Wayne Mardle: On the hunt for World Cup winners on day one in Germany

Kim Huybrechts can get Belgium off to a winning start

Wayne casts his eye over the first day at the Betfair-sponsored World Cup of Darts...

The format is so short in the group phase that there will undoubtedly be a few shocks at the Betfair World Cup of Darts. That is a certainty.

We know about the big names, but a lot of these players haven't played on the big stage too often and it will be interesting to see how some handle it. 

The action begins at 13:00 today (televised on Sky Sports 2) and I think Belgium will beat Hungary in the opener. The Huybrechts bothers, Kim and Ronnie, should see off the Hungarians with minimal fuss. Kim is a big stage player and he will help his older brother relax. The Betfair market certainly agrees - Belgium, who are 30.029/1 to win the tournament, are just 1.111/9 to beat Hungary. 

Denmark v South Africa
The odds say that this will be close, I don't think so. The Danes have never really produced their best at the World Cup and in Pieterson and Hogan they have a really hard task to get off to a winning start. I think the South Africans will win this. 

Gibraltar v Poland 
The Poles are an unknown force, they've played at the World Championships in the prelim rounds but didn't fair too well. Dyson Parady and Dylan Duo from Gibraltar, have played on the PDC circuit for years, but without much success. Nevertheless, I think they will get off to a winning start. 

Those are the two games that appeal from a punting point of view. 

This evening's session is unknown until we know all the results from this afternoon as the winners play again and the losers come back tomorrow. 

I'll be back on Saturday and Sunday with more tips. Enjoy the first day of the World Cup! 

Recommended Bets 
Back South Africa @ 1.875/6 v Denmark 
Back Gibraltar @ 1.84/5 vs Poland