2019 BoyleSports World Grand Prix – Michael Smith vs Ian White Preview & Prediction

THE FACTS

When is Michael Smith vs Ian White taking place? Tuesday 8^th October, 2019 – evening session

Where is Michael Smith vs Ian White taking place? Citywest Convention Centre, Dublin

What channel is Michael Smith vs Ian White on? Sky Sports Arena

Where can I stream Michael Smith vs Ian White? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go

Where can I get tickets for Michael Smith vs Ian White? Tickets are available on Ticketmaster

THE STATISTICS

All-time meetings: Michael Smith 12-6 Ian White
Last meeting: Michael Smith 4-6 Ian White

THE PLAYERS

MICHAEL SMITH

• 2019 World Championship and World Matchplay finalist Michael Smith impressively battled back to win against Simon Whitlock in a round one encounter where he had to break throw to avoid losing the match 2-0.
• Smith’s opening round win was his first at the World Grand Prix since 2015 and he has moved into round two at the tournament for only the second time in his career.
• The St. Helens man has a winning record against Ian White with 12 wins from their previous 18 meetings and although he did lose their last encounter last month.

IAN WHITE

• Ian White produced a remarkable turnaround against Joe Cullen in round one having lost the opening five legs before winning the next six to claim what had looked to be a very unlikely victory.
• White hit his starting double with his first dart in seven of the last nine legs against Cullen and such consistency proved pivotal in the final outcome of the match as White’s confidence increased leg-on-leg.
• Diamond has been one of the stand-out players on tour this season and came into the tournament having reached the quarter-finals or better in four of his last five ranking events.

THE PREDICTION

Michael Smith and Ian White both looked set for early exits at the 2019 World Grand Prix in round one before managing to produce impressive comebacks to stun their beleaguered opponents. Neither player has a great record at this tournament and will be hoping to rectify that this year. Smith has proven to be more comfortable on the big stage and is tipped to progress to the last eight in what should be a close match.