The World Matchplay reaches its decisive weekend with Luke Littler leading the pursuit of the Phil Taylor Trophy at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
Littler and Dirk van Duijvenbode have already secured their semi-final places, while Friday’s remaining quarter-finals pit Gian van Veen against James Wade and Gerwyn Price against Ross Smith.
Remaining World Matchplay schedule
Friday, July 24
Gian van Veen vs James Wade
Gerwyn Price vs Ross Smith
Saturday, July 25
Luke Littler vs Dirk van Duijvenbode
Van Veen/Wade vs Price/Smith
Sunday, July 26
World Matchplay final
Friday’s quarter-finals are played over the best of 31 legs. The semi-finals increase to best-of-33, before Sunday’s finalists contest a best-of-35-leg showdown.
Littler looks unstoppable
Littler produced the performance of the tournament to demolish Josh Rock 16-7.
The defending champion averaged 109.57, struck 17 maximums and converted 53 per cent of his attempts at doubles. After three consecutive averages above 109, Littler appears to be operating in a different gear to the remaining field.
Van Duijvenbode deserves credit for surviving Gary Anderson’s late charge. The Dutchman led 15-8 before Anderson reeled off five straight legs, but eventually held his nerve to seal a 16-13 victory.
He may not receive the same opportunities against Littler. The teenager is expected to reach his second successive Blackpool final, potentially with several legs to spare.
Wade can use his Blackpool experience
Van Veen possesses the heavier scoring, but Wade’s experience makes him dangerous over the longer format.
The 2007 champion remains one of the circuit’s most reliable finishers and is rarely rattled by a missed dart or a difficult spell. Van Veen must maintain his scoring level throughout the contest or risk being dragged into Wade’s preferred rhythm.
Price is fancied to overcome Smith in Friday’s other quarter-final. Smith has the maximum-hitting power to remain competitive, but Price’s intensity, scoring and big-stage experience should eventually tell.
That could produce a Price-Wade semi-final, with Wade capable of edging another gruelling contest. Littler against Wade is the likeliest final, although the defending champion would begin as the clear favourite.
How to watch the World Matchplay
Every remaining session is live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action.
Coverage starts at 7.30pm BST on Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s men’s final coverage also begins at 7.30pm, with the match scheduled to start at approximately 8pm.
