2013 PDC World Darts Championship – The Final – Phil Taylor vs Michael Van Gerwen

The final of the 2013 Ladbrokes PDC World Darts Championship is upon us – Phil Taylor takes on Michael Van Gerwen in what is one of the most intriguing matches in recent years. Michael Van Gerwen managed to defeat Phil Taylor in the Grand Slam of Darts 2012 in November and looks to win his first World Championship on Tuesday. They are both playing for their name on the finest prize in darts plus £200,000 going to the winner, £100,000 for the runner-up.

Journey to the final:

Phil Taylor
Round 1 – Taylor, Phil – Mansell, Michael 3-0
Round 2 – Taylor, Phil – Hendriks, Jerry 4-1
Round 3 – Taylor, Phil – Thornton, Robert 4-0
Quarter-final – Taylor, Phil – Hamilton, Andy 5-0
Semi-final – Taylor, Phil – Van Barneveld, Raymond 6-4

Phil Taylor had dropped just one set before his semi-final match against Van Barneveld and this makes him a very dangerous opponent for Michael Van Gerwen who has struggled with doubling in his previous two matches.

Michael Van Gerwen
Round 1 – Van Gerwen, Michael – Lim, Paul 3-0
Round 2 – Van Gerwen, Michael – Wright, Peter 4-2
Round 3 – Van Gerwen, Michael – Lloyd, Colin 4-1
Quarter-final – Lewis, Adrian – Van Gerwen, Michael 4-5
Semi-final – Van Gerwen, Michael – Wade, James 6-4

Michael Van Gerwen survived two match darts in his Quarter-final match against Adrien Lewis; He then went on to throw 17 perfect darts against James Wade, almost throwing two 9 darters in conseuctive legs, something no player has ever achieved.

Bookmakers have made this match the closest match in World Darts Championship history.

Current betting odds –

Phil Taylor (10/11) vs Michael Van Gerwen (10/11)

Gamingtips Prediction – Michael Van Gerwen WIN

If Michael Van Gerwen can clean up his doubling for the final and maintain his scoring then he should be able to overcome 15-time World Champion Phil Taylor. He was able to average 100+ for much of his match against James Wade despite missing multiple darts at doubles. You will very rarely see Phil Taylor at odds of (10/11) and this may attract punters to have a small wager on him for enhanced viewing.

Whatever the outcome is, we will have witnessed the future of darts in MVG take on past champion Phil Taylor in what could be one of the greatest matches ever played on TV.

This match is scheduled to begin at 19:20 GMT+0 – UK viewers can watch this match live on Sky Sports.