S.P. Read Esq. Perfect weather for, er, darts

Our daily columnist and pundit S.P.Read Esq. looks ahead to more first round action at the  THE WORLD MATCHPLAY DARTS from Blackpool this evening and has a bet with Star Spreads, the home of sports spread betting.

As much as I like darts (and trust me I do) there seems something inherently wrong about watching and punting on an indoor ‘sport’ when the temperatures are reaching 28 degrees outside.

At least fans of the ‘arrers’ have the option of sunning themselves on Blackpool beach before retiring to the vast arena of the Winter Gardens for the evening play.

But that’s pretty much the action for today, the racing doesn’t look great, I’m not involved in the cricket at Lord’s where England trail India by 177 runs with 6 wickets remaining at the time of writing.

The Open is over. “Well done McIlroy” I say through gritted teeth as he spoilt my bets – but to take the tournament by the scruff of the neck, as he did on the opening day, and then hold together for the win takes some doing.

The most interesting match in Blackpool tonight is probably Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis against Andrew Gilding scheduled to start at 9pm and live on Sky.

It’s been a good start for all the ‘jollys’ so far in this tournament and in this penultimate first round leg the odds say that Lewis should prove far too strong for debutant Gilding.

Lewis won this year’s UK Open and was a beaten finalist in this tournament last year so of course has the big stage experience over Gilding but the newcomer shouldn’t be underestimated.

Gilding has had wins over Barneveld, Taylor and Wade this season and will be no pushover for Lewis who does have the habit of sometimes playing ‘Marmite’ darts. Brilliant or awful. If it’s the latter, my bet with Star Spreads should prevail. I’m selling Lewis on the superiority market which rewards the winner with 10 points and 3 points for each leg won.

CLICK HERE FOR THE DARTS MARKETS ON STAR SPREADS

RECOMMENDED BET (scale 1-100 points)

SELL LEWIS / GILDING at around 16.5 with Star Spreads for 10 points

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.