The much-anticipated 2024 Grand Slam of Darts is set to kick off this Saturday, bringing together the crème de la crème of darting talent from around the globe. As the elite compete for glory, fans and punters alike are looking toward match predictions and betting opportunities. Our darts expert, Chris Hammer, has provided in-depth match-by-match predictions along with his best bets and a suggested accumulator (acca) to make the most of the event. Let’s dive into the details.
Tournament Structure and Overview
This year’s Grand Slam will see 32 players divided into eight groups of four, competing in a round-robin format. Each player will face the others in their group once, with the top two advancing to the knockout stages. Notably, every match in the group stage is the best of nine legs, ensuring a mix of intensity and excitement.
Key Information About the Event:
- Start Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
- Format: Best of nine legs for group matches
- Broadcasting: Live on Sky Sports
Afternoon Session Predictions
1. Stephen Bunting (4/5) vs. Wessel Nijman (11/10) (H)
- Three-Dart Average (2024): Bunting 96.72 – Nijman 95.34
- Verdict: Bunting is a strong contender and is picked to win this match 5-3, thanks in part to his experience, despite Nijman’s solid performance stats.
2. Josh Rock (8/11) vs. Gian van Veen (13/10) (H)
- Three-Dart Average (2024): Rock 95.85 – Van Veen 94.27
- Verdict: Rock, despite his recent struggles on TV, is expected to edge past Van Veen, potentially going 3-5. Rock’s ability to hit maximums should provide him a slight edge.
3. Dave Chisnall (4/6) vs. Connor Scutt (11/8) (D)
- Three-Dart Average (2024): Chisnall 95.42 – Scutt 92.63
- Verdict: The stats favor Chisnall to defeat Scutt, with a predicted score of 4-5. However, Scutt’s recent form could create some surprises.
4. Danny Noppert (2/5) vs. Beau Greaves (15/8) (B)
- Three-Dart Average (2024): Noppert 96.57 – Greaves 86.65
- Verdict: With a higher average, Noppert is favored to win, but Greaves could give a strong fight, possibly losing 4-5.
5. Martin Schindler (1/1) vs. Cameron Menzies (9/10) (B)
- Three-Dart Average (2024): Schindler 94.68 – Menzies 96.38
- Verdict: Expect an upset as Menzies is projected to defeat Schindler 2-5, showing off his recent PDC title win confidence.
6. Rob Cross (1/3) vs. Leonard Gates (5/2) (C)
- Three-Dart Average (2024): Cross 95.96 – Gates 87.33
- Verdict: Cross should comfortably win this match 5-2, lacking any real challenge from Gates.
7. Peter Wright (5/6) vs. Martin Lukeman (11/10) (C)
- Three-Dart Average (2024): Wright 92.36 – Lukeman 93.65
- Verdict: A close match expected here, with Lukeman potentially pulling off a surprise win at 3-5.
8. Ross Smith (8/11) vs. Ritchie Edhouse (13/10) (D)
- Three-Dart Average (2024): Smith 95.70 – Edhouse 92.49
- Verdict: Edhouse’s newfound confidence may push him to take the match at 3-5 over Smith.
Evening Session Predictions
Following a thrilling afternoon, the evening session will feature high-stakes matches.
1. James Wade vs. Mickey Mansell (A)
- Verdict: Wade to secure an easy win, predicted score 5-1.
2. Gary Anderson vs. Ryan Joyce (G)
- Verdict: Anderson is expected to utilize his impressive form, likely winning 5-2.
3. Dimitri Van den Bergh vs. Lourence Ilagan (F)
- Verdict: Van den Bergh’s experience should see him through, with a score of 5-1.
4. Michael Smith vs. Mensur Suljovic (E)
- Verdict: Smith to win 5-2, showcasing a significant edge in statistics.
5. Michael van Gerwen vs. Noa-Lynn van Leuven (G)
- Verdict: Van Gerwen anticipated to dominate, with a score of 5-1.
6. Luke Littler vs. Keane Barry (F)
- Verdict: Expected romp by Littler, could end 5-1.
7. Luke Humphries vs. Rowby-John Rodriguez (A)
- Verdict: Humphries should easily win 5-1 against Rodriguez.
8. Mike De Decker vs. Jermaine Wattimena (E)
- Verdict: A closely contested match, but De Decker is expected to prevail at 5-3.
Suggested Accumulator Bet
For those looking to place a bet, consider this accumulator based on the predictions:
- Stephen Bunting to win
- Josh Rock to win
- Dave Chisnall to win
- James Wade to win
- Gary Anderson to win
The combination of these selections offers a promising chance for a return as the tournament unfolds.
Conclusion
The Grand Slam of Darts stands as one of the premier events in the darting calendar, engendering excitement both on and off the oche. Each match serves as a stage for glory, drama, and potentially significant upsets. With keen insights from Chris Hammer’s predictions and betting tips, fans can immerse themselves in the action while also having a chance to turn their knowledge into profits. As the competition begins on Saturday, all eyes will be on the darting elite to see who can claim the prestigious title. Get ready for an exhilarating weekend of darts!
