"Slow, annoying, effective. He plays the game perfectly." – 'Typical Wade match' sinks Wessel Nijman at the World Matchplay
PDC
In the latest episode of the World Matchplay Turns Through podcast from Sportnieuws.nl, Vincent van der Voort and Damian Vlottes took a look back at a dramatic day in Blackpool that saw Danny Noppert bow out, James Wade execute a textbook performance, and Gian van Veen continue his steady evolution on the big stage. The duo also looked ahead to Wednesday night’s action featuring Dutch stars Michael van Gerwen and Dirk van Duijvenbode.
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Van Veen Shows Maturity in All-Dutch Clash
The evening opened with an all-Dutch encounter between Gian van Veen and Danny Noppert. Van der Voort admitted his pre-match prediction was “a little bit true,” as Van Veen pulled away to win 11–6 despite a strong start from Noppert.
“Noppert started better,” Van der Voort said. “In that third leg, he gets 150 around his ears, and then also 120. It was closer than the score suggested.”
Despite the win, Van Veen was highly self-critical in his post-match assessment: “I just started the match downright badly. Even though I was ahead 7–2 at one point, I still felt like things weren't going well.”
It was Van Veen’s clinical finishing that proved decisive. “He didn’t score great, but he took all his chances,” Van der Voort said. “That’s maturity. A year ago, he would’ve lost a match like that.”
Wade Masters Nijman in Classic Display
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Next up was James Wade, who dismantled Wessel Nijman in typical fashion—slow, methodical, and relentlessly effective.
“He plays the game perfectly,” Van der Voort said admiringly. “He knows exactly what he’s doing. From walking up to the oche to waiting at the board... it’s all strategy.”
Nijman struggled to find any rhythm. “He has a little kink in his throw. If that’s even slightly off, the darts go everywhere,” Vlottes observed. Despite Wade’s impressive 104 average, Nijman was simply outmatched. “Today, he just didn’t have it,” added Vlottes.
Still, Van der Voort found a silver lining for the young Dutchman: “He’s shown he can win on the big stage with a good average. That gives him something to build on.”
Bunting Survives as Anderson Falters
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Stephen Bunting had a scrappy night but ultimately edged past Gary Anderson, who missed key opportunities.
“Bunting was beatable today,” Van der Voort said. “But Anderson missed at crucial moments. And if you’re not putting the hours in, you pay the price.”
Bunting, however, made it clear he has more in the tank: “Everyone will have to be better,” he said. The Englishman knows improvements are needed if he’s to mount a serious title challenge.
Clayton Overcomes De Decker’s Resistance
Johnny Clayton also progressed to the next round, though Mike de Dekcker didn’t make it easy. Van der Voort pointed to De Decker’s turbulent period as a factor: “Mike is in a tough phase. He’s moved, changed equipment... none of that helps. You lose confidence, and then it’s hard to perform on a stage like that.”
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Wade’s Walk-On Sparks Controversy
James Wade’s performance wasn’t the only thing that drew attention. His extended walk-on time raised eyebrows—particularly Van der Voort’s.
“It lasted almost a minute and a half,” he said. “The PDC needs to do something about that. You’re supposed to walk straight to the stage when your music starts. No more autograph sessions.”
Despite his frustration, Van der Voort underlined the importance of players like Wade to the sport. “Without characters like Wade, Price, Van Duijvenbode, or Dirk, there’s nothing to watch. It’s those personalities that make the difference.”
Wade tried to take Nijman out of his game from the get-go.
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Van Duijvenbode Must Assert Himself Against Gilding
Looking ahead to Dirk van Duijvenbode’s clash with Andrew Gilding, Vlottes was clear: “Dirk’s the big favourite, right?”
Van der Voort agreed: “I think so. He was very relieved after that first win. With everything going on at home, he handled it well.”
Still, he warned not to take Gilding lightly: “You know what to expect with him. He was excellent against Heta. If he plays like that again, Dirk will have a tough time. He’s slow, but not annoying. Just robotic—you have to adapt.”
Van der Voort emphasised Gilding’s resilience: “Once he’s in the match, you don’t shake him. He’s not a choker. He beat Van Gerwen in the UK Open final and kept hammering. If Dirk wants to win, he has to dominate the scoring early and show there’s nothing in it for Gilding.”
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Rock Favourite Against Van Gerwen
The marquee tie on Wednesday sees Michael van Gerwen take on Josh Rock—who is, perhaps surprisingly, the bookmaker's favourite.
“I think this is a great moment for Josh Rock to face Michael,” Van der Voort said. “He’s the favourite. He’ll go in full of confidence.”
Van der Voort referenced Rock’s recent form, particularly at the World Cup of Darts and in his opening match at the Winter Gardens. “If you look at his averages and how consistent he’s been, he deserves that favourite tag over the last six months.”
Vlottes added that Van Gerwen must be more clinical than he was in the first round: “He has to approach it professionally, start each leg well, and make Rock work. If not, he’ll be punished.”
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Van der Voort acknowledged Van Gerwen’s recent struggles. “There’s got to be more bite. If he wants to win this, he’ll have to play a lot better.”
Vlottes echoed the concern: “I don’t expect Rock to drop off suddenly. So Michael needs to be sharp from the very first dart.”
Personal Matters Affecting Van Gerwen
Beyond darts, Van Gerwen is dealing with significant personal issues. “We all know he’s going through a divorce,” Van der Voort said. “And now it’s come out that things with his father aren’t right again.”
He elaborated: “His dad had cancer last year and underwent surgery. He recovered and had monthly check-ups, but they found something again in his lymph nodes. Last Thursday, he had a seven-hour operation. These things affect your preparation—he has a lot on his plate.”
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Reflecting on Van Gerwen’s first-round match against Raymond van Barneveld, Van der Voort didn’t mince words: “It was a really poor start. He kept Raymond in the game. Against Rock, that could be fatal. Raymond was struggling—but Rock won’t give you that luxury.”
Van der Voort concluded with a warning: “The only thing that could affect Rock is the pressure of the moment. But I doubt it. He’ll just go for it.”
Van Gerwen will meet an in top form Rock in the second round of the World Matchplay.
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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