lewis. Lewis fought with his level against James Wilson, but showed that his lowest level can still get him far. On the paper he should beat Jeffrey de Zwaan, but you can not deny that the young Dutchman must go in to this match with a lot of self-confidence.
And last but not least, we have the big match between Gary Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld. The two former world champions have met each other a whole 43 times in their respective career. It has resulted in 18 wins for the Dutchman, three draws and 22 victories for Gary Anderson.
Tonight they meet again after two regular performances in the first round. In the evening, the level should be lifted a level or two.
Tuesday July 23
Second Round
Dave Chisnall v Michael Smith
Daryl Gurney v Joe Cullen
Jeffrey de Zwaan v Adrian Lewis
Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld