Betfred World Matchplay quarter-finals betting preview, free tips & TV details

Sky Sports Action, 7pm Thursday

Endothermic arrowsmith Mervyn King, a man capable of hitting clutch doubles while threatening to spontaneously combust, has delighted the crowds at a sizzling Winter Gardens this week but the fun should end on Thursday night.

The red-faced Fenlander has been swathed in sweat before even getting on to the Blackpool stage for his two World Matchplay showdowns thus far but it’s been opponents Nathan Aspinall and Gary Anderson who have melted in King’s presence.

The former BDO world finalist deserves untold credit for producing top-notch arrers while being incinerated but surely the searing heat over the marathon best-of-31 quarter-final format and an in-form Michael Smith will combine to prove too much.

Smith came to Blackpool under a cloud but has so far looked solid, getting the better of dangermen Jamie Hughes and Max Hopp and there is a feeling there could be more to come.

King, on the other hand, is less consistent these days and it could turn out that that magnificent triumph over Anderson is simply as good as it gets.

Take Smith to win with something to spare while Glen Durrant can see off James Wade in the night’s other last-eight tie.

World champions Adrian Lewis and Michael van Gerwen have both succumbed to Duzza, whose performances under the severest pressure have been phenomenal.

Wade is the ultimate test for anyone but Durrant looks the bigger hitter of the two on current form.

Recommendations
M Smith -3.5
2pts Evs general
G Durrant
2pts 4-5 bet365

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