The World Matchplay is beginning this weekend with the tournament known as the second biggest of the year hitting the Winter Gardens. Ahead of it Alan Warriner-Little has previewed the tournament for the PDC.
The original Iceman was a runner up in the tournament in 1997 and 2000; so knows what it is like to win and lose in Blackpool. He spoke about dark horses, ties of the tournament; as well as ultimately who he believes will win. He was asked his thoughts on the tie of the first round and for him it is Barney and Kyle Anderson. “The first round clash I'm most looking forward to is Raymond van Barneveld v Kyle Anderson.” “Raymond has had some great moments up there, including his “nine-darter in 2010. He would've liked to have won it.” “He's always a big stage player who reacts to the atmosphere of the crowd and the status of the event so he will be at his best.” “Kyle is one of those players who can push him all the way and is certainly capable of beating him.” Warriner-Little was then asked who he believes will be a surprise package. “Looking at the draw there are a number of players who are playing well but I'm going to go for Steve West. I think he is now one of the top players in the world. He always does well on European Tour and floor events so he is due a good run on TV.” “He has a tough first round game game against Daryl Gurney. It's certainly a game he can win and he'll come into the game with a lot of confidence.” “Steve is a very good scorer, he just needs to get to grips with the pressure he puts on himself and he will do well.” Warriner-Little has two contenders to win the first Phil Taylor Trophy. “I was torn between two players in deciding who I think will win - Rob Cross or James Wade.” “I'm going to go with Cross because I believe he is back to the incredible standard he achieved at the end of last year.” for more information about the World Matchplay.
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
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