PDC European Championships

The European Championship finals get underway on Thursday, with a field of 32 players battling it out. One or two big faces are missing - notably Gary Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld. Not to worry, there are plenty of decent players involved, but its worth a passing eye at how the draw has worked out.

Michael van Gerwen is joined in the top half by Rob Cross, Peter Wright and Michael Smith, while Mensur Suljovic will be licking his lips at his side of the draw. Darren Webster is probably the best alternative in his quarter, while out-of-form James Wade and Gerwyn price are in the bottom quarter, along with Adrian Lewis and Dave Chisnall. In short, no-one in any sort of form to worry the Austrian.

This brings us to our first two outright bets. Mensur Suljovic is 15/2 with a number of firms paying 1/2 odds for a place in the final. That's giving nearly 4/1 on him reaching the final which really appeals given the draw, and the fact that he's already reached the semi-finals or better this season in the Masters, the World Match Play, Champions League and World Grand Prix. Those that have beaten him in major TV tournaments this season are Anderson (2), van Barneveld and Peter Wright.

1pt e/w Suljovic at 15/2 (1/2 odds 1,2)

1pt Suljovic to win Quarter 3 at 5/4

#Darts