PREVIEW: Arrers by the sea

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s much as I like darts (and trust me I do) there seems something inherently wrong about watching and punting on an indoor ‘sport’ when the temperatures are reaching 28 degrees outside.

At least fans of the ‘arrers’ have the option of sunning themselves on Blackpool beach before retiring to the vast arena of the Winter Gardens for the evening play.

But that’s pretty much the action for today, the racing doesn’t look great, I’m not involved in the cricket at Lord’s where England trail India by 177 runs with 6 wickets remaining at the time of writing.

The Open is over. “Well done McIlroy” I say through gritted teeth as he spoilt my bets – but to take the tournament by the scruff of the neck, as he did on the opening day, and then hold together for the win takes some doing.

The most interesting match in Blackpool tonight is probably Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis against Andrew Gilding scheduled to start at 9pm and live on Sky.

It’s been a good start for all the ‘jollys’ so far in this tournament and in this penultimate first round leg the odds say that Lewis should prove far too strong for debutant Gilding.

Lewis won this year’s UK Open and was a beaten finalist in this tournament last year so of course has the big stage experience over Gilding but the newcomer shouldn’t be underestimated.

Gilding has had wins over Barneveld, Taylor and Wade this season and will be no pushover for Lewis who does have the habit of sometimes playing ‘Marmite’ darts. Brilliant or awful. If it’s the latter, my bet with Star Sports on Gilling with a +4.5 start at 4/5 should prevail.

RECOMMENDED BET (scale of 1-50 points)

BACK GILLING (+4.5) for 6 points at around 4/5 with Star Sports

RETURN SINCE START OF WORLD CUP: PROFIT 18.71 POINTS

What’s your view? CALL STAR SPORTS 08000 521 321