Mens Matchplay
World Matchplay Darts Preview
More elite darts action is on the horizon, as 32 of the world’s best players head to Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens for the World Matchplay.
Here we take a look at the favourites to take home the prize as well as a bit of each-way value in this year’s star-studded field.
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Tournament overview
One of the most prestigious darts majors on the calendar is the World Matchplay, which kicks off on Saturday (19th July).
The top 32 players in the world will step onto the oche, competing for their share of the £800,000 strong prize pot as well as the Phil Taylor Trophy.
The format sees matches last longer as the tournament progresses, as follows:
- First Round: First to 10 legs (match must be won by 2 clear legs; sudden death leg at 12–12)
- Second Round: First to 11 legs (match must be won by 2 clear legs; sudden death leg at 13–13)
- Quarter Finals: First to 16 legs (match must be won by 2 clear legs; sudden death leg at 18–18)
- Semi Finals: First to 17 legs (match must be won by 2 clear legs; sudden death leg at 19–19)
- Final: First to 18 legs (match must be won by 2 clear legs; sudden death leg at 20–20)
Now lets take a look at the leading contenders for World Matchplay glory.
Luke Littler – 15/8
It is no surprise to see Luke Littler at the head of the outright betting for the World Matchplay as he looks to add a new major to his roll of honour.
‘The Nuke’ has had yet another year to remember on the oche, winning the World Championship as well as the Grand Slam and the UK Open, before just falling short to Luke Humphries in the Premier League.
There’s no doubt Littler, if on form, is the leading contender in Blackpool. His power scoring cannot be matched by any player when on top form and if he can find that here, he poses a serious threat to all.
His first round match comes against Ryan Searle, who has his troubles on the big stage, but still provides a unique test. If he can deal with Searle in good fashion, the 15/8 outright will no doubt be shorter.
Luke Humphries – 4/1
Littler’s conqueror in the Premier League final, Luke Humphries, is next in the betting at 4/1 for this year’s World Matchplay.
It’s clear that the two Lukes will likely have this – and most major competitions for the foreseeable future – to themselves, as they appear to be a level above the rest when it comes to quality and consistency.
On paper, Humphries has a far trickier assignment in his first round tie as he faces another breakthrough talent in Gian van Veen, who is rapidly rising through the ranks and deserves consideration against any player on the oche.
This will be a good test for Humphries and if he can come through that tie, it will stand him in good stead for a run to the latter stages.
Josh Rock – 12/1
One player who does make a bit of appeal at an each-way price is Northern Irishman Josh Rock.
Rock has been great form of late, winning a Players Championship events before sealing a historic victory for Northern Ireland in the World Cup of Darts alongside countryman Daryl Gurney.
Bursting onto the scene, Rock has established himself a top-20 player in no time and looks to coming to the boil at the right time to make a real splash in a major competition. He has a first round tie against Ross Smith, who is a powerful scorer in his own right. If Rock can come through that unscathed then his confidence should be sky high and he could have a great chance at getting his hands on a first major title.
He must be taken seriously here and 12/1 looks to be good value from an each-way perspective.
