World Matchplay's format makes matches difficult, says Mervyn King
Wednesday 13 July 2016 17:47, UK
Mervyn King has insisted that the upcoming World Matchplay tournament is the most difficult format in darts.
Live World Matchplay Darts
The Blackpool event is legs-only - meaning the opening round is the first to 10, with the winner requiring two clear legs if the score is tied at 9-9.
Former world No 1 King has explained why the absence of sets, which are used in the World Championships, makes things trickier.
If you win three out of five legs, you're only two legs ahead. But if you do that when you're playing sets, you're a set ahead.
"Obviously it's a more difficult format," he exclusively told Sky Sports.
"If you win three out of five legs, you're only two legs ahead. But if you do that when you're playing sets, you're a set ahead. It doesn't change the way I play - I try and come out of the blocks very quickly no matter what match I'm playing."
The unseeded King, a 2009 semi-finalist, will meet six-time finalist James Wade in the opening round but admits he is open-minded to meeting any of the top players.
He has also tipped the unseeded 16 players to make a splash alongside their more illustrious rivals.
"Somebody has to draw James, Michael van Gerwen or Phil Taylor. I'm not adverse to locking horns with all of those guys.
"But I know what the game is about, and what I have to do. If I get my nose in front, who knows?
"I'm playing very well but I've not got many breaks - I've being going out at quarter-finals. I average over 100 nearly every time I play.
"Gerwyn Price can make an impact, he's not getting the average but he's playing a lot stronger. Another one to watch out for, if the occasion doesn't get to him, is Josh Payne. He can play the game, and play it properly."
Watch the World Matchplay live on Sky Sports between July 16-24.
