Saturday 22 July 2017 22:43, UK
Wayne Mardle looks into his crystal ball before the World Matchplay kicks off in Blackpool...
How far can Phil Taylor go?
He's got a pig of a draw. I think Phil will take care of Gerwyn Price pretty easily in his first match.
His ranking at No 8 lends itself to trouble. Being No 8 means you'll play a five-time world champ then the reigning champ.
Then it's likely Phil will play Raymond van Barneveld if he beats Joe Cullen, which is not a given. Joe plays some decent stuff but doing it on the biggest stage is something different.
It's likely Phil plays Barney, then Michael van Gerwen. Last year in the final, Michael mangled Phil. This year, Michael is just as good but Phil isn't as good.
If Phil wins it, then brilliant, I'll cry like everybody else. I'd love him to win it but I just don't see it. His ranking at No 8 lends itself to trouble. Being No 8 means you'll play a five-time world champ then the reigning champ.
Who will win the World Matchplay?
Michael van Gerwen will win again. He's the best player day-in, day-out. Gary Anderson can match Michael dart-for-dart over a long format, but Michael is always likelier to play to his best.
Michael is becoming harder to beat, not easier.
The best player is generally the best at every format. Like Phil Taylor used to be, that is now Michael. He is the best scorer, when he's on form he's better than anyone except Gary. The others players panic when they play Michael, like we panicked when we played Phil.
Michael is becoming harder to beat, not easier.
The World Matchplay is live on Sky Sports between July 22-30.
