"Ross Smith has a tricky opening match against Sweden’s Andreas Harrysson - an experienced player who’s producing some of the best darts of his career, especially in the Modus Super Series. It won’t be easy, but I do fancy Ross to come through that.

In round two, he’d likely be favourite against France’s Thibault Tricole, and should have too much quality. To reach round four, Ross may face Dave Chisnall. Dave is a little out of form right now, so it could instead be Fallon Sherrock or Ricardo Pietreczko that Smith faces, the latter is talking a good game at the moment. Even so, I think Ross Smith reaching round four is a strong first leg of the treble."

Selection: Ross Smith to Reach R4

"My NAP is Martin Schindler, I think he will finally having a strong TV tournament. If he brings his European Tour form, he should do well. He has a tricky opener against Steven Burton - a good player - but if Schindler wants to establish himself among the elite, he should come through that.

That would likely set up a round-two match with Keane Barry, who faces Tim Pusey from Australia in his opener. Barry is talented, but I think Schindler wins that one too. In round three, Martin may be the underdog against either Brendan Dolan or Ryan Searle, who throws the heaviest darts on the circuit. Schindler has the game to beat both of these players, and I think taking the German to reach round four is a solid second leg of the treble."

Selection: Martin Schindler to Reach R4

"The final piece is Jermaine Wattimena, who’s playing terrific darts right now. His opening match is tough, he faces German player Dominik Gruellich, who came through Q School last year and has long been on my radar. Still, with Jermaine’s current form, I strongly fancy him to get through it.

That would likely set up a round-two match against Scott Williams, a former semi-finalist at Ally Pally two years ago. Williams has a dangerous opener himself against Paulo Nebrida from the Asian Tour, but assuming Scott makes it through, I still like Jermaine’s chances of reaching round three."

Selection: Jermaine Wattimena to Reach R3