Wednesday 10 June 2015 21:50, UK
The World Cup of Darts starts this week and we have picked five countries who could emerge as surprise contenders in Frankfurt.
First round v Finland
The South African team will be hoping to build on their quarter-final appearance at the 2014 tournament. Twelve months ago they lost 2-0 to eventual finalists England and will expect to progress past Finland in the opening round. Devon Petersen, who reached the last 16 of the 2014 world championship, has rediscovered his best form at just the right time and will want to play a leading role. ‘The Spartan’ advanced to the quarter-finals of this year’s UK Open and threw a nine-dart finish in May. Partner Graham Filby produced some blistering scoring displays as South Africa ousted Germany and Singapore last year.
Wayne Mardle's view: “South Africa are a good team. Devon Petersen is a better player than he was last year, he’s consistent. Graham Filby can be a ton machine and if he can do that again, they can cause anyone problems."
First round v Norway
Cristo Reyes should be a familiar face to darts fans when he returns to the oche with Spain this week. The Tenerife thrower claimed two notable wins at this year’s World Championships, dumping out Wes Newton and Kevin Painter at Alexandra Palace. His performances earned him a PDC Tour card and the 27-year-old displayed his talent by throwing a nine-darter during his last 16 loss by Robert Thornton in the second Players Championship event. He is joined by Antonio Alcinas, who helped Spain reach the second round last year, but they face a testing opening clash against Norway.
Wayne Mardle's view: “Cristo Reyes on his day is capable of beating anyone and so is Alcinas, they are a danger. I expect Spain to get past Norway.”
First round v Czech Republic
The Austrian line-up is a mixture of youth and experience, with the exciting Rowby-John Rodriguez teaming up with seasoned campaigner Mensur Suljovic. The 43-year-old Suljovic is well known on the UK circuit and reached the quarter-final of this year’s UK Open for the second successive year. Rodriguez, a losing finalist in the PDC World Youth Championship, is considered one of the game’s upcoming talents. He holds a Grand Slam win over Adrian Lewis, but the 21-year-old learned a harsh lesson at this year’s World Championship, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Raymond van Barneveld.
Wayne Mardle's view: “Rowby-John is young, he’s still learning and he’s inconsistent. They are dangerous, but only for the first couple of rounds. I think they will play mediocre and lose.”
First round v India
The hosts will be determined to produce a creditable showing in front of their own fans. Max Hopp, another of Europe’s hot prospects, highlighted his potential with a 3-2 win over Mervyn King at this year’s World Championship. He also reached the quarter-finals of the first UK Open qualifier, defeating Kevin Painter, Ian White and Michael Smith on the way. Hopp has been paired with Jyhan Artut, a regular performer in the tournament, who helped Germany reach the quarter-finals in 2013. They should receive strong vocal support when they kick-off their tournament against India in Frankfurt.
Wayne Mardle's view: “Max is up and coming, playing well and had a fantastic game in the World Championships. His partner Artut only plays well at the World Cup! I think they will do well together.”
First round v New Zealand
John Part’s presence in the side should mean that Canada are capable of pulling off an upset win over any of the big guns. The 48-year-old might be nearing the end of his career, but rivals will still be wary of the three-time world champion, who could recapture his vintage form on the big stage. He is joined by Ken MacNeil, who claimed a memorable singles win over Phil Taylor at the 2012 World Cup during a battling 3-2 defeat for Canada.
Wayne Mardle's view: “John Part can win a match from anything and anywhere, but I’m not sure his partner Ken MacNeil believes he can. John will always think he’s got a chance of winning, that’s why he’s won three world titles. I just think that he will not get the opportunities that he needs.”
