25/07/2020

Van den Bergh to face Anderson in World Matchplay final after nail-biting win over Durrant

Dimitri van den Bergh is through to the final of the World Matchplay after seeing off Glen Durrant in a 17-15 victory and will face Gary Anderson on Sunday night to cap off a brilliant tournament in Milton Keynes.

It was another nail-biting contest and another step for Van den Bergh on his debut in the tournament as he reaches his first major televised final.

He will be into the top 16 for the first time and will claim a Grand Slam spot; as Duzza has been denied a spot in the final for a second consecutive year.

Durrant started sensationally smashing in a 151 checkout for first blood in the tie and doubled his advantage with a break of throw taking out 72 in the process.

Van den Bergh though replied with three legs on the spin to lead for the first time and sat well placed at the break at 6-4 up. He took control from there averaging 101 and leading 8-5 with a break.

Durrant stayed in touch at 9-6 behind but still had to seemingly produce another fightback. He produced back-to-back legs to make it 9-7. But Van den Bergh stretched his lead to 11-8 to deny Duzza at least for now.

Van den Bergh began to miss and instead of 13-9, it was 12-10 and despite Durrant having a go at missing doubles, Durrant produced some brilliance to level the tie up at 13-13 showing some brilliant bottle to break and grab the darts.

Four legs on the spin saw him lead at 14-13 as he aimed to surge towards the finishing line. Van den Bergh stopped the rot hitting double eight to hold throw.

Both players held on to their throw as we headed towards the conclusion at 15-15. Van den Bergh though claimed a potentially vital break with Durrant missing 121 on the bull.

From there, he concluded proceedings with a 14 darter to continue his dream World Matchplay debut.

Click here to read the preview of tonight’s World Matchplay final between Van den Bergh and Anderson.

Click here for more information about the World Matchplay, including the tournament bracket, TV coverage and prize money breakdown.