Wayne Mardle on the World Championship: Back Christian Kist to overcome fading Dolan

Brendan Dolan v Christian Kist
Tuesday, 20:00
Live on Sky Sports Darts

A fit Kist is a dangerous player. Christian has been plagued by arthritis for a few years now, but he said he's now feeling much better, and his standard of play has risen as a result.

The former BDO world champion fears no one and the Dutchman will like his draw. Being a non-seed always means there's a danger drawing one of the big guns in the first round, so drawing Brendan would has to been seen as one of the 'easier' tasks, but it won't be that easy of course.

Brendan's form has declined over recent years, but every now again he shows us what he can do, like when he beat Raymond Van Barneveld at the World Matchplay in July. But the moments worth mentioning are becoming few and far between.

The really likeable Northern Irishman has the game to win this match, I'm just not sure he believes in his ability like he used to, and as we know, confidence is key.

When asked a few questions at the recent Grand Slam, he looked a little fragile. He did make the quarter-finals, so the game is still there, he just looks a little unconvinced by it, as do I.

If Christian can apply the pressure constantly, which is his MO, I think he'll win this match. What he can't do is get bogged down by the ever slowing Dolan.

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