By Dave South
22 DECEMBER 2016 • 9:19AM
Thursday could be the night where all the favourites can win and is reflected in the just shy 12/5 odds with Coral for a Dave Chisnall, Kim Huybrechts, Vincent van der Voort and Jelle Klaasen victory.
Fancy going with the Dutch Double? The same firm Coral offer 10/11 on van der Voort and Klaasen to reign supreme.
Klaasen faces Jeffrey de Graaf in what could be a tricky opener, with Klaasen as short as 1/4 in most places.
Klaasen has not had the most success in 2016 reaching just one stage final at a European Tour event since the UK Open semi-finals back in March.
De Graaf transferred over to the PDC in 2016 and has not had the easiest of years on tour.
A small handful of last 16 appearances at Pro Tour events has been the highlight for the Dutchman.
The odds reflect in the year both have had although Klassen on the short side is the most likely winner.
I do like the Klassen checkout line set at 113.5 with Bwin at 11/13 with most other firms 5/6 on 114.5.
Klassen in the last TV events managed to see the checkout off and expect the Cobra to light up the big stage once again!
Van der Voort takes on Max Hopp in a juicy European encounter and expect this game to rally through smoothly as both are pacey players.
Vincent once had the fastest player on the circuit to his name only to be superseded by Ricky Evans.
The pair played in the 2014 World Championship, where van der Voort demolished Hopp 4-0 in the last 32.
Since then the pair met at a European Tour event, again with the Dutch master seeing Hopp off comfortably.
I get the feeling the game will not go as van der Voort may expect from the previous meetings, but will be an entertaining watch.
Chisnall takes on Rowby-John Rodriguez in a repeat of the first round clash two years ago.
Chisnall has been edging again towards his maiden TV major title with good consistent performances over the last year or so.
The pair have met three times, with Chisnall ruling on two occasions. Rodriguez was last seen losing 6-0 to Joe Cullen at the Players Championship Finals.
I could vision Chisnall dominating this from the off, with a possible repeat scoreline from the 2015 event of 3-0 at 11/8 with Skybet and with an outright 1/6 price seems reasonable in reflection!
In the final game of the evening James Wilson will look to stun Huybrechts in what could be a close encounter.
Huybrechts is 1/2 with Wilson 2/1. Huybrechts will be looking to avert his opening round exit last year.
Huybrechts has done reasonably well on the circuit in 2016 with quarter final appearances at the World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals since October.
The pair have met three times with Huybrechts winning two and Wilson winning the last battle at the European Championship in October in the opening round.
This game could head some distance and 17 or more legs in the game can be taken at 10/11 with Paddy Power!
Today’s recommendations
Jelle Klaasen over 113.5 checkout -11/3 Bwin (5/6 general)
Dave Chisnall to win 3-0 – 11/8 Skybet
Over 16.5 legs (Huybrechts/Wilson) – 10/11 Paddy Power
Klaasen 3-0; van der Voort win – 4.71 Sportingbet
Prices correct at time of publication
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