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Keith Deller selects six possible World Matchplay upsets

Gary Anderson, Premier League darts (Pic by Lawrence Lustig)
Image: Gary Anderson has a tough first match, says Keith Deller

Sky Sports asked Keith Deller, a former World Matchplay semi-finalist, to identify the potential shock results in this year's first round.

The Blackpool event is live on Sky Sports between July 16-24 and features the world's top players in a knockout format. The top 16 have been seeded and have been drawn against unseeded opposition in the opening round, but Deller thinks some big names could be eliminated early.

Live World Matchplay Darts

Jelle Klaasen (10) v Steve Beaton

Deller said: Jelle has got to be careful. With Jelle, it's about the first three or four legs. If he goes in with 180s, 140s then he's very hard to beat for whoever plays him. But sometimes he doesn't do that. Jelle misses the occasional double, and Beaton has the experience to jump on that.

Jelle Klaasen celebrates his victory over Phil Taylor
Image: Jelle Klaasen must be wary of Steve Beaton's experience, says Keith Deller

Gary Anderson (2) v Alan Norris

Gary should beat Norris. Norris is a heavy scorer but he does go off the pace sometimes. If Gary doesn't kick on, he's got to be careful, because this lad can hit 180s for fun.
Keith Deller

Ian White (12) v Daryl Gurney

Deller said: Another cracking game. Daryl is playing really well, he's a heavy scorer. Ian has been winning and will have a lot of confidence but there could be an upset there.

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Daryl Gurney celebrates victory over Jamie Lewis during the first round on day one of the 2016
Image: Keith Deller fancies Daryl Gurney to potentially cause a shock

Stephen Bunting (14) v Mensur Suljovic

Deller said: On form, you'd put Mensur above Stephen. But this will go a long way. Stephen's got to be careful because if he's in trouble, Mensur will slow him down even more. But that's up to him - he can do what he likes!

Austria's Mensur Suljovic throws a dart during his match against England's Kevin Painter  at the World Darts Championship in London's Alexandra Palace on D
Image: Mensur Suljovic's awkward style could upset Stephen Bunting

Vincent van der Voort (16) v Kyle Anderson

It wouldn't be too much of a surprise if Kyle won this. There's not much in this - it will go all the way.
Keith Deller

Dave Chisnall (9) v Benito van de Pas

Deller said: This would be a shock - but in a way, it wouldn't be. Chisnall is playing well but Benito is a very good player, a very high scorer and he'll be around the 100 average. Dave has got to come out firing.

Benito van de Pas
Image: Keith Deller wouldn't be surprised if Benito van de Pas won

Watch the World Matchplay from Blackpool live on Sky Sports between July 16-24.

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