As this is Champions Week, it is no surprise that you could make a case for any of these players to take the crown. To get to this position means you would have had to qualify through a quality field, so any player represented will believe they can win.
The bookmakers have made the Lithuanian player, Darius Labanauskas the favourite closely followed by Andreas Harrysson. Although Labanauskas spent a few years on the Pro Tour ,I'm not sure his form in general would put him at the top of the field. Harrysson, however, is always a tough opponent. He is a big scorer and also had a 9 dart checkout at the Modus Super Series. I'd be very surprised if he did not make Saturday's final six. Tom Sykes and Jim Long are another two I fully expect to make it to Saturday, Both are perennial winners here and are usually comfortable at making the final stage. Sykes, in particular, is an exciting prospect for the future, and someone I'm quite confident will take his place on the Pro Tour soon.
If it was this time last year, I would expect Andy Boulton to be favourite. He has an amazing Modus record and played on the Pro Tour, as part of a high placed Challenge Tour position .If he gets back some of last year's form, then he will be very difficult to stop.
Paul Hogan and Andy Hamilton have bags of experience, so they shouldn't get nervous, but whether they can remain consistent, is another question. They have made it to Champions week, so there is a chance that either could spring a surprise.
Scott Taylor, is another with an excellent Modus record. He has blown hot and cold this year, so depends which Scott Taylor turns up. On his day, he can match any of these though.
Kai Gotthardt and Romeo Grbavic are interesting players, in that they are not that well known outside of darts circles. Those that have played against them will know their talent, so not to be discounted. Both players have had solid seasons, so at least one of them should make the Saturday finals night.
That leaves David Davies and Derek Coulson. These are seen as the outsiders, but they have both already caused a surprise in qualifying. Davies has been here many times and will not be overawed. I could see him sneaking a Saturday place. While with Coulson we will have to wait, but he is a capable player.
So in summary I think Andreas Harrysson will make the final. I think he is that tiny percentage better than the others currently. His opponent? I'll go for Andy Boulton, as I know he has real quality, and if he hits that here, could take a lot of stopping. I will say, though, don't be surprised if David Davies goes a long way into this competition. He has got his chance at Champions Week after many, many attempts, so he will be very motivated.
