9. Kim Huybrechts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4pAh7F63vw Kim Huybrechts,
currently ranked 17th in the world, has been on the up and up over the last few seasons and is now considered a real threat for every major tournament. At just 28 years of age he is still developing as a player and many feel the best is yet to come from Kim. He has had a mixed 2014 season but has found form recently as he put in a strong performance alongside his brother at the World Cup of Darts. During the tournament he looked impressive in the singles, culminating in a 4-2 win over World Champion Michael van Gerwen when facing the Netherlands. He has never got past the first round in Blackpool and his opening fixture will prove to be a stiff test. He faces Mervyn King, the 2009 semi-finalist, and a tricky opponent for anyone looking to get off to a good start. King is ranked three places higher than Huybrechts but he's
struggled with back injuries this year and has not hit anything like the form he is capable of. If Huybrechts can break his voodoo and make it past King and into the second round then he will grow in confidence and begin to show what he is capable of. He is worth an outside bet as he has already beaten the world number one this year and has proven he has no fear on the big stage.