2019 Betfred World Matchplay – Mensur Suljovic vs Jermaine Wattimena Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Mensur Suljovic vs Jermaine Wattimena taking place? Sunday 21st July, 2019
Where is Mensur Suljovic vs Jermaine Wattimena taking place? Winter Gardens, Blackpool
What channel is Mensur Suljovic vs Jermaine Wattimena on? Sky Sports Arena
Where can I stream Mensur Suljovic vs Jermaine Wattimena? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Mensur Suljovic vs Jermaine Wattimena? Check https://www.pdc.tv/betfred-world-matchplay-tickets for ticket information
THE STATISTICS
All-time meetings: Mensur Suljovic 5-0 Jermaine Wattimena
Last meeting: Mensur Suljovic 6-2 Jermaine Wattimena
THE PLAYERS
MENSUR SULJOVIC
- Popular Austrian star Mensur Suljovic came so close to winning the World Matchplay in 2018 when he reached the final only to lose 21-19 in an epic encounter against Gary Anderson.
- The Gentle has reached at least the quarter-finals in three of the last four years at the Winter Gardens and has not lost in round one since he was defeated by Raymond van Barneveld on his debut in 2013.
- Suljovic has been a regular contender in the latter stages of big TV tournaments over the last couple of years and proved he can beat the best on the big occasion in his triumphs at the 2017 Champions League of Darts and 2018 German Darts Masters.
JERMAINE WATTIMENA
- This is Jermaine Wattimena’s second consecutive appearance at the World Matchplay having made his debut in 2018 when he lost 12-10 to former champion James Wade in round one.
- He has risen up the rankings steadily and is now the second highest ranked Dutchman in the PDC. As a result of this, he partnered Michael van Gerwen at the World Cup last month where the Netherlands reached the semi-finals.
- Wattimena produced arguably his best performance on the TV stage when he came very close to defeating Gary Anderson at the World Championship last December, pushing the Scotsman all the way before losing 4-3 in an epic encounter in the last 32.
THE PREDICTION
The 2018 World Matchplay runner-up Mensur Suljovic starts his campaign against the current Dutch number two Jermaine Wattimena. Suljovic is a very accomplished performer and especially over the longer format matches. He can change the pace of play to frustrate the rapid Wattimena and should also have the leg-on-leg consistency to punish any erratic play from his opponent which should ensure his progression through to round two.
