The World Matchplay Darts, held annually at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens, has cemented its place as a summer sporting highlight alongside events like Wimbledon. Dive into its rich history through fascinating statistics: from Larry Butler’s surprising inaugural win as the only American champion, to Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor’s unparalleled dominance and a host of incredible 9-dart finishes. This article reveals the key numbers and legendary moments that define one of darts’ most prestigious tournaments, setting the stage for future record-breaking performances.
The World Matchplay: A Summer Sporting Spectacle
The World Matchplay Darts, hosted in the picturesque, iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, has become an integral part of Britain’s summer sporting calendar, standing proudly alongside revered events like Wimbledon and Henley Royal Regatta. As legendary sports photographer Lawrence Lustig, who captured sixteen of these events, noted, it truly captivates tens of thousands of live fans and millions more watching on television each year. The beauty of darts lies in the wealth of stories and insights hidden within its simple numbers.
Unforgettable Firsts and Unique Champions
The tournament’s inaugural year, 1995, delivered a truly historic moment. **Larry Butler**, an American player, defied all expectations to claim the first World Matchplay title. This remains a singular achievement, as **no other USA player has ever won a PDC major before or since**. Furthermore, Butler’s ranking at the time, equivalent to around 26th today, marks him as the **lowest-ranked winner in the tournament’s history**, making his victory even more remarkable.
Nations and Back-to-Back Victories
The World Matchplay has seen champions from various nations, highlighting its international appeal:
- **USA**: Larry Butler (1995)
- **England**: A dominant force with multiple champions including Phil Taylor, Rod Harrington, and more.
- **Netherlands**: Michael van Gerwen
- **Scotland**: Gary Anderson, Peter Wright
- **Belgium**: Dimitri Van den Bergh
Achieving consecutive titles is a rare feat in such a competitive sport. Only a select few have managed this impressive accomplishment:
- **Rod Harrington**
- **Phil Taylor**
- **Michael van Gerwen**
The Reign of ‘The Power’: Phil Taylor’s Unmatched Dominance
When discussing the World Matchplay, **Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor** inevitably takes centre stage. His records are simply astounding, solidifying his status as the greatest player in the tournament’s history.
Taylor’s near-invincibility is best illustrated by his incredibly low number of losses throughout his World Matchplay career. He was defeated only eight times:
- Bob Anderson (1994)
- Peter Evison (1996)
- Ronnie Baxter (1998)
- Peter Manley (1999)
- John Part (2005)
- Terry Jenkins (2007)
- James Wade (2015)
- Michael van Gerwen (2016 final)
His most formidable streak was an **unbroken run of victories from 2008 to 2015**, a period of absolute dominance that saw him clinch multiple titles without a single match defeat. This incredible period underscores why Taylor’s legacy at the World Matchplay is unmatched.
Moments of Perfection: The 9-Dart Finish
The ultimate achievement in a single leg of darts is the **9-dart finish**, where a player completes a leg in the minimum possible number of throws. The Winter Gardens has witnessed ten such magical moments:
- **Phil Taylor (twice)**
- Raymond van Barneveld
- John Part
- Michael van Gerwen
- Wes Newton
- Gary Anderson
- Gerwyn Price
- Dimitri Van den Bergh
- Luke Littler
Interestingly, **only John Part and Wes Newton went on to lose their matches** despite achieving this rare feat. Despite the numerous 9-darters, the World Matchplay final is still awaiting its first “perfect leg,” a testament to the immense pressure of the sport’s biggest stage.
Record-Breaking Finals and Memorable Contests
The World Matchplay has also delivered some extraordinary final matches:
- **Biggest Winning Margin**: In 2009, Phil Taylor delivered a stunning performance, defeating Terry Jenkins by an overwhelming **18-4 margin**.
- **Most Legs in a Final**: The 2018 final between **Gary Anderson and Mensur Suljovic** was an epic battle, going down to the wire with Anderson eventually winning **21-19**, showcasing incredible endurance and skill.
What Does the Future Hold?
As the World Matchplay continues to evolve, new chapters are constantly being written. Will current stars like **Luke Littler** become only the fourth player to successfully defend the title? Can **Luke Humphries** continue the recent trend of players named Luke making their mark on the tournament? And might the Netherlands, with emerging talents like **Wessel Nijman**, join England as the only nation to produce multiple World Matchplay champions, adding another name alongside Michael van Gerwen? The answers await, promising more thrilling darts action and potentially new entries into the tournament’s esteemed record books.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
