Tuesday 15 December 2015 10:43, UK
Who better than Martin ‘Wolfie’ Adams to predict the winner of the World Darts Championship?
The three-time BDO world champion won't be at the oche at Ally Pally but, he assures us, he'll be tuned into Sky Sports for the live coverage between December 17-January 3.
Wolfie has analysed the strengths and weaknesses of the top dogs, plus tipped an up-and-comer…
How does anybody defeat the mighty Dutchman, the 2014 Ally Pally winner and current world No 1, after his dominant year?
Wolfie says: "I do believe other players can defeat him if they have that self-belief in their own game and they've got their dart-playing head on. Of course they can beat him, any darts player is beatable. They've only got three darts in their hand, the same as you. If you out-finish them, that's the most important thing. If you out-finish him then you can win, no problem.
"You've got to be scoring along with him, too. There is talent in the PDC that can do exactly the same thing - they have done in the past and will do in the future.
"I think the key to it is just playing your own game and not worrying about what pace Michael is playing at. Just play your own game at your own pace. If you start slowing down then things can go drastically wrong - the same as speeding it up, as well. Stick to what you know."
The 16-time world champion has endured a less than stellar 2015 but could kick off the New Year with a 17th title. But is he up to the challenge?
Wolfie says: "Phil is one of the greatest players of all time. There is a list of players from years gone by up to recently, including Van Gerwen, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson, who are all fantastic players. You can't write Phil off, not at all.
"I've played years where I haven't picked up a major title, but what goes around comes around and he'll get more. There is no doubt about it. If Phil sets his mind on winning more titles then he will go and get them."
The reigning World Darts Championship winner has emerged as a serial winner over the past year - so what's clicked?
Wolfie says: "He has because he's learned to play on stage. When he was in the BDO he had times where he would go out on stage in front of the television cameras and a live audience would frighten the life out of him. He knows how to handle it now and he proved that last year when he took the world title.
"There is no doubt that's he got mentally stronger. That was the thing in the past - that he wasn't mentally strong enough to handle the crowd and the TV - and he is now, without a doubt."
Barney is brilliantly inconsistent - so we asked Wolfie if he expects the Dutch maverick to bring his A-game to Ally Pally?
Wolfie says: "If Raymond's form keeps coming and keeps improving then he's another man that will be vying for that title. I know he's hungry for it.
"We're all difficult to beat when we're on form. They always used to say about Jocky Wilson - 'when Jocky is playing well he's unbeatable'. Raymond can be the same, exactly the same. I've played against him loads of times, so I know how good Raymond can be, and he can be unbeatable.
"Phil knows it, Gary knows it, Michael knows it - they all know it. If Raymond finds form then he's dangerous."
We asked Wolfie to pick a dark horse to emerge from the chasing pack and really shine at the World Darts Championship. He chose 'Bully Boy' - the 25-year-old thrower from St. Helens.
Wolfie says: "I would go for Smith because of his great performance in the Grand Slam and the fact that he's recognised his failings and worked on it. Hopefully now he's totally got it right.
"My advice to anyone is, 'don't bet on dart players, they're too unreliable!' When you hear that hush at the Lakeside when you're going for a double, you can hear those betting slips being ripped up!
"I think Michael knew that he had to play well in his win over Andy Fordham because Andy's performances were getting better and better. Andy's self-confidence has grown so much in the last few months that's he getting back to the Andy that we know and love as a darts player and the quality of his game."
The man himself, after a popular stint at the Grand Slam of Darts, will not be at Ally Pally. But what does the future hold?
Wolfie says: "I will just keep doing what I'm doing, really. Keep winning the titles along the way, keep near the top of the ranking system. As long as you're in the top three or four, it's happy days. I don't worry about being No 1 these days, someone else can have those pressures. As long as I'm in the top three or four I'm quite happy and I'll keep that smile on my face."
You can watch the PDC World Darts Championship live on Sky Sports between December 17-January 3.
Non-subscribers can also enjoy daily, weekly or monthly access to Sky Sports Darts and Sky Sports other six channels contract-free with NOW TV.
