Ace Barney down to 8-1

SPORTS BETTING: MICHAEL van Gerwen’s shock exit against fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld has thrown the PDC World Darts Championship wide open.

A best-priced 6-5 favourite when the tournament got under way, “Mighty Mike” was on the wrong end of a truly-inspired display from “Barney.” RVB, who was a 50-1 shot, is now a best-priced 8-1 to win the world crown.

But reigning champion Gary Anderson is the favourite at 11-4, followed by Phil Taylor (4-1), and Adrian Lewis (9-2). Michael Smith, van Barneveld’s quarter-final opponent, is 11-1, with James Wade 12-1, Peter Wright 14-1 and Dave Chisnall 18-1.

Every one of these star players has a fighting chance so those who mourn MVG’s exit can at least take consolation in knowing anything can now happen.

The BDO version gets under way at Lakeside on Saturday and Mark McGeeney, an Oldham town team player, has a real shot at the title. McGeeney is overpriced at 40-1 given his exploits this year, and is worth a small punt at those generous odds.



FRESH from accepting his BBC Sports Personality Of The Year award, Andy Murray is gearing up for the first grand slam tennis event of 2016.
Next month’s Australian Open has so far eluded the British number one, but he invariably plays well in Melbourne and reached the final last year.

He was beaten by his nemesis, Novak Djokovic, who is 10-11 to triumph again, with Murray 6-1, Roger Federer 8-1 and Rafael Nadal 12s.

Stan Wawrinka won this event two years ago and is a big hitter who on his day can take out anyone.

I would much rather back him at 14-1 than one of Djokovic’s other main rivals, but more about that nearer the time.


RECOMMENDATION: Mark McGeeney to win BDO World Darts Championship, 40-1 (Skybet, Stan James).