Emma Paton predicts what will happen at the World Matchplay, which features a high-profile first-round clash between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen on Monday. Watch all the World Matchplay Darts action on Sky Sports this Saturday from 7.30pm
by Emma Paton, Sky Sports News reporter/presenter Miss Emma Patton
Saturday, July 13, 2024 12:42, United Kingdom
Yes, we are currently experiencing a great summer of sport, and there’s even more to come…
The World Matchplay is back! For darts fans, this is a special tournament, taking place in an iconic venue with magical memories over the years. It’s arguably the biggest major tournament in darts outside of the World Championships, and it doesn’t disappoint!
What could be bigger than Luke Littler vs Michael van Gerwen in the first round? And if that’s not exciting enough, then check out Gary Anderson vs Michael Smith! Both matches are set to be Monday night blockbusters, but there are plenty more to look forward to!
Let’s take a look at the lottery results.
Q1 – Humphreys District!
The world number one reached the semi-finals in Blackpool last year and not only will he get through this section and make it to the last four again, but given how he has played over the last 10 months I expect Cool Hand to make it to the final this time around. After that… who knows!
Masters champion Stephen Bunting is also in this section. The bullet recorded an incredible average score of 117.12 on the European Tour last month and is a player to watch, as is last year’s runner-up Jonny Clayton. Having just won a ranking title last week, he seems to be hitting his stride at just the right time. But the ferret’s first challenge is to beat Raymond van Barneveld in the first round.
Luke Humphreys smashed checkouts of 151, 121, 130 and 112 to help England beat Austria in the World Cup of Darts final.
Q2 – The “I have no idea what’s going to happen here” quarter!
This section features Gerwyn Price, a finalist two years ago, and defending champion Nathan Aspinall, but there are question marks over both heading into Blackpool. Price withdrew from the World Cup two weeks ago and suffered two early exits in Pro Tour events last week, giving him a tough opener against Daryl Gurney, while Aspinall is struggling with an elbow injury that could have a devastating effect on him later in the year, so it will be interesting to see how they fare.
The match to watch this quarter will be Josh Lock vs Ross Smith, two big scorers who will surely create fireworks on the Winter Garden stage. They have met once this year, on the European tour last month, when both players averaged over 100 points, hit 180s between them and the match went straight to the point. Make sure you watch that match for more!
Luke Little helped Nathan Aspinall get the crowd going with his iconic Mr Brightside walk-on turn.
Q3 – Popcorn Quarter!
That’s right, get your popcorn ready on Monday night, because number two seed and three-time champion Michael van Gerwen will take on the most exciting player on the planet, Luke Littler. They’ve already met nine times this year in the World Series and Premier League, with MVG leading 5-4, but this time it’s different. It’s match play. It’s going to be a great match.
Lelittler is confident he can win on his World Matchplay debut if he can beat three-time winner Michael van Gerwen in his opening match.
Q4 – The quarter where you can get more popcorn!
Be sure to stock up. The highlight of this lower quarter will be the match between 2018 Match Play champion Gary Anderson and 2023 World Champion Michael Smith. Anderson is an unseeded player but has posted the highest average on tour over the past 12 months and could produce something special at this magical venue.
And why aren’t we talking more about Rob Cross now?! The Voltage has been playing at a very consistent level for a long time, just won a title in New York last month and I think he’ll be one to watch for Blackpool.
Michael Bridge is debating whether Michael Smith will be in England’s squad for next year’s World Cup of Darts, despite his success in this year’s tournament.
winner?
Is Luke Humphries boring? Well, I will say it!
The world number 1 and world champion is playing some fantastic darts at the moment, shining brightly at the World Cup just a few weeks ago and it doesn’t look like that form is going to end anytime soon. As I’ve said before, he reached the semi-finals last year so I don’t think he’ll be fazed by the venue and crowd in Blackpool. He certainly won’t feel any pressure being the top seed and will be enjoying it.
Cool Hand wins!
Watch World Matchplay Darts live from this Saturday through to the final on Sunday 21 July. Sky Sports.
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