By Dave South
20 DECEMBER 2016 • 9:03AM
As the first round draws to its conclusion, there are still last 32 spots up for grabs as we see another four matches on this Tuesday night.
For short price backers, the favourite three tonight, which is Barney, Whitlock and Horvat is 23/20 and with Kist added enhances to nearly 3/1.
Without knowing too much about the preliminary players, not seeing enough of them does not bode column inches in generic content, I do think with Horvat at 8/13 the compilers think this could go the distance, but you never know.
Christian Kist and Brendan Dolan square off, where both players were unable to be split by most bookies at even money either way.
Since Kist has eased into 10/11 with Dolan maintaining his double your money position. On the head to head Dolan leads 3-1, but having never played on the TV stage it will be a first for the head to head.
However the two European Tour events have been on the stage so-to-speak with a crowd audience, both of which the Irishman has reigned supremacy!
If I was forced to make a bet here, Kist is 8/11 to win the maximum count on the night looks very much like the likely winner here.
On next is Raymond van Barneveld and Robbie Green; two veteran players with a wealth of experience between them.
Barney heads the betting at 3/10 with Kong out at 100/30.
The head to head sees the players at 1-1 with Green winning the last encounter.
A tricky tie to call in general and I was interested in the first leg going without a maximum, however at 4/6 you may feel burned in the event either player lands three in the lipstick as the late Sid Waddell would say!
Simon Whitlock is 1/16 in places and by the sounds of this percentage price we anticipated his price for the 3-0 price to still be heavily odds on, but it is not. at 1/16 implies a 94%+ price on victory, but the compilers in this field head the following:
3-0 – 5/6 (54.64%)
3-1 – 23/10 (30.30%)
3-2 – 6/1 (14.28%)
With the over round topped up the 3-0 represents some value in our eyes.
Trying to weigh up 3-2 over 3-1 at 23/10 can Dutch over 1/3 on Whitlock winning by either score line.
However Whitlock before the World Championship was putting some great form together and suggests he can win his opening match without too much bother.
The odds compilers are practically a coin toss on a 3-0, but side with the side of Whitlock here!
Today’s recommendations
Kist most 180s against Dolan – 8/11 Paddy Power
Whitlock to win 3-0 – 5/6 Betfair Sportsbook (-NAP)
Prices correct at time of publication
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