We have reached the quarterfinals of the World Matchplay, and Thursday’s schedule has been confirmed. The remaining four men will battle it out for a spot in the latter stages. Let’s take a closer look at Thursday night’s two quarterfinal matches at the World Matchplay.
As we progress to the quarterfinals, the format has increased once again. Players will now need to win sixteen legs to advance to the next round, with the condition that there must be a difference of at least two legs at that point. If the score is tied at 15-15 after thirty legs, a tie-break scenario will come into play. This added drama could potentially lead to a prolonged match on Thursday night.
Ross Smith and James Wade will face off in the first quarterfinal match of the evening. Smith, who had a tough draw against Josh Rock in the earlier rounds, managed to defeat Gerwyn Price to secure his spot in the quarterfinals. Wade, a seasoned player, has had success in the past at the World Matchplay and will be looking to continue his good form in this crucial match.
The second quarterfinal will see Luke Humphries take on Dimitri van den Bergh. Humphries has been a consistent performer and has high expectations for this tournament. Van den Bergh, on the other hand, is a rising star in the darts world and will be eager to showcase his skills against Humphries.
Wade and Smith have contrasting styles of play, with Smith being a hard hitter and Wade relying on his finishing abilities. Wade will need to match Smith’s scoring to stay competitive in the match. Despite Wade’s lead in the head-to-head record, Smith has proven that he can defeat the experienced player.
Humphries, on the other hand, is considered a strong contender for the title, based on his previous performances in major tournaments. His consistent form and impressive track record make him a formidable opponent for van den Bergh.
As the World Matchplay continues, fans can expect thrilling matches and intense competition as the remaining players battle it out for a spot in the semifinals. The excitement and drama of darts will be on full display on Thursday night.
