Unibet PDC Home Tour – Group 9 Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
What is the Unibet PDC Home Tour? With the PDC Tour currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, the PDC have devised the tournament to supply some darting action to players and fans, with all matches are being streamed live from the homes of the players who are involved.
Who is taking part in the Unibet PDC Home Tour? All 128 PDC Tour Card holders were invited to take part, though there are some absences, the most notable being Michael van Gerwen due to the birth of his second child earlier this month, whilst Gary Anderson and Daryl Gurney are both missing due to internet connection problems.
What is the format of the Unibet PDC Home Tour? Each night, four players compete in a round-robin format with matches played over the best-of-nine legs, with the 32 group winners qualifying for the second stage of the event.
When is the Unibet PDC Home Tour Group 9 taking place? Saturday 25th April, 2020 – 19:30 start (UK)
Where can I watch the Unibet PDC Home Tour? All PDC Home Tour action will be broadcast live on PDCTV for FREE to ALL registered PDCTV users, regardless of whether you have a paid or free membership.
THE PLAYERS
MICHAEL SMITH
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Runner-up x1
Quarter-final x1
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 96.14
180s – 70 (0.34)
H2H
vs Harry Ward
W0, L1
Last meeting: Harry Ward 6-5 Michael Smith (May 2019 – Players Championship)
vs Matt Clark
W3, L1
Last meeting: Michael Smith 6-1 Matt Clark (Feb 2020 – Euro Tour qualifying)
vs Martijn Kleermaker
N/A
PROSPECTS
Michael Smith is the standout name in this group and as one would expect he is the odds-on favourite to claim top spot. Smith landed a nine-darter in the Premier League earlier this year and posted a number of high averages on the circuit before the tour was halted.
HARRY WARD
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Last 64 x2
Last 128 x7
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 88.93
180s – 25 (0.31)
H2H
vs Michael Smith
W1, L0
Last meeting: Harry Ward 6-5 Michael Smith (May 2019 – Players Championship)
vs Matt Clark
W2, L2
Last meeting: Harry Ward 6-5 Matt Clark (Aug 2018 – Players Championship)
vs Martijn Kleermaker
N/A
PROSPECTS
Harry Ward’s season was not particularly eye-catching prior to the disruption of the tour, but somebody who has won a PDC ProTour event just less than 12 months ago can’t be taken lightly. He notably defeated Michael Smith on his way to winning that tournament, too.
MATT CLARK
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Last 32 x1
Last 64 x2
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 87.83
180s – 14 (0.16)
H2H
vs Michael Smith
W1, L3
Last meeting: Michael Smith 6-1 Matt Clark (Feb 2020 – Euro Tour qualifying)
vs Harry Ward
W2, L2
Last meeting: Harry Ward 6-5 Matt Clark (Aug 2018 – Players Championship)
vs Martijn Kleermaker
N/A
PROSPECTS
Matt Clark is the elder statesman in this section by over 20 years so brings a wealth of experience to the oche, but his previous form in 2020 suggests that he is unlikely to win the group.
MARTIJN KLEERMAKER
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Last 16 x1
Last 32 x2
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 91.40
180s – 30 (0.23)
H2H
vs Michael Smith
N/A
vs Harry Ward
Wx, Lx
Last meeting:
vs Matt Clark
N/A
PROSPECTS
Martijn Kleermaker won his PDC Tour Card at Q School earlier this year having made the switch from the BDO. The Dutchman has had some decent performances on the circuit and is an interesting option to top the group if backing Smith at odds-on is unappealing.
THREE PICKS FROM 3 DART ANALYST
Martijn Kleermaker to win and score the most 180s vs Matt Clark
Kleermaker produced a higher level of play than Clark before the disruption of the tour and looks capable of claiming the win whilst hitting the most 180s.
Over 7.5 legs – Michael Smith vs Martijn Kleermaker
It’s always hard to know what to expect over this format but Kleermaker has the potential to push Smith hard and I’m predicting the opening match of the night to last more than 7.5 legs.
Harry Ward to the score the most 180s vs Matt Clark
Harry Ward has got a good 180 hitting ratio on the tour and he should be capable of outscoring Clark in this department.
