8th February 2012

Premier League Darts Betting: Kevin Painter can finish with the wooden spoon on his Premier League debut

Having had a look at who will win the new season of the McCoys Premier League darts, which begins on Thursday, it’s now time to have a look at who could finish bottom of the 14 week league phase of the competition. Looking at the competitors in action in this tournament it really does look one of the most competitive Premier League’s ever but Kevin Painter is the 5/2 favourite with Sportingbet to end up with the wooden spoon.

As far as the market is concerned the bottom place appears to be a three man race. Kevin Painter and Andy Hamilton are the same price if you use Painter’s 5/2 quote while Raymond Barneveld is only a point higher with James Wade and Simon Whitlock the next two players in the market. Phil Taylor, Gary Anderson and Adrian Lewis are seemingly in with no chance of finishing bottom.

I wouldn’t necessarily rule out Gary Anderson purely because I’m not sure he loves the game at the minute and he is painting the picture of someone who is finding the game a real struggle but there is likely to be players worse than him over the 14 weeks. I think I agree with the bookmakers in that this will be a three horse race as we approach the latter rounds of the league.

Raymond Barneveld still possesses that quality that can see him overturn some of the big names now and again and it’s those points which I believe will keep him away from the bottom. That leaves Andy Hamilton and Kevin Painter. I think the scoring power for the Hammer will buy him a few cheap legs which perhaps Painter won’t get because his scoring isn’t as consistently devastating. Painter may well start the season brightly with the novelty of playing in the tournament for the first time but after 2-3 beatings from the top players he could struggle for enthusiasm and I think he’ll be the one propping up the rest after the 14 weeks.

Back K.Painter to finish bottom for a 2/10 stake at 3.50 with Sportingbet