1. Michael Van Gerwen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQT3jTG3Oyw The bookie's and the majority of pundits' favourite for the 2014 World Matchplay is the current World Champion and
world number one, Michael van Gerwen. The World Champion has had a fantastic couple of years since he announced himself onto the big stage,
winning the Premier League, The World Grand Prix and the World Championships in the space of two years. In recent TV appearances he suffered a shock Premier League final defeat to fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld but then bounced back to defend his Duty Free Darts Masters title in Dubai. The World Matchplay is one of the few TV majors that he has not won and he will surely be looking to add it to his growing collection. He was knocked out by rival Adrian Lewis in the semi-finals last year in a close contest that saw the Dutchman lose 17-15. But this year the Dutchman has more experience and even less fear of opponents. He has an unparalleled faith in his ability that only the top players have which means he wins tournaments. His first round opponent is
world number 19 and 1996 World Champion, Steve Beaton. He is a measured and highly accomplished player who will try his best to slow van Gerwen down and disrupt his rhythm. The 'Green Machine' should still have the fire-power to get past the wily Beaton and should he find form and rhythm then he will become the firm favourite to lift the title. When he's throwing well his scoring power and unerring accuracy on the doubles makes him the best player in the world and simply unstoppable. Who do you think will win this year's World Matchplay Of Darts? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.