Wayne Mardle: King to conquer Winstanley in match of round one

Wayne's backing King tonight

Monday night produced some winning bets for Wayne Mardle so can he keep it going today? Our man assesses three matches, including the tie of the round...  

Monday wasn't a bad night for this column. I'm not getting carried away, after all Jamie Caven's unlucky 3-2 defeat to John Bowles scuppered a potential hat-trick, but I was pleased to see Mark Webster and Peter Wright prevail. Somebody else who shouldn't get carried away is James Wade. He may have won 3-0 against Peter Hudson but I'm still not convinced that he's going to go far into this draw. I'll be swerving the Machine for a while yet.

Mervyn King v Dean Winstanley 

They're calling this the match of round one and I can see why. It could be really close. Dean Winstanley averages around 90 and he needs to improve on that if he's to have any chance tonight. Likewise, if both players perform to their potential then King will win. However, if King is not at his best, and we know he's capable of throwing in the odd howler, then Winstanley has a chance. 

So there are all kinds of variables at play in this one. I believe that King will prevail and 1.834/5 available is ok, especially if you pair it with another wager. That's what I'm doing - and I'm going large too - but there's no correct score bet that stands out and I think a more likely route to value can be found in the most 180s market. I'm backing Mervyn there too. 

Steve Beaton v Kyle Anderson

While Kyle Anderson has been doing quite well on the Australian tour, I confess that I don't know much about the opposition that he's been beating. That said, winning is a good habit to get in to and Anderson's momentum will be helpful to him on his first visit to Ally Pally. Steve Beaton, however, has been around the block many time and it's the former champ who I expect to see winning here. Anderson could steal a set though.

Wes Newton v Johnny Haines

Newton all the way. Johnny Haines is a good player but Wes is the real deal, a future champion. He keeps reaching the latter stages of competitions, he made the final of the UK Open and it's only a matter of time before he claims his first Grand Slam. I think he'll win in straight sets tonight. 

Recommended Bets
Back Mervyn King @ 1.834/5
Back King to score most 180s @ 2.35/4
Back Steve Beaton to win 3-1 @ 3.613/5
Back Wes Newton to win 3-0 @ 2.021/1