Monday 13 October 2014 16:51, UK
We're at the quarter-final stage of the of World Grand Prix of Darts and things are hotting up in Dublin.
In a week which has seen big names go crashing out with a whimper, a string of players struggle to come to terms with the double-start format of the tournament, and an unprecedented dual nine-dart duel, it's safe to say it's been all action in this year's event.
You'll be pleased to hear there's more action forecast this Friday as the quarter-finals get underway, all of which you can watch live on Sky Sports.
Richie Burnett v Stephen Bunting
The evening's first tie sees Richie Burnett take on debutant Stephen Bunting. Burnett’s resilience and reluctance to succumb to pressure allied with Bunting’s break-neck pace of play makes for an intriguing quarter-final. Burnett, who secured an early two-set lead en route to recording to a 3-1 victory over Terry Jenkins, will look to carry that form into the tie with a player renowned for bombarding his opponents in the opening exchanges. Lakeside champion Bunting, who is appearing in his first Grand Prix, will look to extend his fantastic debut in the competition and defeat a steely Burnett.
Gary Anderson v Kevin Painter
Former-world finalist Painter faces Anderson in a tie which promises to deliver action to the Citywest oche, with both players in pursuit of differing yet equally important personal targets. Anderson, who survived an early scare to beat Mickey Mansell 3-1, will be hoping to end a three-year trophy drought, while Painter, who overcame a spirited Adrian Lewis 3-2 last time out, has yet to progress past the quarter-final stage at the World Grand Prix. Something's got to give.
Phil Taylor v James Wade
In arguably the blockbuster tie of the round, Phil 'The Power' Taylor takes on a buoyant James Wade fresh off the back of his nine-dart triumph over Robert Thornton. Taylor’s consistent ton-plus scoring and an average of 92.21 saw him overcome Andrew Guilding 3-1 and avoid an upset, after Guilding stormed into an early lead. While tested at times in the last-16, the Power failed to reach the heights we have come accustomed to and perhaps a meeting with an old adversary, who’s recent matches have been nothing less than scintillating, may spark him into life. Wade, however, will surely look to capitalise on any chink in Taylor's armour and improve on a dismal run of form against the Power. We are in for a pulsating encounter.
Michael van Gerwen v Mervyn King
The evening's final tie sees a repeat of the 2012 World Grand Prix Final, with Michael van Gerwen and Mervyn King clashing in Dublin. Big-hitting Van Gerwen counteracted his high-scoring against Dean Winstanley last time out with a below-par double conversion rate, a feat he will have to address if he is to reach the semi-finals. King, fresh off the back of a 3-1 victory over a lacklustre Raymond van Barneveld, will attempt to avenge the 6-4 defeat in the final two years ago. However, an unconvincing King, who edged past Wes Newton before capitalising on a woeful performance from Barney, may have his work cut out against the man who currently leads the PDC Order of Merit.
Watch the Quarter-Finals of the World Grand Prix of Darts, live on Sky Sports 1 HD this Friday from 7pm.
