Cameron Menzies takes on Raymond van Barneveld in European Tour 5, a match that pits one of darts' great legends against a player making his way in the professional game. With standings unavailable at this stage, both men will be treating this as a chance to build momentum and make a statement on the European stage.
Cameron Menzies
Menzies comes in as the clear favourite at 1.5, which tells you the market rates him as the more consistent performer right now. He is a composed, technically sound player who can put together clinical finishes when he finds his rhythm. At those odds, the expectation is that he controls the match rather than just edges it, and punters backing him at this price will need to see exactly that kind of performance to feel comfortable.
Raymond van Barneveld
Van Barneveld needs no introduction to anyone who has watched darts for more than five minutes. A multiple world champion and one of the most decorated players the sport has ever seen, RVB has always carried the threat of turning a match on its head in a matter of legs. The 2.63 on offer reflects a man who the market sees as the underdog here, but any punter who has watched him over the years knows he is never a soft touch. His big-stage experience is unmatched in this contest, and if he clicks into gear early, Menzies will find him extremely difficult to shift.
Betting Verdict
The odds make Menzies the favourite and the logic is understandable. He appears to be in a stronger position in the current professional hierarchy. But 2.63 on Van Barneveld is a price that deserves serious consideration. A player of his pedigree at better than 5/2 is always interesting. The risk is that Van Barneveld's consistency can be variable, and if Menzies is on form he has the tools to close this out without drama. The value, though, points toward RVB as the overlay.
Raymond van Barneveld to Win
2.63
Van Barneveld's experience at the highest level makes him dangerous regardless of what the market says. At 2.63 you are getting a former world champion at a price that implies he barely has a chance. Back him to remind people exactly who he is.