Day 5 of the Betfred World Matchplay delivered a mix of nail-biting finishes and shocking news. Young Dutch talent Gian van Veen triumphed in an epic tie-break against compatriot Wessel Nijman, setting up a thrilling quarter-final clash. However, the day was also marked by concern as Scottish player Cameron Menzies was forced to withdraw due to a sudden health issue, granting Ross Smith a walkover. Meanwhile, darts heavyweights James Wade and Gerwyn Price secured their spots in the next round with impressive victories, promising an exciting quarter-final lineup.
Van Veen’s Heroics: An All-Dutch Darts Thriller
The Winter Gardens in Blackpool witnessed an unforgettable all-Dutch battle as Gian van Veen emerged victorious from an intense tie-break against Wessel Nijman, winning 14-12. This hard-fought win propels Van Veen into the quarter-finals, where he will face veteran James Wade.
Nijman, considered a strong contender after Luke Humphries’ early exit, mounted a significant comeback after trailing 4-1. He leveled the score at 5-5 and later took a 9-7 lead, pushing Van Veen to his limits. However, Van Veen showcased incredible composure under pressure:
- When Nijman was poised for victory, Van Veen hit a magnificent 148 checkout – a true “skin-saver”.
- He followed this up with a crucial 12-dart break of throw in the penultimate leg, securing his spot in the next round.
“I don’t have words at the moment. This was such an intense game,” admitted Van Veen, highlighting the significance of his 148 finish. His triumph marks another step in his pursuit of a second televised ranking title.
Health Scare Halts Menzies: Ross Smith Advances
In a concerning turn of events, Scottish player Cameron Menzies was forced to withdraw from his match against Ross Smith. During the fourth leg, Menzies experienced high blood pressure, leading to dizziness and ultimately fainting after leaving the stage. This unfortunate incident resulted in a walkover victory for Ross Smith, who now advances to the quarter-finals.
Thankfully, after being assessed by the on-site medical team, Menzies was deemed well enough to return to his accommodation. The darts community sends its best wishes for his swift recovery.
Wade’s Experience Shines: The Machine Rolls On
Veteran campaigner James Wade booked his place in a remarkable 14th World Matchplay quarter-final with a gritty 11-8 victory over Ryan Searle. The match was tightly contested through the first ten legs, but Wade’s renowned big-stage experience proved decisive in the latter stages.
Key moments from Wade’s victory included:
- A sublime 121 checkout.
- A crucial 143 checkout that gave him momentum.
“I was just so nervous, so frightened to win and hit a treble… but I’m just so happy,” declared Wade, acknowledging his relief and love for the game. He will now renew his rivalry with Gian van Veen in what promises to be a captivating encounter.
Price Powers Through: The Iceman’s Dominance
Former world champion Gerwyn Price delivered a dominant performance, defeating Rob Cross 11-5 to set up an enticing quarter-final clash against Ross Smith. Price showcased flashes of his formidable best, signaling his intent to challenge for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
Highlights of Price’s commanding win included:
- A spectacular 161 checkout in the early stages.
- A devastating six-leg burst midway through the contest, which cemented his control.
Price averaged nearly 98 and hit an impressive 50% on his doubles. “If I want to win this tournament I need to be a lot better than that, but I showed a little bit of the old me tonight,” insisted Price, expressing his determination to bring even more energy to his upcoming match.
Quarter-Finals Preview: The Road to the Trophy Heats Up
The Betfred World Matchplay now moves into the highly anticipated quarter-final stage, featuring some of the sport’s biggest names and rising stars. Here’s a look at the upcoming matchups:
Thursday’s Quarter-Finals
- Dirk van Duijvenbode vs. Gary Anderson: Van Duijvenbode, who famously knocked out three-time winner Michael van Gerwen, faces 2018 champion Gary Anderson in a battle of power scoring and experience.
- Luke Littler vs. Josh Rock: Reigning champion Luke Littler continues his title defense against last year’s semi-finalist Josh Rock in what is expected to be a high-octane encounter between two of darts’ most exciting young talents.
Friday’s Quarter-Finals
- Ross Smith vs. Gerwyn Price: Ross Smith, who advanced due to Menzies’ withdrawal, will need to be at his absolute best against the in-form and determined Gerwyn Price.
- Gian van Veen vs. James Wade: The young Dutchman Van Veen, fresh from his tie-break triumph, takes on the experienced “Machine” James Wade in a repeat of their quarter-final clash from 12 months ago.
Each quarter-final match will be played over the best of 31 legs, demanding endurance and consistent high-level performance from all players as they vie for a spot in the semi-finals.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
