The Legend Killer Nicholson has Barney in his sights

A look ahead to tonight’s first set of second round contests at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool as The Asset takes on Barney in the headline act.

7.10pm - Beaton v Webster

The Adonis was one of the most impressive performers of the opening round and if he can churn out another 100 average then he will have every chance of picking up another Premier League scalp to add to his collection.

Webster looked pretty good as well though and survived a 9-dart led comeback from Darth Maple to pick up a great win on the first night at the Winter Gardens.  It was a pretty good workout for Spider for a first game and might stand him in good stead.

I don’t want to right off a man who ripped Terry Jenkins to shreds in the opening round, but I think the housewife’s choice might have peaked with that performance and Webster’s quality will shine through.

It’ll be a really tight one though, but Spider should just pinch it.

8.20pm - Lewis v van der Voort

It was a shoddy start from the World Champ against the Artist at the weekend but he got his act together and the last few legs were as good as you’re likely to see, and banging in 12 maximums over the contest is Lewis at his best.

Big Vince got through a fairly poor quality contest against Alan Tabern and he is a heavy second favourite going into his clash with Jackpot.  What he is capable of is the odd stellar performance though, when his machine gun style finds its range it’s lethal and he could provide some stiff competition.

I can’t see too much of a problem though for Adie and he should win by a few.

9.30pm - van Barneveld v Nicholson

This is the headline act of Tuesday night without a doubt.  The man who talks himself up like a World Champ against a man who has been there and done it, five times no less.  Nicholson ticked Taylor and Anderson off his hit-list at the UK Open and now has Barney in his cross-hairs and he has every chance of picking up another result.

What will calm down Barney fans was his impressively comfortable victory over Bomber Brown at the weekend.  I for one expected it to be a close one but the Dutchman looked good and blew away the Bristolian.

The bookies have Barney as the favourite but I am just not sure, and odds-on prices that some are offering will not be tempting anyone in at all. 

It is going to go right down to the wire this one and if I’m picking a winner I’m going with The Asset because I think he wants it more and if it goes to extra-time he will have the determination to see it through.  I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if Barney does it though and I won’t be throwing any money at it.

10.40pm - Wade v Walsh

These two turned in some pretty tasty performances in their first appearances and will be going in to this one with confidence flowing.

I think most were backing a Chizzy win over Walsh in the opener but Special Brew turned him over with ease and when he’s on form he will give anyone on the circuit a very difficult game indeed.

As good as Walsh was though no one managed to produce a result like Wadey’s as he routed Caven 10-0 without even being at his best.

I really do rate Mark Walsh highly and I’d back him over a lot of the players still in this competition but Wade is still my tip to lift the trophy and I think he’ll prosper, there is no chance that there will be anything like another whitewash though.