Van Gerwen a good bet to turn off the "Power"

Darts / Stuart Pyke / 18 December 2007 / Leave a Comment

Darts commentator Stuart Pyke tells us why Phil Taylor has got the first round draw that noone wanted

Written off in many quarters as past his best after his worst year for a decade, when he went 12 months without a 'Major' TV crown and now ready to prove the doubters wrong at the Ally Pally.

Taylor looks back to his very best. He's won four consecutive titles on the PDC Tour, including the Grand Slam and the German Darts Championship but this is what it's all about - his personal quest to win a 14th World Championship.

And he's been handed the toughest possible draw against a Dutch teenager who is just as hungry to succeed and prove a point. When Michael Van Gerwen ditched the BDO earlier this year, he was predicted to make a huge impact in the PDC. Instead, he has endured some harsh darting lessons.

Not so much 'Mighty Mike' after a run of dreadful results, which has clearly left his confidence shattered....but remember that old cliché - 'form is temporary but class is permanent' - well it could well apply to Van Gerwen.

A former World Masters Champion, he likes the big stage and the bright lights and he has beaten Taylor twice in TV tournaments in Holland over the last 18 months. This is the hardest possible draw for Taylor and he will have to hit the ground running.

If you look at it closely, Taylor will probably win but surely the odds don't reflect the match. In a two-horse race, Van Gerwen at [6.5] is worth a look, at least as an initial trade.

That may provide some value if the Dutch youngster makes a good start, giving punters the chance to trade in-running and guarantee a profit.

As Colin Lloyd found out on opening night, you cannot afford to be complacent at the World Championship. If any player, no matter how much experience they have, suffers the nerves and the jitters, then shocks will happen.

Also, you mustn't forget the Alexandra Palace is a whole new experience for everyone. At nearly 130 feet, it is the biggest stage in World Darts and it is completely different to the more intimate atmosphere of the Circus Tavern, where the crowds were very close to the stage.

This may level things up, especially in the First Round and especially over the best of only five sets.