Michael van Gerwen faces world number one Luke Humphreys in a dream final. Darts returns this Sunday with the Women’s World Matchplay on Sky Sports Arena from 1pm, followed by the World Matchplay Final on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event from 7.30pm.
Saturday, 20 July 2024 23:57, United Kingdom
Michael van Gerwen has vowed to teach world number one Luke Humphries a “lesson” after beating rival Michael Smith in a closely fought World Matchplay final on Sunday.
In a dramatic match that featured more than 60 missed doubles, Van Gerwen and Smith were decided at 12-12 before the Dutch superstar produced a brilliant finish of 136 and then went on to win five of the final six legs.
Humphries defeated James Wade in the first round of the semifinals and is one win away from becoming just the fourth player to win the World Championship and Match Play in the same year.
Van Gerwen is one of three people to achieve the feat, along with Phil Taylor and Peter Wright, and it will be broadcast live on Sunday’s showpiece. Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event from 7:30pm.
Michael van Gerwen has vowed to teach Luke Humphries a lesson in Sunday’s final
Van Gerwen will be hoping to prove his dominance again by beating Smith 17-13 to win his fourth title in Blackpool.
The world number three has won just one major title in the past 12 months and is struggling to keep up with the rise of Humphries and Luke Littler.
And with a seven-game losing streak to Humphries, he’ll need to get back to his best form.
Van Gerwen turned the momentum around massively against Smith with a match-changing 136 checkout!
Van Gerwen got off to a flying start, hitting a 161 checkout to lead 4-1, but ‘Bully Boy’ won the next four legs to retake the lead.
The Green Machine fought back with five straight legs to take a 9-5 lead, but Smith fought back and powered his way to level the score at 12-12.
The defining moment came when Van Gerwen broke his opponent’s throw with a stunning 136 checkout and there was no turning back.
“I’m in the finals now, I don’t care what anybody says,” he said. “I’ve got work to do, but who cares, I won.”
“He played better than me. It was a really cool moment. You could see my emotions after that play. I did it and I don’t care.”
“I’ve got to teach (Humphries) a lesson. I’ve got to put him in the right position tomorrow.”
MVG set a record early with this massive 161…
Since losing in the semi-final 12 months ago, Humphries has been the outstanding player, reaching eight finals in 10 major tournaments and winning six of them.
And he believes his record stands up to the best in the sport.
Luke Humphreys felt the score did not reflect a very tough match against James Wade.
“I’ve achieved a lot in the last 12 months, I’ve reached eight major finals out of 10,” he said.
“I couldn’t ask for more. We live in a fantastic era with great darts players and to achieve this is special.”
“So all eyes are on the player trying to become the next player to win a World Championship and a Match Play in the same year.
“It’s really just Phil [Taylor] And Michael has achieved incredible things in a short amount of time and for me to match the achievements of the two best darts players in the world is very special.
“If I win it, it will certainly be one of the best 12 months for a darts player, to be honest.”
Humphries’ magical 156 checkout puts him within a spot of his first World Matchplay final…
“Cool Hand” won the first two legs but Wade quickly recovered to take a 5-4 lead and reach his first semi-final in nine years.
With the match tied at 8-8, Humphries won four straight legs to take control.
The offensive outburst ended up winning the match as the world champion never took control, scoring a 156 checkout to take a 14-9 lead and end any hope of a comeback from Wade.
‘The Machine’ hung on and held on to win by 10 darts but Humphries won three of the final four legs to break new ground at the Winter Gardens.
John Part previews World Matchplay final
John Part says it may not be an easy night for Luke Humphreys in the World Matchplay final but if there’s anyone who can beat him it’s Michael van Gerwen.
What will happen at the World Matchplay on Sunday?
The 2024 Betfred World Matchplay continues at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens with the semi-final broadcast on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event from 7.30pm on Sunday 21 July. Get instant access to World Matchplay for just £26 now.
Three-time winner Michael van Gerwen continues to fight for the title against reigning world champion and world number one Luke Humphries.
This iconic summer tournament will see the world’s best stars compete for the Phil Taylor Trophy and £800,000 prize money.
Women’s World Matchplay
But first, Beau Greaves will begin the defence of her Betfred Women’s World Matchplay title, as eight of the best players in women’s tennis, including four world champions, compete for the £10,000 first prize in a action-packed afternoon at the Empress Ballroom.
2024 Betfred Women’s World Matchplay
Sunday, July 21
(1) Beau Greaves vs (8) Katie Sheldon
(4) Miku Suzuki vs (5) Noah-Lynn van Leuven
(2) Fallon Sherlock vs (7) Anastasia Dobromyslova
(3) Lisa Ashton vs (6) Leanne O’Sullivan
format
Quarterfinals – Last 7 Legs
Semi-Finals – Best of Nine
Final – Last 11 Leg
Get ready for the Women’s World Matchplay, live on Sky Sports Arena from 1pm on Sunday
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