PDC World Championship Tips: Jackpot to cash in

29Dec 2012

Jaymes Monte fancies the champ to take advantage of a wounded Michael van Gerwen...

Rarely, in any sport, will you see the defending two-time world champion made such a big outsider against a young player who has only recently won his fist Major title. Yet Adrian Lewis goes into this match-up with Michael van Gerwen priced as big as 2.6 to progress to the semi-finals, despite his remarkable record on the Alexandra Palace stage.

Jackpot is now unbeaten in his last 15 matches on Muswell Hill in a run that stretches back more than two years and has not been surpassed by any other player, including Phil Taylor. What makes his success even more intriguing is the fact that he has rarely been spectacular in that 15-match run, only once averaging more than 100. The crux of the matter is that Lewis knows how to win at Ally Pally, and that knack of getting the job done could prove invaluable here.

There's also the matter of Van Gerwen's injury(s) to consider. Following his 4-1 win over Colin Lloyd The Dutchman talked of problems with both feet - a fracture in one and an infected Achilles in the other. It obviously hasn't affected him too much this past fortnight, but most of his matches have been over in relatively quick time. The longer that this match goes on, the more you'd think MVG will suffer and that will tip the scales in Lewis's favour.

All things considered the 2.6 about Lewis looks to be the best bet of the night. Jackpot's averages have steadily improved throughout this tournament and in each match he's played I've got the impression that he is playing within himself. Things need to click into gear from hereon in, but if they do a third world title could still be on the cards.

Recommended Bets

Back Lewis to beat Van Gerwen @ 2.6