WITH the qualification process completed and the first round draw already made, the Blue Square UK Open is almost upon us and anticipation is building ahead of June's showpiece finals in Bolton.
This will be the fifth year of the "FA Cup of Darts", with its unique format of pitching pub players against professionals offering fans some of the most exciting darts in the world, and of course some fantastic betting opportunities.
There is still time to take advantage of Blue Square's pre-tournament offers ahead of the June 7th start, including Enhanced Each-Way Terms - ¼ odds a place 1,2,3,4. That means that if your selection reaches the semi-finals, you're guaranteed a return.
Fresh from wrapping up a third consecutive Holsten Premier League Darts title, Phil Taylor predictably heads the betting at 13/8, and the man who has won two of the four UK Open titles contested to date is sure to be heavily backed.
Such a short price may have punters looking elsewhere for value, and one player who stands out is Andy Hamilton at a very attractive 20/1.
The Stoke thrower reached the semi-final of this year's World Championship, giving an indication of the fine form that was to mark "The Hammer" out as one of the players to watch out for in 2007.
After picking up a Players Championship title in January, Andy also managed to win the Midlands Regional Final of the Blue Square UK Open in April and he looks like exceptional value given Blue Square's enhanced each-way terms.
Looking further down the betting, the highly-talented Mark Dudbridge should have plenty of appeal at 50/1.
Whilst he has struggled for consistency, "Flash" gave a reminder of his prodigious talent as he reached the quarter-finals of the US Open in May, and the 2005 World Championship runner-up looks a cracking each-way bet.
Jelle Klaasen at a massive 100/1 also looks like value, and the youngest ever winner of the Lakeside Championship could well be set to make his first big splash as a PDC player.
Blue Square's other major offer ahead of the tournament is a Money Back Guarantee - all losing bets on the Outright Winner will be refunded if any player manages a nine-dart check out at any stage of the Blue Square UK Open.
Given that Phil Taylor alone has hit a nine darter twice at the UK Open, in 2004 and 2005, there is every chance of that feat being repeated this year at the Reebok Stadium.
James Wade will certainly be a contender to achieve such a showpiece finish, and the young man who changed his nickname to "009" remains the only player to have hit three tournament nine-dart finishes in a calendar year, during a remarkable 2006.
Blue Square are also offering special markets on three of the favourites - Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld and teenage sensation Michael van Gerwen - achieving a nine-dart finish at any stage of the finals in Bolton.
Taylor is the shortest price of the three at 10/1, with van Gerwen quoted at a generous-looking 20/1.
The young Dutchman achieved a perfect finish against van Barneveld in February's Masters of Darts tournament, and as he starts in the Preliminary round and therefore plays more matches than the likes of Taylor and Barney, he surely has a great chance of achieving another nine-darter.
Punch Taverns qualifier Chris McTernan, a 500/1 shot for the title, will certainly have his work cut out in trying to end van Gerwen's bid for glory when the Blue Square UK Open kicks off at the Reebok Stadium on Thursday 7 June.
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By Steve Irvine