Ladbrokes Masters first-round predictions, darts betting tips and odds

Free darts tips, best bets and analysis for the first round of the Ladbrokes Masters at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes.

Where to watch

ITV4, from 7pm Friday

Best bets

D Gurney to beat J Cullen
1pt 11-10 general

D Gurney most 180s v J Cullen
1pt 15-8 Betfred

M King to beat R Searle
1pt 13-10 general

S Whitlock to beat D van Duijvenbode
1pt 6-4 Betfair, Hills, Paddy Power

Preview

Glimpses of Daryl Gurney coming back to darting life were more than evident at Alexandra Palace either side of Christmas and the Northern Irishman can continue his resurgence by taking care of Joe Cullen in round one of the Ladbrokes Masters.

Gurney played only two matches at the worlds but impressed each time, averaging over 95 in beating Ricky Evans in round two and a shade under 100 when he succumbed to Rob Cross.

At the same event we saw both sides of Cullen in his round-three loss to Martijn Kleermaker, throwing rubbish as he went 3-0 down, pearls as he fought back to 3-3, before he was pipped in the decider.

Cullen is a dangerous man to side with at odds-on because he can blow so hot and cold, often in the same match.

Gurney also has a better chance of out-maxing the Rock Star than the odds imply. Gurney is 15-8 to win the 180s matchbet, pretty attractive odds given his pedigree around the treble-20 bed. He averaged a max every 3.4 legs on tour in 2021, Cullen one every 3.3.

Mervyn King reached the final of this event 12 months ago and bookended a decent year with wins over Ryan Joyce, Steve Lennon and Raymond Smith in the worlds. He will fancy he can take care of Ryan Searle, a rapid riser on tour but worth opposing so early in the year.

The same can be said of Simon Whitlock, who can take advantage of his free hit – he was invited into the field only because Danny Noppert pulled out – by beating Dirk van Duijvenbode. Neither man had a great 2021 so again, go with the price.

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