BETFAIR ambassador Wayne Mardle previews the Betfair World Matchplay semi-finals...
It's semi-final Saturday at the Winter Gardens and, with the Power finding form last night, is the room for anyone else to shine?
Phil Taylor v Ronnie Baxter
I hear there was something going on in London last night but here at the Blackpool Winter Gardens we saw the best of British too as Phil Taylor powered back in top form.
I thought he would. Things were looking ominous for Andy Hamilton when Phil expressed his disappointment with his quarter-final performance.
The champion returned to his old darts and his mindset shifted back to that of a winner too. Hamilton played well but, in the end, he didn't stand a chance.
So, can Ronnie Baxter fare any better today? In a word, no. I know he upset my bet Justin Pipe yesterday but Phil is an entirely different proposition.
Baxter has always been capable of stopping the progress of talented players but he doesn't have what it takes to reward anyone willing to back him at 10.0.
His performance against Pipe was the best I've seen from him for over five years but I don't think he can repeat it today.
Taylor will play his own game and if he can average around 104 he can cover the 6.5 handicap.
Match Odds
James Wade v Terry Jenkins
Like Baxter, Jenkins is a spoiler. He came good for us yesterday as the underdog against Adrian Lewis but this where I ditch him and go with the favourite.
Jenkins has always been capable of good performances, he's reached finals but never won one.
James Wade has been the player of the tournament so far. Steady and spectacular when he's needed to be, we've seen this week just why they call him "The Machine."
Michael van Gerwen is a gifted performer but Wade had too much for him in the semi-final.
I don't expect any malfunctions from 'the Machine' today and if he can average 97 then that will be enough to see off Jenkins.
I'll back him outright but if you want better odds then try Wade -3.5 legs.
See you for the final tomorrow.
Recommended Bets
Back Phil Taylor -6.5 legs
Back James Wade @ 1.51
Back James Wade - 3.5 legs