PDC World Darts Championship Q/F Odds: Back Smith to cause an upset

As we move into the last eight in the 2022 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, @tomsportsjourno is on-hand to provide the lowdown ahead of the action, with his best bets on offer. 

Luke Humphries vs Gary Anderson - 14:15

The second quarter-final on Saturday afternoon sees the two-time world champion Gary Anderson take on Berkshire’s Luke Humphries, who has made the quarter-final stage on three occasions at Ally Pally, but can the youngster go that one step further this year?

Humphries was embroiled in an Ally Pally classic with Chris Dobey, coming from 3-1 behind to secure his quarter-final spot in sudden death. The pair hit 25 maximums between them, with Humphries hitting 14 of them.

As for Anderson, the former two-time winner had to withstand a late surge from Rob Cross to book his place in the last eight. The Scot opened up a 3-1 lead and looked to be cruising to victory until Cross piled in a stunning 144 checkout which galvanised the 2018 champ, but Anderson produced the goods in the decider to secure his quarter-final place.

After assessing the form of both Humphries and Anderson, I’m expecting a bucket load of maximums and there’s certainly longevity in the match if Humphries can replicate his showing from the win over Dobey. Over 17.5 180’s to be hit between the pair is available at ⅚.

Peter Wright vs Callan Rydz - 19:45

Kicking off the evening session at Alexandra Palace, we have a bit of a mismatch on our hands if you look at the rankings, but they couldn't be further from the truth. Rydz has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the tournament so far, dropping just one set en route to the last eight.

But, the 23-year old from Bedlington takes on an in-form Peter Wright, who has seemingly got over his woes in terms of tinkering with different equipment and seems to have found the winning formula.

It’ll be a fascinating exchange, I’m sure of that. But, will Wright’s experience see him over the line or can Rydz’s amazing run at Ally Pally continue?

I think this tie certainly has sets in it and it could either be a Peter Wright procession, but I just can't see Rydz folding and wilting under pressure, so I'm going for over 7.5 sets in the match, which is available at evens.

Gerwyn Price vs Michael Smith - 21:15

The final quarter-final clash is arguably the most eagerly awaited one as the defending champ and world no.1 Gerwyn Price takes on an on-song opponent in Michael Smith.

Smith has been in the ascendancy for many years now, been tipped by those at the top to win multiple world titles and major tournaments. In previous years, Smith perhaps has put too much pressure on himself to win big televised titles in recent years, but the St Helens man has adopted a new, more calm approach to the oche and it's certainly noticeable in his performances.

Smith edged out Jonny Clayton in one of the best matches we've ever seen on the world championship stage and the win will have most definitely given Smith more confidence and hunger to go on and win the title.

But as aforementioned, standing in his way is the reigning champ Gerwyn Price, who has shown frailties at certain times in matches, but has found an extra gear or two to pull him through.

The Welshman was given a scare by Kim Huybrechts in the last 32, just getting past the Belgian in a last-gasp 4-3 win. If both players play to their potential, then we're in for an absolute tungsten treat.

As I did before the event, I’m backing Smith to go all the way, he's hungry to win and he’s as clinical as he's ever been under pressure. It's all set to be an absolute classic. Smith is available at 6/4 to reach the semi-finals.