World Matchplay 2026: Favorites Advance, Setting the Stage for Darts Thrills
The World Matchplay 2026 in Blackpool saw an evening of predictable yet thrilling darts as all four seeded players comfortably advanced to the Last 16. Rising Dutch star Gian van Veen showcased his class with a decisive 10-6 victory, while compatriot Wessel Nijman also impressed, securing his spot. Veteran James Wade and powerful Ryan Searle rounded out the quartet of winners, ensuring no major upsets on Sunday evening and setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament.
World Matchplay 2026: First Round Recap
Sunday Evening’s Unstoppable Performances
Gian van Veen, the world number 3, delivered a commanding performance against Krzysztof Ratajski, securing a 10-6 win. The Dutchman was the superior player throughout the match, demonstrating his prowess with some impressive high finishes. He quickly established a lead, checking out in 13 darts and following up with a stunning 144 finish. Despite Ratajski managing to get on the scoreboard, Van Veen maintained his advantage, breaking throw to lead 5-2 and later extending it to 7-3. Even a 160 checkout by Ratajski against Van Veen couldn’t derail ‘The Giant,’ who closed out the match 10-6, fully deserving his place in the Last 16.
The final match of the evening also saw little suspense as Wessel Nijman effortlessly dispatched Dave Chisnall with a 10-5 victory. Nijman started incredibly strong, winning the first four legs while Chisnall struggled to find his rhythm. Solid 16- and 15-dart legs were complemented by a superb 117 finish. Although Chisnall avoided a whitewash, he couldn’t significantly close the gap. Nijman extended his lead to 6-1, and despite ‘Chizzy’ showing glimpses of his ability, the 3-7 deficit at the final break was a fair reflection. Nijman continued his consistent play, needing only one more leg for victory, which he sealed with a 108 finish on his first match dart.
James Wade, ‘The Machine,’ secured a hard-fought 10-7 win against Jermaine Wattimena. Wade started strongly, dictating the pace and quickly building an early lead. He took the first two legs with 17 and 15 darts and followed up with a 116 finish to go 4-0 up. Wattimena, however, began to find his footing, hitting a 12-darter to get on the scoreboard. While Wade maintained his lead, Wattimena showed resilience, even breaking Wade’s throw at one point. But Wade responded with an 11-darter and continued to hold his nerve. Despite Wattimena making a late push to narrow the score, ‘The Machine’ ultimately closed out the match 10-7 on tops, proving his enduring class.
The Sunday evening session kicked off with a 10-6 victory for Ryan Searle over William O’Connor. ‘Heavy Metal’ set the tone early with a brilliant 131 finish and then secured a crucial break in 15 darts to lead 3-0. Although O’Connor responded with a 127 finish for his first leg, Searle quickly re-established his dominance, extending his lead to 6-1 with powerful 14-, 17-, and 15-dart legs. While O’Connor, ‘The Magpie,’ showed flashes of potential, including a 103 checkout, he could never truly turn the tide of the match. Searle maintained control, securing his 10-6 win with consistent play, leaving O’Connor with no further chances.
Looking Ahead: Monday’s Fixtures
The first round of the World Matchplay 2026 concludes on Monday evening with another set of exciting matches:
- Ross Smith (15) vs. Kevin Doets
- Gerwyn Price (7) vs. Martin Schindler
- Luke Humphries (2) vs. Cameron Menzies
- Danny Noppert (10) vs. Rob Cross
Darts fans can anticipate more high-stakes action as these players battle for a spot in the Last 16.
Tournament Format and Prize Money
The World Matchplay boasts a unique format, demanding not just skill but also stamina and consistency:
- First Round: Best of 19 Legs
- Last 16: Best of 21 Legs
- Quarter-Finals: Best of 31 Legs
- Semi-Finals: Best of 33 Legs
- Final: Best of 35 Legs
A crucial rule is that a game must be won by a margin of two legs. Since 2014, if a match reaches a tie, it can be extended by a maximum of five legs until a two-leg advantage is achieved.
The World Matchplay is renowned for its substantial prize fund, second only to the PDC World Championship in darts:
- Winner: £225,000
- Runner-Up: £125,000
- Semi-Finalists: £65,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £35,000
- Last 16: £22,500
- First Round: £12,500
The total prize fund for the tournament is a staggering £1,000,000, highlighting its prestige in the world of professional darts.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
