Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Phil Taylor? World Grand Prix winner predicted by Sky Sports experts
Sunday 2 October 2016 16:43, UK
Can anyone stop Michael van Gerwen? Our Sky Sports experts say 'yes!' Here's their picks to win the World Grand Prix...
Live World Grand Prix Darts
Wayne Mardle: I don't see any reason why Gary Anderson couldn't be the one to lift the World Grand Prix trophy aloft as champion next Saturday in Dublin.
The reigning world champion has never had a better chance. His troubles on the doubles are in the past and he's now a more complete player than ever. Gary is far more consistent and more believing of his own ability.
Last year he lost in the second round to Ian White, but it took the tournament's highest average from White to beat Gary by the odd leg. Gary averaged 97 in both matches he played - it's a double start, remember, wow!
The reigning world champion has never had a better chance. His troubles on the doubles are in the past and he's now a more complete player than ever. Gary is far more consistent and more believing of his own ability.
The draw has been kind to Anderson in the first two rounds - no offence to Jamie Caven who he plays first, and Kyle Anderson or Cristo Reyes who he would meet in the second round. The draw to the quarter-finals, in Gary's mind, could have been tougher. I'm expecting another rip-snorter of a tournament so let's stop all this talk and get on with it!
Dave Clark: I think another Phil Taylor-Michael van Gerwen final is possible. Phil winning the Champions League of Darts has really given him the lift he wanted. He's used to winning his entire career and is a terrible loser. Bragging rights in the player's room are massive and he comes in as the top man coming into this tournament. I wouldn't put it past Taylor to win it.
Rod Studd: The cream rises to the top, more often than not. Phil has won this 11 times, the last of which in 2013. I'm going to go for Taylor. He's now preparing very well - he's resting, he's refreshed, he's not playing in all sorts of minor tournaments.
He realises, for the sake of longevity, he needs to be fully prepared. We saw the fruits of his labours last weekend [when he won the Champions League of Darts]. Taylor looked back to his imperious best - it was classic Taylor, you miss, I'll punish relentlessly.
