The 2024 World Matchplay is set to kick off on Saturday, July 13, and is considered by many to be on par with the World Darts Championship in terms of being one of the biggest darting events of the year.
Our preview delves into the potential matchups and players to watch in what promises to be an exciting edition of the tournament right from the start.
In the first round, fans can expect some classic matchups, including Luke Littler facing off against Michael van Gerwen. Despite the familiarity of this matchup, with the players having met numerous times this season, it remains a tough draw for both players. The same can be said for the clash between Michael Smith and Gary Anderson, with Anderson looking to recapture past form.
Another standout match is Jonny Clayton versus Raymond van Barneveld, with both players having strong recent performances. However, all eyes will be on Luke Humphries, who is considered a favorite for the title.
Humphries, alongside Luke Littler, is seen as the standout favorite, with his impressive performances in recent tournaments. Players like Nathan Aspinall, Gerwyn Price, and Dimitri van den Bergh could all face challenges in the early rounds.
The tournament offers a significant prize money pool, with players like Rob Cross, Joe Cullen, Peter Wright, and Ross Smith all looking to make their mark. Upsets could be on the cards in this competitive field.
The World Matchplay features a format that will test the skill and consistency of all participants. Fans can look forward to exciting matchups like Edhouse versus Dobey, with the potential for unexpected twists and turns throughout the tournament.