The opening game on week 12 in Aberdeen is a challenge match between league leader James Wade and the recent Players Championship runner-up Robert Thornton. The three legitimate league games will then follow. Here Gareth Catterson previews these for Boylesports.com.
Terry Jenkins v Mervyn King
Following the withdrawal of Mardle and the resulting points' deduction, Terry Jenkins now seems to be out of the hunt for a play-off place having slipped to the bottom of the league on five points with only three fixtures remaining.
In saying that, after a disappointing 8-1 defeat at the hands of James Wade last week, he will be eager to get back to winning ways against play-off hopeful Mervyn King.
Perhaps no player has suffered more of Mardle's withdrawal than King as he now finds himself in a battle for the play-off places as opposed to near certain qualification this time last week.
King now knows what he needs to do with the weeks running out, which will give him the edge in this contest. A King victory is the only bet advised.
Jelle Klaasen v Raymond van Barneveld
This could prove to be the game of the night between these two Dutch darting masters. There would now appear to be the slimmest of chances that Klaasen will achieve a play-off spot as he now sits four points off fourth spot with just only two fixtures remaining. He mustn't drop any more points and hope that other results go his way. The young Dutchman can be somewhat hopeful though as last week, Klaasen produced one of his best performances this season against Mervyn King with seven 180's and a 98 average.
Barneveld has just crept into a play-off position recently and he will now need a flawless finish in his remaining fixtures if he is to confirm his place at Wembley next month.
'Barney' was extremely lucky to salvage anything against King last week but a runner-up position in a Players Championship event over the weekend gives the big Dutchman the edge over his fellow counterpart. 'Barney' to win the match is advised but take Klaasen to hit the most 180's.
Phil Taylor v John Part
Phil Taylor produced a miraculous comeback to earn a remarkable draw against the league leader James Wade last week after he found himself 7-3. 'The Power' showed all of his battling qualities to notch five 180's, culminating with a fantastic 104 average.
Taylor has most definitely assured himself of a play-off place but he won't be getting complacent as he knows that a victory here will place him back in top spot. However, up against him will be a resilient challenge from John Part, who will be fresh and raring to go following a fortnight break.
The Canadian has everything to play for as he sits only one point behind Barneveld at the moment with two games remaining. Part will be desperate for a win over his great rival but a Taylor victory would seem to be the most likely outcome and somewhere in the region of 8-5 seems about right.
The views expressed in the above article are those of Gareth Catterson and do not necessarily reflect the views of Boylesports.
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