The final of the 2013 Darts World Championship betting has been set up nicely for everyone, with the two pre-tournament favourites going head to head. Phil Taylor v Michael van Gerwen is the showdown which we have to look forward to, with Taylor going for his 16th World title. Surprisingly the early odds on the board for the final have the bookies totally split, with a price of 10/11 going for both players at online bookmaker Skybet. This is following on from two strong tournaments from both and with Van Gerwen the big rising talent of the darts scene, the question is whether or not the young maverick talent can upset Taylor on the stage he has dominated for so long.
Taylor has not had his hands on the PDC World title for a couple of years, following the double triumph of Adrian Lewis. Taylor sailed through the rounds, taking out Mickey Mansell, Jerry Hendriks, Robert Thornton and Andy Hamilton with the loss of just one set. That set up a semi final clash against Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld in the semi final and it looked done and dusted as The Power raced out to a 5-1 lead over Van Barneveld. But Taylor had to hold off a strong fight back from Van Barneveld who reduced the deficit to 5-4 before Taylor struck home in the final set. Taylor kept up his run of never losing a World Championship semi final. Taylor said that he was fighting the symptoms of a cold in the match against Barney and is looking forward to having a day of rest before the final on January 1st.
On his way to the final, Dutchman Michael van Gerwen hit a tremendous nine-dart leg as he edged his way past Englishman James Wade with a 6-4 victory. He only just missed out on creating history as well, nearly becoming the first man ever to hit back to back nine-darters, however he missed the finishing double with his ninth dart. While Van Gerwen was the heavier scorer of the two, he was missing doubles, something that he may not be able to afford to do against Taylor. This will be all about pressure of occasion now for Van Gerwen as he goes in his first World Championship final.
In the Phil Taylor v Michael van Gerwen head to head record it is The Power who dominates with an 18-4 lead. However, the two previous encounters between the two players this season, which came at the Players Championship in Barnsley and the Grand Slam of Darts both went in favour of the Dutchman. Big, big clash in the final of the 2013 Darts World Championship between arguably the best two players in the world at the moment. Really tight call between the two but will it come down to experience of standing on that big stage in the final and actually dealing with the pressure? Taylor has been there before and done it all. Will he take the newly-named Sid Waddell trophy? On his path to the final, Van gerwen has taken out Paul Lim, Peter Wright, Colin Lloyd, the defending champion Adrian Lewis and then James Wade in the semis.
Phil Taylor v Michael van Gerwen Betting Odds at online bookmaker Skybet
Taylor 10/11, Van Gerwen 10/11
Head to online bookmaker Skybet for great coverage of the final of the 2013 Darts World Championship, where great live in running betting can be enjoyed. There is also a free £10 bet for all new customers registering an account with them as well. The welcome bonus of the free £10 bet will automatically be credited to a new account upon registering.
