The European Darts Grand Prix takes place this weekend in Sindelfingen, Germany with 48 of the world's finest darts players set to take on the fourth event of this season's PDC European Tour.
The tournament comes swiftly after last weekend's International Darts Open in Riesa, Germany, which was won by surprise outsider Marting Schindler who defeated Joe Cullen, Danny Noppert, Chris Dobey and Gerwyn Price on his way to victory.
Another surprise package was Richie Edhouse who defeated Michael Smith and Rob Cross en route to the quarter-finals. Other impressive performances outside the recognised big names include Ryan Searle and Stephen Bunting.
World champion Luke Humphries, Premier League champion Michael van Gerwen, teenage sensation Luke Littler and numerous others will also take the stage in a star-studded lineup.
Topping the averages over the last two months include the likes of Premier League talents Humphries (100.04), Price (100.2), Littler (98.05) and 'MVG' (97.17). Others near the top of the rankings include Damon Heta (97.04), Dobey (96.58), Noppert (96.44) and Bunting (96.30).
Combine average with checkout percentage and Humphries (43.24%) and Heta (42.55%) come to the fore. A third factor to consider is percentage of legs won against the throw with Dobey (45.05%), Humphries (45.04%), Searle (43.72%), Bunting (43.35) and Heta (42.52%) the dominant forces.
'Cool Hand Luke's' all-round game appears to earn him favouritism, coupled with victory at the second European Tour even Munich earlier in the month. 'Hollywood' Chris Dobey is also showcasing strong form, but lost to Schindler in the semi-finals in Riesa with an uncharacteristically poor display.
Looking at the opening round of action, Jose De Sousa is 13/10 to beat Daryl Gurney – he was won all three career meetings between the pair – Dobey is 1/3 to beat Ian White, and Peter Wright is 8/13 to win against Mickey Mansell, an opponent he boasts a 3-1 career record against, are angles to look at.
Luke Littler is also 2/5 to record a Match Treble – most 180s, victory and highest checkout – against Arno Merk, while a Stephen Bunting Match Treble against Romeo Grbavac is a handsome 8/11.
