Adrian Lewis could be too tough for Bully Boy

Day two
Sky Sports Action, 7pm Monday

The last time we saw Adrian Lewis on the telly he was banging in a 103 average in defeat against Jeffrey de Zwaan, and while we won’t be getting those sort of numbers in the Grand Prix first round, a Jackpot victory can’t be ruled out.

Lewis, a former finalist, takes on Michael Smith in the final match of the second night of action from Dublin.

Jackpot is tumbling down the rankings but with a string of quarters, semis and three runner-up berths to show for his year’s work, he’s not far away.

Smith, in contrast, is on the rise, though he has no particular affinity to this event. He has made five visits to the Citywest Hotel and has just one victory to show for it.

Steve West’s finest hours have come in the Grand Prix. West has twice qualified for this major and won his first-round match on each occasion. The first was to knock out Phil Taylor, the second to dispose of James Wade, two men with 13 titles between them.

He’ll have his work cut out against the super-efficient Peter Wright, but the game could go to a final set.

Another match which may very well go the distance is the shootout between Ian White and Josh Payne.

Youngster Payne hasn’t done enough this term to get the nod while White is enjoying another rock-solid year on the floor, if not under the TV lights.

White has no great affection for the Grand Prix with four first-round departures in the past five years.

Recommendations
A Lewis
2pts 11-10 general
P Wright v S West over 2.5 sets
2pts 6-5 Ladbrokes
I White v J Payne over 2.5 sets
2pts 11-10 Betway, Hills, Ladbrokes

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