16th May 2012
van Gerwen vs Hubbard Betting: Michael van Gerwen can show he is the best youngster in the world at the o2
In between the semi finals and the final of the McCoys Premier League the final of the World Youth Championship will be played. This year’s finalists are Michael van Gerwen and James Hubbard, both of whom have been on our TV screens in the last year when they both appeared in the Grand Slam in November. The two will meet over the best of 11 legs for the distinction of being the under 21 world champion.
Michael van Gerwen comes into this final as the 8/15 favourite with Blue Square. He was in last year’s final but he lost on that occasion to Arron Monk and he will be eager to avoid a repeat of that in this match. Since that final with Monk, van Gerwen has found his best darts again and when he plays his best there are very few in the entire game of darts who can live with the likeable Dutchman let alone anyone on the youth circuit.
The Grand Slam of Darts gave James Hubbard some exposure to the big stage and having to play Phil Taylor in his group was a real learning curve for the Norfolk thrower. Hubbard is a player I like and he will have a big future in the game I’m sure. He will be back on our screens in the UK Open having qualified for next month’s tournament in Bolton and should he win this match the sponsorships and marketing opportunities which will come his way will be huge.
However I can’t see beyond Michael van Gerwen here. I don’t say this disrespectfully but he really is a class above James Hubbard when he plays his best game and I think his big stage experience and big match experience will give him a real psychological advantage which could be the difference over what is a short sprint. Hubbard will give his all but I think van Gerwen will show he’s the best youngster on the planet in this match.
Back M.van Gerwen (-1.5 legs) to beat J.Hubbard for a 5/10 stake at 1.80 with Blue Square
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Author: 'Arry Allsports
