Van den Bergh denies fired up Ross Smith in high quality World Matchplay clash

Monday, 17 July 2023 at 21:10

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Dimitri van den Bergh has qualified for the second round at the World Matchplay. 'The Dreammaker' defeated Ross Smith in his opening match 10-8.

In his previous three appearances at the World Matchplay, the Belgian always made it to at least the semifinals and this time too he managed to survive the first round. Smith failed to distance himself from the Belgian in the first two sessions, after which Van den Bergh struck in the end.

Twice Smith was ahead by a break. Through a 12-darter in the fifth leg and a 70 finish in the ninth leg, but twice Van den Bergh also broke back.

After that, the match was evenly matched and Van den Bergh reached match point via a 12-darter in the seventeenth leg. Throwing another 12-darter, Van den Bergh decided the match 10-8.

It was also a match that was characterised from heavy celebrations from Smith who aimed for a different tactic to derail the Belgian which didn't work.

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TV Guide 2023 World Matchplay on Sky Sports

Where can I watch the World Matchplay on TV?

The tournament will be broadcast in full on Sky Sports going between Action and Main Event.

From Saturday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 20, broadcasts will begin around 7 p.m. ET. In addition, on Sunday, July 16, there will be an afternoon session starting at 1 p.m. After the second round, the starting time of the evening sessions moves up one hour.

On Sunday afternoon, July 24, the second edition of the Women's World Matchplay is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm. Here, eight ladies will compete for the title at the most important women's tournament in the PDC.

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Prize money breakdown World Matchplay 2023 with £800,000 on offer

How much prize money can be earned at the World Matchplay

After the World Darts Championship, the World Matchplay is the ranking tournament with the largest prize pool at the PDC. A total of 800,000 pounds of prize money is up for grabs at this event.

All 32 participants are guaranteed £10,000 in prize money. This could eventually add up to a check of as much as £200,000 for the darter who gets to lift the Phil Taylor Trophy on Sunday, July 23.

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DIMI GETS OVER THE LINE! 🇧🇪 An incredible final leg from Dimitri Van den Bergh sees him win an epic contest with Ross Smith! 📺 bit.ly/WM23Live | #WMDarts R1