2020 Betfred World Matchplay – Ian White vs Joe Cullen Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Ian White vs Joe Cullen taking place? Monday 20th July, 2020 (session starts at 18:00 (UK))
Where is Ian White vs Joe Cullen taking place? Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes
What channel is Ian White vs Joe Cullen on? Sky Sports
Where can I stream Ian White vs Joe Cullen? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Ian White vs Joe Cullen? The 2020 Betfred World Matchplay will take place behind closed doors
What was the outcome in the last meeting? Ian White beat Joe Cullen 6-1
THE LOWDOWN
IAN WHITE
- Ian White’s World Matchplay record is not a particularly good one with just a solitary quarter-final appearance from eight previous appearances at the tournament.
- There are many who believe that the change of venue and behind closed doors format might lead to a better showing from Diamond at the 2020 event as he has won numerous tour events that have been played without crowds present.
- White has a very good record against Joe Cullen having won 11 of their previous 14 meetings, one of which came at the 2019 World Matchplay when he claimed a very comprehensive 10-0 victory.
JOE CULLEN
- Joe Cullen will certainly be hoping for a better showing than he produced against Ian White in round one at the 2019 Matchplay when he suffered a 10-0 defeat.
- That was Cullen’s fourth defeat in five first round matches at this tournament, with the one exception being in 2018 when he came so very close to defeating the eventual champion Gary Anderson in the quarter-finals.
- His form coming into the 2020 Matchplay is not particularly good as he has only reached two quarter-finals this year and suffered first round exits in three of the five recent Summer Series tournaments.
THE PREDICTION
This is a repeat of their first round encounter in Blackpool 12 months ago when Ian White claimed a 10-0 victory and although White is tipped to win again it will be a lot closer this time around. Joe Cullen certainly has talent but there is still too much inconsistency mixed in whereas White’s own consistency seems to be improving as does his belief. I’m expecting Diamond to get ahead early leaving Cullen playing catch-up and think White with a -2.5 handicap looks to be a good betting option.
