The race for a spot in the prestigious World Matchplay darts tournament is heating up, and surprisingly, several of the sport’s biggest names and former champions are in genuine danger of missing out. With qualification spots scarce and the deadline fast approaching, stars like Peter Wright, Rob Cross, and Dimitri Van den Bergh are fighting tooth and nail to secure their place, highlighting the intense competition in modern professional darts. This year’s tournament promises drama both on and off the oche as legends battle for survival.
The World Matchplay: A Fierce Battle for Blackpool
The World Matchplay is one of darts’ most coveted titles, held annually at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Qualification is a two-tiered process:
- The top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit (world rankings) automatically qualify.
- The next 16 players qualify via the Pro Tour Order of Merit (money earned in smaller, non-televised events over the past year).
The cut-off for qualification is at the end of July, but with the season flying by, players are already feeling the pressure. The Pro Tour Order of Merit, in particular, is incredibly tight, with many players vying for just a few remaining spots.
Former Champions Facing Elimination
Of the fourteen previous Matchplay champions, nine are still active. While six are virtually guaranteed their spot, three former winners are surprisingly in peril:
Peter Wright (“Snakebite”)
The 2021 World Matchplay champion and two-time World Champion, Peter Wright, has been an almost constant fixture in Blackpool since his debut in 2009. However, his current form sees him languishing well outside the world’s top sixteen. His only hope now is to qualify through the Pro Tour Order of Merit. Currently in the 40s on that list, he needs to earn nearly £20,000 more to bridge the gap and return to the Lancashire coastline this summer. For a player of Wright’s stature, this is an unexpected and significant challenge.
Rob Cross (“Voltage”)
Rob Cross, the 2019 Matchplay champion and 2018 World Champion, first graced the Winter Gardens stage in 2017. While his path back to Blackpool is less daunting than Wright’s, it still requires a strong performance. To re-enter the world’s top sixteen, he would need to earn over £70,000 more. However, his chances are much better on the Pro Tour Order of Merit, where the gap is a far more manageable figure of just under £6,000. Most observers would still expect Cross to secure his spot, but it’s far from a certainty.
Dimitri Van den Bergh (“The DreamMaker”)
The 2020 Matchplay champion, Dimitri Van den Bergh, faces the most immediate and pressing concerns. His primary focus right now is safeguarding his professional status on the PDC Tour. Without a deep run in upcoming Euro Tour events or a consistent string of strong performances in both floor and continental tournaments, the Belgian looks set to miss out on Blackpool for the first time since his triumphant debut victory. The DreamMaker is a shrewd operator and likely understands that preserving his all-important Tour Card for next year is his top priority.
Other Prominent Stars in the Mix
Beyond these three former Winter Gardens conquerors, several other well-known names are locked in a precarious struggle for inclusion in the summer showpiece:
Raymond van Barneveld (“Barney”)
There’s a growing sense that the illustrious Dutchman’s golden days on the oche are drawing to a close. Regular whispers of retirement, combined with a noticeable dip in form, suggest that even Barney acknowledges the twilight of an extraordinary career. Yet, his legacy is undeniable. Encouragingly, his current task isn’t as insurmountable as it might seem; he sits approximately £10,000 shy of qualification. If experience truly counts, few possess it in greater abundance.
Michael Smith (“Bully Boy”)
When Michael Smith, the 2023 World Champion, failed to qualify for last year’s World Matchplay, it ended a remarkable streak of appearances dating back to 2014. His best run in Blackpool was a runner-up finish in 2019, complemented by two semi-final and quarter-final appearances. Much like Van Barneveld, Smith is currently around £10,000 adrift of qualification. While his recent form has been a concern, his immense pedigree and experience offer a significant advantage. Of the two former world champions mentioned here, Smith appears the more likely candidate to force his way back in.
The Unforgiving Nature of Modern Darts
It’s inevitable that when the World Matchplay draw is finalised, there will be notable omissions, including players who have previously lifted major PDC TV silverware. These absences shouldn’t come as a surprise. The depth of talent within the PDC has never been more formidable, and the continuous influx of emerging players each year only intensifies the battle for qualification. Every spot is fiercely contested, making it harder than ever for even established stars to maintain their position.
All things considered, one certainty remains: the final field assembling in Blackpool this July will be of an exceptionally high calibre, promising thrilling darts action regardless of who makes it.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
