Dutch Darts Masters tips: Michael van Gerwen to light up homecoming, Luke Littler remains a threat

Luke Littler kicked off the new season by claiming his first senior PDC title at the Bahrain Darts Masters last week.

In truth, the Bahrain event only came to life at the quarter-final stage as the Asian qualifiers failed to deliver in the opening round.

That won’t be the case in Den Bosch considering the eight Benelux representatives consist of heavyweights such as Danny Noppert, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Raymond van Barneveld.

Dutch Darts Masters – Outright odds

Luke Humphries – 10/3
Luke Littler – 7/2
Michael van Gerwen – 4/1
Gerwyn Price – 13/2
Michael Smith – 17/2

Of all the Dutchmen involved, Michael van Gerwen is undoubtedly the main dangerman.

Mighty Mike was in superb form in Bahrain, averaging over 100 in every match leading up to the final.

Despite this, the 34-year-old just couldn’t find his rhythm in the showpiece against Littler and ended up on the wrong end of an 8-5 result.

Van Gerwen is third-favourite to go all the way on his Dutch homecoming this weekend. The three-time world champion is priced at a juicy 4/1 – making him our outright pick for the event.

Littler, who hit a nine-darter en route to his Bahrain victory, remains a big threat in the draw.

The Nuke has just turned 17 yet the teenager plays his darts like a seasoned veteran. No wonder he is currently priced as second-favourite at 7/2.

The top man, according to the bookmakers, is Luke Humphries. The world champion wasn’t at his absolute best in Bahrain, though you can forgive him a slight dip considering how dominant he has been over recent months.

Humphries doesn’t tickle our fancy at 10/3, though there are a couple of bigger price options which are worth considering.

One of them has to be Raymond van Barneveld. The Dutch legend was last seen at the world championship when he reached the fourth round.

Barney was ultimately knocked out by Littler, though his general performance and average of 99 were encouraging.

Keeping in mind the short format of matches at the World Series of Darts, there’s no reason why Barney couldn’t roll back the years and challenge some of the top contenders.

At 50/1, he is our outside pick for the tournament.
 

Suggested bets

Nap – Michael van Gerwen to win (4/1)

Dark horse – Raymond van Barneveld (50/1)