Which could you do without over Xmas - the baby Jesus, or the darts?

[Tooting Gull]

Phil Taylor odds-on for a 14th title

Tie of the first round: Colin Lloyd v Jelle Klaasen.

Der der-der-der-der, der-der-der-der, der-der-der-der-der.....

 

[Kick Ass Minton]

Oi Oi Oi Oi

 

[Kick Ass Minton]

one too many Oi's

 

[defrocked priest]

arrows everytime

 

[Pavilionaire]

Lloyd vs Klaasen is the only really attractive tie of the round.

The interesting variable is the Premier League places and the effect that might have one those players in spots 7-14 in the world rankings.

Mardle, Lloyd, Manley and King will all be especially motivated to win the title. I expect Barry Hearn will be praying Mardle cements that 8th spot by reaching the quarters because he is box office.

I believe Manley will fall out of the Premiership for the first time if he fails to make the final, and who better to replace him in the role of villain than Mervyn "The King" King?!

 

[Basil Fawlty]

I can't wait untill the 19th. I can honestly see this being a totally open tournament. Taylor may be the clear favourite, but James Wade and Barney will be in there with a shout. My money is going on a James Wade VS Phil Taylor final.

 

[mattb]

both