World Matchplay: Dawson's Predictions

Dan Dawson (PDC)

PDC commentator Dan Dawson predicts what will happen at the 2019 Betfred World Matchplay.

Which first round games are unmissable?

Michael Smith v Jamie Hughes - one established name in the PDC and one trying to establish himself.

Both are huge scorers and have been firing in big averages all year, but both have found ways to lose games despite playing well.  

So tough to call, but I think it goes long, and I think they smash in about a million 180s.

Krzysztof Ratajski (PDC)

Which seeded players will be toppled in round one?

The obvious one I'd pick is Darren Webster, who faces the incredible Krzysztof Ratajski, but I can genuinely envisage more than half the seeds going out in round one.

I think it will end up being more like five or six, and I do think Keegan Brown could make a winning return to Blackpool against Jonny Clayton.
 
Who will cause the biggest upset of round one?

The likes of Ratajski and Glen Durrant will start as favourites in their first round ties against seeded opposition, but I think Jermaine Wattimena could end up being the longest odds winner of round one against last year's finalist Mensur Suljovic.
 
Who will be the dark horse?

I'd be looking at the half of the draw away from Michael van Gerwen and Anderson, and the two that stand out for me are Gerwyn Price (16/1) and Ratajski (66/1).

They're in the same quarter of the draw though, so only one can progress to the semis.

Michael van Gerwen (PDC)

Who will win it?

I think Van Gerwen will reclaim the title - his recent underwhelming displays will be immediately forgotten when he hits top gear against Steve Beaton in round one.  

I think he might beat a first-time finalist to claim the Phil Taylor Trophy... my money's on Price.
 
Who will hit a nine-darter?

MvG will hit a perfect leg in the very first round against Beaton. In the third leg. There... that's a mad call for you.

I also think we'll see another one - maybe from Peter Wright.

Anything else we should look out for?

Durrant set his sights on making Blackpool, and now he's here he's been given a nightmare section of the draw.

I don't think he'll go on to win it, and I believe he won't go beyond round two, but I can see any game in which he's involved being absolutely absorbing - starting with Adrian Lewis in round one.

The Betfred World Matchplay will be held from July 20-28 at The Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

Broadcast live on Sky Sports, the tournament will see 32 players competing across nine days.

Tickets are still available.