Grand Slam Of Darts Betting: Back the Silverback on the handicap

Darts / Jaymes Monte / 21 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

Tony O'Shea is no world beater but he's a resilient and experienced player and get 8 legs on the board against Phil Taylor.

"However, I do think O’Shea possesses the guile and the guts to get 8 legs on the board in a “first to 16” match so I’m going to recommend a back of O’Shea in the handicap market."

Colin Lloyd must have been squirming in his chair when he realised that he would be facing Phil Taylor following his shock defeat to Vincent van der Voort. It is extremely rare that The Power puts in a performance of the poor standard he showed against the Dutchman, it is even rarer that he doesn't follow up a bad performance with a complete drubbing of whoever stands in his way next time out.

Lloyd actually produced a resolute beginning to the match and was in fact leading 4-3 at one stage before Taylor went on to win seven consecutive legs, hitting eight maximums and an average of 107.53. Now it is Tony O'Shea, known as Silverback, who must feel the wrath of The Power.

O'Shea proved in his 2nd round match against Mark Webster that he has the grit and determination that it takes to win important legs and subsequently matches. He looked to be running away with the match in the early stages, then conspired to allow Webster right back into the game. However, he proved his worth by composing himself in time to win the deciding leg.

I can't advocate an outright lay of Taylor, it goes against all conventional reasoning, but he has proved in his last two matches that [1.07] could move a few ticks higher in the early stages and prove a tradable price. However, I do think O'Shea possesses the guile and the guts to get 8 legs on the board in a "first to 16" match so I'm going to recommend a back of O'Shea in the handicap market.

Selection: Back Tony O'Shea + 8.5 @ [2.0] against Phil Taylor