Michael van Gerwen can continue his march towards another World Darts Championship title by overcoming Chris Dobey. The Dutchman’s performances en route to the semi-finals have served as a timely reminder that he has what it takes to get his hands on yet another world title. While Dobey has performed admirably to navigate his way out of quarter 3, a semi-final showdown with van Gerwen will represent his toughest test to date. ‘Hollywood’ had to rely on a good slice of fortune to get past Gerwyn Price, but van Gerwen is unlikely to be as careless as the Welshman was on the outer ring. With van Gerwen the red-hot favourite for the win here, instead look to him to triumph alongside an average in excess of 98.5. MVG produced a supreme display to defeat Callan Rydz and clinch a semi-final spot with a scintillating 5-3 success, averaging north of 103. In the round prior to that, van Gerwen posted an average of 101.98 in getting the better of Jeffrey de Graaf. With the number 3 seed hitting top gear of late, he looks well placed to cover the proposed 98.5 average line and to win v Dobey.

Michael van Gerwen to emerge victorious from this semi-final clash alongside hitting 18 or more 180s looks worthy of support at a bold price. ‘Mighty Mike’ has shown flashes of his brilliant best at this year’s showpiece and he should prove too hot to handle for Dobey in a race to 6 sets. The Dutchman delivered no fewer than 14 maximums when seeing off Rydz on New Year’s Day. Given that the format will increase again now that we’re entering the semi-final stage, an extra 4 maximums from van Gerwen is certainly within the realms of possibility. Dobey, like Rydz, is more than capable of keeping this contest competitive and clocking up a high 180 count, and that should keep van Gerwen highly motivated to retaliate with a heavy 180 haul of his own.