The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsThe second round of the 2016 PDC World Darts Championship has come to a close, and with several big names through to the latter stages, this year’s tournament looks like it will be as exciting as ever.
After his lucky escape in the first round, Michael van Gerwen returned to form with a comfortable 4-0 win over Darren Webster. Van Gerwen will meet his Dutch counterpart Raymond van Barneveld in the next round after he beat Stephen Bunting 4-3.
Adrian Lewis is also through to the next round after beating Andrew Gliding 4-0. Another Englishman through to the next round is Dave Chisnall after he beat Christian Kist 4-1. Chisnall will face Peter Wright in the next round after the Scotsman knocked Ronny Huybrechts out of the competition.
Defending champion Garry Anderson is through to the next round after he secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Daryl Gurney. Another player tipped to do well in the competition is James Wade, who cruised through to the third round after a 4-0 win over Wes Newton. Wade will meet fellow Englishman Jamie Caven in the next round after he beat the unseeded Ricky Evans.
The only unseeded player through to the next round is Alan Norris. He will play Mark Webster in the third round after the Welshman beat Terry Jenkins. Phil Taylor is also through after beating Kevin Painter 4-1. Taylor was not at his best but will fancy his chances against Jelle Klaasen, who beat Mervyn King to book his meeting against dart’s most successful player.
With so many big names still in the competition, it’s still too early to predict a winner. While van Gerwen remains in the competition he will be the bookies’ favourite, but defending champion Anderson and the evergreen Taylor cannot be ruled out.
