Emma Paton’s World Grand Prix predictions: Can Gary Anderson flip again the clock? What about Luke Humphries and Luke Littler? | Darts Information

Can former World Grand Prix finalist Gary Anderson flip again the clock and win the double-in, double-out event in Leicester? It is prediction time with our very personal Emma Paton.

Is there life within the previous canine but? Anderson has been in irresistible type of late, so can ‘The Flying Scotsman’ switch his kind on the ground to the massive stage on the Mattioli Enviornment in Leicester?

Luke Humphries is concentrating on additional double-start success as he returns to the scene of his maiden televised rating triumph, then there’s teenage debutant Luke Littler and six-time champion Michael van Gerwen.

This is Sky Sports activities presenter Emma Paton together with her predictions for the distinctive event…

The favourites..

Life earlier than Luke Humphries was a a number of main champion looks as if a long time in the past!

However 12 months on, we’re headed again to Leicester and again to the place it began for ‘Cool Hand’ Luke. After selecting up his first main title he went on a profitable rampage, including one other 4 huge trophies – together with the World Championship and World Matchplay, and one thing tells me he isn’t executed but.

Humphries arrives within the East Midlands in good kind too – profitable the latest Professional Tour occasion and beating his first-round opponent within the closing. Learn into that what you want!

That is one Luke, so what concerning the different? Sure, Luke Littler is within the draw, sure he is unseeded, and sure in fact he is one of many favourites!

What a 2024 he is had up to now – Premier League champion, World Sequence Finals champion, two titles on the World Sequence, two on the Euro Tour, three on the Professional Tour. That’s some record.

The 17-year-old is taking part in on this occasion for the primary time however has made an actual behavior of profitable on event debuts so I am unsure the double-start format or a lot else will ruffle his feathers.

Then to the query we ask forward of each main event: What about Michael van Gerwen?

The world No 3 has gained this occasion six occasions and is one among simply two gamers – together with Phil Taylor – to ever defend the title, so it is secure to say he is mastered the format.

However what about kind then? After spending the primary 9 months of the yr watching others choose up titles, Van Gerwen clinched two within the house of 4 days on the finish of September with a win in Hungary and in Wigan. Is there extra to return?

The outsiders..

Sure, I am calling two-time world champion Gary Anderson an outsider!

Ando’s stats had been merely ridiculous on the Professional Tour final week. There was a nine-darter, a number of 110+ averages, plus a 3rd title of the marketing campaign, and for those who throw in his relaxed method, possibly that is lastly his time.

The World Grand Prix is among the few main trophies that Anderson hasn’t lifted in his illustrious profession. So in his personal phrases, possibly there’s life within the previous canine but.

Sticking with the theme of kind, I will throw Chris Dobey into the combination.

The 2023 Masters champion has gained three Professional Tour titles this yr – a kind of coming as lately as final week.

He is mentioned prior to now that he likes the double-start format, with it being performed commonly in Northumberland the place he grew up, in order that might be an actual profit.

And having made it to a number of main quarter-finals over the previous 12 months, possibly it is Hollywood’s time to have a deep run and what higher main to just do that at.

I do know I’ve named Humphries as one of many favourites, and rightly so, however I am additionally going to place his first-round opponent Stephen Bunting down as an outsider (that is utterly allowed).

The present Masters champion is taking part in some great things – making three consecutive Professional Tour finals simply final week with some huge ton-plus averages alongside the way in which. He is obtained a superb document on the World Grand Prix too, the place he is reached the semi-finals twice and likewise averted a first-round exit in his final 4 appearances.

Should-watch!

For me there is no query concerning the tie of the opening night time.

Luke Littler makes his event debut towards 2018 world champion Rob Cross. You will not wish to miss it! Whereas the standout on Tuesday has obtained to be the conflict of the 2 world champions Michael Smith and Gary Anderson.

Roll on Monday…

What stay darts is subsequent on Sky Sports activities?

Reside darts returns to Sky Sports activities with the BoyleSports World Grand Prix in Leicester from October 7-13, that includes a number of the sport’s very greatest stars.

The annual £600,000 event will happen on the Mattioli Enviornment in Leicester from October 7-13, as 32 of the world’s prime stars compete for the coveted title which was gained by Luke Humphries.

Then in November, the Grand Slam of Darts shall be hosted in Wolverhampton as Luke Humphries seems to be to defend his title.

Consideration then turns to the flip of the yr and the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, starting on December 15, because the darts calendar continues to offer pleasure all year long – and you may take pleasure in the perfect right here stay on Sky Sports activities.

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