The World Matchplay delivered high drama on Monday night as Germany’s last remaining hope, Martin Schindler, was eliminated after a gripping 9-11 extra-leg defeat to Welsh powerhouse Gerwyn Price. Despite a commanding early lead, Schindler couldn’t close it out, extending Germany’s winless streak at the event since 2020. Earlier, Ross Smith secured his spot in the last 16 with a dominant 10-6 victory over debutant Kevin Doets, who impressed despite the loss.
Heartbreak for Schindler as Price Mounts Stunning Comeback
The highly anticipated clash between Germany’s Martin Schindler, dubbed “The Wall,” and former World Champion Gerwyn Price, “The Iceman,” proved to be a nail-biter. Schindler started like a house on fire, securing an early 3-0 lead with a break and a superb 98-finish. Price struggled significantly in the opening legs, managing a meager 80-average.
Schindler continued his dominance, extending his lead to 6-2. He had multiple opportunities to widen the gap further but missed crucial checkouts, allowing Price to stay in the game. This proved to be a turning point.
Price, known for his relentless fighting spirit, began to find his rhythm. He chipped away at Schindler’s lead, securing vital breaks. The momentum shifted dramatically as Price eventually leveled the score and then, for the first time in the match, took the lead. Schindler had his chances, including three missed check-darts that cost him a crucial leg.
In the deciding legs, with the score at 9-9 and the match in extra time, Price capitalized on every opportunity. Despite a valiant effort from Schindler, who hit a brilliant 121 checkout to keep his hopes alive, Price remained clinical. “The Iceman” sealed his victory with a 100-finish, ending Schindler’s World Matchplay journey and extending Germany’s wait for a first-round win at the event since 2020.
Smith Dominates Early, Doets Shows Promise in Debut
The evening’s opening match saw Ross Smith, “Smudger,” face debutant Kevin Doets. Smith delivered a blistering performance in the first session, winning all five legs to take a commanding 5-0 lead. His clinical finishing included a stunning 160 checkout.
However, Doets, despite facing a whitewash, refused to buckle. After the break, he found his stride, hitting a spectacular 141 finish and winning three consecutive legs to reduce the deficit to 6-4. This showcased his potential, even against a seasoned opponent.
Smith, however, quickly reasserted control, winning three more legs to reach 9-4, just one leg away from victory. Doets continued to battle, hitting a 161 checkout, but it was “Smudger” who eventually closed out the match with a 10-6 victory, securing his place in the second round.
Upcoming Matches and Tournament Details
The Monday evening session concluded with two more first-round encounters:
- Luke Humphries (2) vs. Cameron Menzies
- Danny Noppert (10) vs. Rob Cross
Looking ahead, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, will feature the first four second-round matches of the World Matchplay 2026, starting at 8:00 PM CEST:
- Jonny Clayton vs. Gary Anderson
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Luke Littler vs. Nathan Aspinall
- Josh Rock vs. Stephen Bunting
World Matchplay Format and Prize Money
The World Matchplay features an exciting format where matches must be won by a two-leg clear margin, with a maximum of five extra legs played in case of a tie.
Match Lengths:
- First Round: Best of 19 Legs
- Second Round: Best of 21 Legs
- Quarter-Finals: Best of 31 Legs
- Semi-Finals: Best of 33 Legs
- Final: Best of 35 Legs
The tournament boasts a substantial prize fund, making it the second-highest prize money ranking event in darts after the PDC World Championship.
Prize Fund Breakdown:
- Winner: £225,000
- Runner-Up: £125,000
- Semi-Finalists: £65,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £35,000
- Second Round: £22,500
- First Round: £12,500
Total Prize Fund: £1,000,000
How to Watch
Darts fans can catch all the action from the World Matchplay live. Major sports streaming services typically broadcast all significant darts tournaments, including European Tour events and World Series events, in high definition across various devices.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
