Grand Slam of Darts 2016

Preview
Barely have we left the World Series of Darts Finals behind us and the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton will begin. The preparations were in full swing yesterday and today. To be sure: Michael van Gerwen is again favourite to win the tournament. He won the tournament last year by defeating Phil Taylor in the finale. This year that will not happen due to the seeding they would play against each other already in the semi-finals. Van Gerwen's opponent in the final will come from the bottom half of the tableau - among others it could be Mensur Suljovic who will the first German speaking seeded player of the tournament. But to be sure players like Gary Anderson, James Wade, Adrian Lewis, Raymond van Barneveld and might be the one or other BDO player like the BDO number 1 Glen Durrant or Scott Mitchell, BDO world Champion2015, will have a say as well.

It argues for Suljovic's favour that he is at the moment in an almost euphoric mindset what you can't claim for the other player mentioned. Anderson was to be sure not really convincing and still has to get used to his glasses. I thought nevertheless he looked somehow better during the World Series finals. You can't say the same about James Wade who lost to Benito van de Pas in his first match or about Adrian Lewis who was eliminated by Dave Chisnall. Chisnall played a great tournament till Michael van Gerwen swept him from stage during the semi-finals. You never can predict what performance Raymond van Barneveld will show - it could be he'll play outstanding but he could go out without a whimper as well.

In the upper half of the tableau probably Van Gerwen, Wright and Taylor will progress. In could B it can well be that with Scott Waites a BDO player will have the edge on his opponents, only Gerwyn Price' terrier qualities might be a danger for him. The rest is hardly predictable? How strong Martin Adams will be who suffers from cancer? Will Simon Whitlock's upswing go on or will Canadian Jeff Smith thwart his plans? Who beside Taylor out of group D will reach the knock out phase? On their day all other three players can play outstanding matches though I feel Fitton is not as pugnacious as the other two.

As always the BDO players will zest the tournament and probably they will again spring a few surprises. Beside the round robin format adds to excitement. A player is not after a weaker match he lost already out of the tournament but he'll get two more chances. So the young players like Max Hopp -the first German player who takes part in the tournament - or Ted Evetts will stand on stage three times though they are the underdogs in their groups.

Sun bets bookmakers see van Gerwen as the favourite to win followed by Anderson and Taylor head to head. The best chance out of the BDO players for them has Glen Durrant. So let ourselves be surprised!






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