Emma Paton’s World Grand Prix predictions: Can Gary Anderson flip again the clock? What about Luke Humphries and Luke Littler?

Can former World Grand Prix finalist Gary Anderson flip again the clock and win the double-in, double-out event in Leicester? It is prediction time with our very personal Emma Paton.

Is there life within the previous canine but? Anderson has been in irresistible type of late, so can ‘The Flying Scotsman’ switch his kind on the ground to the massive stage on the Mattioli Area in Leicester?

Luke Humphries is concentrating on additional double-start success as he returns to the scene of his maiden televised rating triumph, then there’s teenage debutant Luke Littler and six-time champion Michael van Gerwen.

Here is Sky Sports activities presenter Emma Paton together with her predictions for the distinctive event…

The favourites..

Life earlier than Luke Humphries was a a number of main champion looks like a long time in the past!

However 12 months on, we’re headed again to Leicester and again to the place it began for ‘Cool Hand’ Luke. After choosing up his first main title he went on a profitable rampage, including one other 4 huge trophies – together with the World Championship and World Matchplay, and one thing tells me he isn’t completed but.

Humphries arrives within the East Midlands in good kind too – profitable the latest Professional Tour occasion and beating his first-round opponent within the ultimate. Learn into that what you want!

That is one Luke, so what concerning the different? Sure, Luke Littler is within the draw, sure he is unseeded, and sure in fact he is one of many favourites!

What a 2024 he is had to this point – Premier League champion, World Collection Finals champion, two titles on the World Collection, two on the Euro Tour, three on the Professional Tour. That’s some record.

The 17-year-old is enjoying on this occasion for the primary time however has made an actual behavior of profitable on event debuts so I am unsure the double-start format or a lot else will ruffle his feathers.

Then to the query we ask forward of each main event: What about Michael van Gerwen?

The world No 3 has gained this occasion six instances and is one among simply two gamers – together with Phil Taylor – to ever defend the title, so it is protected to say he is mastered the format.

However what about kind then? After spending the primary 9 months of the 12 months watching others decide up titles, Van Gerwen clinched two within the house of 4 days on the finish of September with a win in Hungary and in Wigan. Is there extra to return?

The outsiders..

Sure, I am calling two-time world champion Gary Anderson an outsider!

Ando’s stats had been merely ridiculous on the Professional Tour final week. There was a nine-darter, a number of 110+ averages, plus a 3rd title of the marketing campaign, and should you throw in his relaxed method, possibly that is lastly his time.

The World Grand Prix is among the few main trophies that Anderson hasn’t lifted in his illustrious profession. So in his personal phrases, possibly there’s life within the previous canine but.

Sticking with the theme of kind, I will throw Chris Dobey into the combo.

The 2023 Masters champion has gained three Professional Tour titles this 12 months – a kind of coming as not too long ago as final week.

He is stated previously that he likes the double-start format, with it being performed frequently in Northumberland the place he grew up, in order that could possibly be an actual profit.

And having made it to a number of main quarter-finals over the previous 12 months, possibly it is Hollywood’s time to have a deep run and what higher main to do exactly that at.

I do know I’ve named Humphries as one of many favourites, and rightly so, however I am additionally going to place his first-round opponent Stephen Bunting down as an outsider (that is utterly allowed).

The present Masters champion is enjoying some good things – making three consecutive Professional Tour finals simply final week with some huge ton-plus averages alongside the best way. He is acquired a great file on the World Grand Prix too, the place he is reached the semi-finals twice and in addition prevented a first-round exit in his final 4 appearances.

Should-watch!

For me there is not any query concerning the tie of the opening night time.

Luke Littler makes his event debut towards 2018 world champion Rob Cross. You will not need to miss it! Whereas the standout on Tuesday has acquired to be the conflict of the 2 world champions Michael Smith and Gary Anderson.

Roll on Monday…

What reside darts is subsequent on Sky Sports activities?

Reside darts returns to Sky Sports activities with the BoyleSports World Grand Prix in Leicester from October 7-13, that includes a number of the sport’s very largest stars.

The annual £600,000 event will happen on the Mattioli Area in Leicester from October 7-13, as 32 of the world’s high stars compete for the coveted title which was gained by Luke Humphries.

Then in November, the Grand Slam of Darts will likely be hosted in Wolverhampton as Luke Humphries seems to be to defend his title.

Consideration then turns to the flip of the 12 months and the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, starting on December 15, because the darts calendar continues to offer pleasure all year long – and you’ll take pleasure in the perfect right here reside on Sky Sports activities.

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