Friday World Cup first-round predictions, darts betting tips and odds

Free darts tips, best bets and analysis for Friday's action at the World Cup of Darts from the Sparkassen Arena in Jena, Germany.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 6pm Friday

Best bets

Canada
1pt 15-8 Betfair, Paddy Power

Spain
1pt 10-11 general

First-round preview

Canada recorded the biggest upset in the first round of last year’s World Cup of Darts, defeating fourth seeds Northern Ireland, and could spring another surprise when they take on Germany in this year's edition.

There was no fluke about Jeff Smith and Matt Campbell’s run to the quarter-finals in 2020 with the duo racking up a three-dart average of 93.46 along the way.

Campbell's star is on the rise having just won the European Challenge Tour while ultra-consistent partner Smith has years of experience on the oche. The Canadian duo look overpriced to beat the German pairing of Max Hopp and Gabriel Clemens who have been in middling form individually recently.

Spain’s first-round contest with South Africa is one of the most competitive of the opening encounters and that is reflected in the betting.

However with South Africa’s star player Devon Petersen in considerably worse form this season than when his side were beaten 5-0 in the first round by Poland last year, they are worth taking on.

Petersen’s partner Carl Gabriel is no great shakes at this level and capable Spaniards Jose Justicia and Jesus Noguera can reach the second round at their expense.

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