On Tuesday, the first four players qualified for the quarterfinals at the World Matchplay. On Wednesday night, it's the turn of the eight players at the bottom of the tournament schedule. Read our preview for the matches on Wednesday evening at the World Matchplay here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Eleven legs will have to be won to reach the next round. However, that is subject to a difference of at least two legs at that time. If the score is 10-10 after twenty legs, then a tie-break extension will be started. If the score is still tied after six additional legs, a sudden-death leg will be played.
Krzysztof Ratajski v Andrew Gilding
The opening game of the evening was between two players who both managed to knock out a seeded player. Andrew Gilding sent Peter Wright home 10-5, while Krzysztof Ratajski recorded a resounding 10-2 victory over Dave Chisnall.
In the head-to-head, it is Gilding who holds a 4-1 lead over Ratajski. The Pole managed to win the very first meeting between the two players in 2019. After that, Gilding pulled ahead four times. Wednesday night's encounter will be the first-ever clash at a televised tournament, though.
Gilding can qualify for the last eight at the World Matchplay for the first time in his career. Ratajski previously did so in 2020 and 2021, even managing to reach the semifinals in 2021.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rob Cross v Ryan Searle
An English clash between Rob Cross and Ryan Searle will determine who will be the next quarterfinalist in Blackpool. Cross survived six match darts in his first match against Gian van Veen before prevailing 13-12 after a sudden-death leg. Searle had an excellent start to the tournament with a 10-4 win over Damon Heta.
Cross can boast a fine record against his upcoming opponent. Of the previous 11 clashes between them, eight were won by "Voltage. At the majors, the score is only 2-1 in favor of the former world champion.
Searle was already in the quarterfinals of the World Matchplay last year, so he can repeat the feat. Cross only got past the second round in 2019. That also happened to be the year the 33-year-old Englishman won the event.
Rob Cross escaped elimination last Sunday against Gian van Veen
ADVERTISEMENT
Michael van Gerwen v Joe Cullen
The cracker of the first round was won by Michael van Gerwen. The 35-year-old from Vlijmen proved too strong with 10-6 to teenage sensation Luke Littler. It earned him a meeting with Joe Cullen. 'The Rockstar' had dealt convincingly with Brendan Dolan (10-4) in the first round.
It will be the 37th meeting between the Dutchman and the Englishman. Of the previous 36 confrontations, 26 were won by Van Gerwen, including the last six encounters. Two years ago the two also met in the last sixteen at the World Matchplay. Then the victory went 11-5 to Van Gerwen.
Van Gerwen has reached the last eight in Blackpool eight times before. In 2015, 2016 and 2022, the three-time world champion was also finally allowed to lift the cup at the World Matchplay. Cullen is in the second round of the World Matchplay for the fifth consecutive year. In 2023, "The Rockstar" surprisingly made it to the semifinals.
ADVERTISEMENT
Michael Smith v Chris Dobey
The final quarterfinalist at the World Matchplay will be an Englishman. Michael Smith joined the last sixteen with a flashy 10-5 victory over his old mentior Gary Anderson. Dobey proved too strong for debutant Ritchie Edhouse (10-7).
Last year, the two Englishmen also faced each other in the second round of the World Matchplay. Then Dobey eliminated his compatriot with an 11-7 victory. In the head-to-head, 'Hollywood' is leading 7-6. Smith has won only one of the last six duels between him and Dobey.
Smith was last in the quarterfinals of the World Matchplay in 2021, having reached the final and semifinals in the previous two years. So Dobey was a quarterfinalist in Blackpool last year after losing three times in the first round before that.
Read also
ADVERTISEMENT
Schedule World Matchplay 2024
Wednesday, July 17 (from 7 p.m.)
Second round
Krzysztof Ratajski v Andrew Gilding
Rob Cross v Ryan Searle
Michael van Gerwen v Joe Cullen
Michael Smith v Chris Dobey
Michael van Gerwen continues his hunt for a fourth World Matchplay title Wednesday night
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.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 2visitors 1
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026
- Probably i will receive a lot of backlash and hate for this reaction, but well, so be it. I am more than sick and tired of those lies of you Barry Hearn. How dare you defend yourself over the back of Fallon’s son! He has a disability and not an illness, so let me correct that for you! I know because I have the exact same disability. I have tried to reach out to Fallon in the past, and offered her to help her and her son, because I was struggling with the same problems, and I understood the boy. I wanted him to have finally someone who understood him. However she told me that she did not want my help, and I have respected Fallon’s choice. I have never asked Fallon for money. They don’t need money in that case. I only ever wanted the best for Fallon and Rory, but I have to be honest about the situation. Fallon should tell the true story and not be forced to tell lies. I don’t hate Fallon, and I don’t begrudge or envy a single penny that she gets, but this situation/case is just not fair. I hate the lies and the dishonesty and injustice. I don’t want Fallon to be hated because there is an unfair disadvantage created. Don’t proclaim your false lies over the back of Rory! I only stand for integrity and justice. I am precisely the one who always sticks up for Fallon. And you don't, you don't give a damn about them. You were never there for them, and now you only want to save your own position! You are just trying to talk your way out of your own bad behavior at the expense of someone with a disability. And to Fallon, I don’t know if this may ever reach you, and you read it, but I want you to know I love you and I love your son Rory very much, I am sorry how things developed and went. I hope you and Harriet are still friends. I am sorry if I were too persistent to you, or you experienced it that way, but it was never my intention. Please understand I have autism as well. As Barry Hearn would say, I am only just a human being too, and I also make mistakes and misjudge things sometimes. I promise you I did everything out of the deepest love and care for you and Rory. If I were you, I should just keep all the money, only please never be dishonest or tell lies anymore for Barry Hearn, or anyone else. I hope you have the best life, and I wish nothing more than the best for you. I have always loved the two of you. Farewell.Hiddo05-11-2026
- She is a professional. If darts is her income, she is a professional. Same as Adrian Lewis, Martin Adams. A tour card just means someone can play on the PDC tour. You could even make a case that Clayton wasn't a professional (until recently I believe) because he had employment elsewhere.BandB04-11-2026