Key Highlights
- Luke Littler faces early challenges in the Players Championship Finals at Butlin’s Minehead Resort.
- Gerwyn Price is seen as a strong contender to win the tournament despite some doubts.
- James Wade and Jermaine Wattimena are highlighted for their potential to meet in a Sunday quarter-final.
The Players Championship Finals: A Darting Showdown at Butlin’s Minehead Resort
The Players Championship Finals, the pinnacle of darts competition, is set to begin on November 21 and conclude on November 23. This year’s event will take place at Butlin’s Minehead Resort, drawing in some of the world’s top players.
Luke Littler: A Champion Returns
Former Grand Slam of Darts champion Luke Littler is back with a vengeance as he faces Jeffrey de Graaf in the opening match. Despite his recent success, Littler may find it challenging to navigate through the early rounds. The first two rounds are best-of-11-legs affairs, which can be vulnerable for favorites.
Gerwyn Price: A Strong Contender
Betting odds favor Gerwyn Price to win the Players Championship Finals at 9-1 each-way with Coral and Ladbrokes. Price, who has been in excellent form this year, could provide a timely reminder of the PDC’s strength in depth. However, Littler and Luke Humphries were overconfident after their Grand Slam victory, which may work to Price’s advantage.
James Wade: A Resurgent Left-Hander
James Wade is another player worth watching as he looks to progress to the semi-finals at Butlin’s. Coral and Ladbrokes are offering each-way terms of 2pts for a quarter the odds the first four, making Price an even more appealing option.
Betting Insights: Key Matches and Rounds
Stephen Bunting is having a tough season, and Price has been vastly superior to everyone else in his section recently. The Iceman, who lost in the semi-finals of the Grand Slam last week and was a finalist at Minehead in 2019, may have improved physically but faces an uphill battle.
Jeffrey de Graaf, who defeated Gary Anderson in the World Championship and won Players Championship 24 in August, provides early challenges for Littler. A maximum machine like Ross Smith or Niko Springer will be waiting in round two if Littler advances, making it crucial to navigate these early rounds carefully.
James Wade and Jermaine Wattimena are likely to meet in the Sunday quarter-finals. Backing both men to win their respective quarters could prove sensible given their form and recent performances.
Conclusion
The Road Ahead
The Players Championship Finals promise to be an exciting event with many potential upsets. While Littler is a strong favorite, Price and Wade offer compelling betting options. Fans and bettors alike will be eager to see how the tournament unfolds over the three days of action at Butlin’s Minehead Resort.
