Golden Andrew Gilding eases into World Matchplay quarterfinals for first time in his career

Andrew Gilding is through to the quarter-finals of the 2024 World Matchplay, after an 11-5 win over Krzysztof Ratajski at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

In a tight and closely fought opening session, it was Gilding who headed into the break just in front at 3-2. Although both players averaging in the mid 90s, some of the finishing had been impeccable with a pair of ton plus checkouts, one from each in the opening five legs.

After the break though, Gilding began showcasing some of the form that saw him incredibly take the UK Open title back in 2023. With yet more ton plus checkouts and a slew of 180s, 'Goldfinger' upped his average to over the 100 mark and spurted ahead 6-2. In leg 9 however, the first signs of scrappy darts emerged. Both players missed darts at double, but it was Gilding who took it eventually on double 2 to move five legs clear. Ratajski stopped the rot in the last leg of the second session however, pinning the bull for a 128, but heading off stage 7-3 behind.

Worryingly for Gilding, the momentum continued to be on Ratajski's side after the break, getting back to 7-5. After missing a dart at the bullseye in the next leg however, Gilding punished on tops to put the mini revival on hold and then after nailing double 12 in the following leg, Goldfinger moved to just two legs away from victory. Breaking the Ratajski throw for a third straight leg in leg 15, Gilding moved one away. After three 140s in a row, Gilding had 81 left after nine on his own throw, surging towards the finish line and pinning double 40 for a 13 darter, the Englishman sealed the win.

The tournament will be broadcast in full live in UK on Sky Sports throughout. From Saturday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 18, the broadcasts will begin around 7 p.m. In addition, there will be an afternoon session on Sunday, July 14, starting at 1 p.m.

After the second round, the start time of the evening sessions moves up one hour. The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will thus be broadcast from 20:00. On Sunday afternoon, July 21, the third edition of the Women's World Matchplay is scheduled from 1:00 pm. Here, eight ladies compete for the title at the most important women's tournament at the PDC.