With the summer upon us in the United Kingdom, the best of the PDC’s darting stars gather in Blackpool for one of the standout competitions of the season. The World Matchplay locks the horns of the 32 best players in a straight knockout format, with leg play adding to the spectacle in the race to win the Phil Taylor Trophy.
We’ve had three different winners in the past three editions, but with only eight winners in the 25 years that it has run the title of World Matchplay champion still remains elusive. The first round starts on Saturday and the seeded draw has thrown up some tasty ties. Here is the pick of the bunch:
Rob Cross vs Chris Dobey
Cross has been a losing finalist in the UK Open and Premier League so far in 2019 and you’ll be hard-pushed to find anyone that doesn’t give ‘Voltage’ a shot in Blackpool. Dobey is making his debut at the World Matchplay and should be out-gunned by the precise punch power than Cross possesses leg after leg. When he’s in the mood, Cross can speed through these tests with flying colours. Under 16.5 legs with Dobey left licking his wounds.
Nathan Aspinall vs Mervyn King
‘The Asp’ is making waves in the PDC circuit. The standout improver over the past 12 months underline by finishing runner-up in the Worlds and scooping the UK Open back in March. The Stockport boy relishes the big stage and is a great bet to go deep into the Matchplay draw. It’s a crossroads conflict against King who has lost back-to-back first rounds at the Winter Gardens. Aspinall at a canter, possibly inside 15.5 legs.
Adrian Lewis vs Glen Durrant
One of the truest first round 50/50 matchups as Lewis looks to announce himself back on the big-time stage. Durrant is making his debut at the Matchplay having turned over from the BDO and has drawn a big fish in the opener. Both will score heavily making the over 180s market look appealing. Despite a slump in form, this is a format that suits Jackpot. As a slight outsider, backing Lewis in the outrights makes sense.
Michael van Gerwen vs Steve Beaton
Never write off Steve Beaton. The ‘Bronzed Adonis’ often shows up unexpected in the latter stages of tournaments, with his cool nonchalant demeanour catching seeded players unawares. This being said, the 55-year-old has tasted first or second round defeat at the Matchplay in 16 out of 19 attempts. MVG was dumped out in the first round by de Zwaan last year; the Dutchman will be desperate to claim the Phil Taylor Trophy for the third time. Van Gerwen should win this at a canter, with a -4.5 handicap squeezing enough value out.
Michael Smith vs Jamie Hughes
It’s time for Michael Smith to win a major. ‘Bully Boy’ has blown hot and cold in 2019 after a superb 2018, but still struggles to get over the line in the TV tournaments. Hughes is making his Matchplay debut and could well be blown away in emphatic style if Smith is on his A-game. Under 16.5 legs, with Smith winning the 180 race at a canter.
Daryl Gurney vs Ricky Evans
‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans will always be worth a watch in the TV events, with his quick-fire arrows becoming his USP in the PDC. Gurney is too experienced to be put off his stride. ‘Superchin’ comes into any major inside the top six favourites and in a favourable segment of the draw should make the quarter-finals. Gurney made the semis in 2017 and following an impressive showing in the Premier League is primed to put on a show at the Winter Gardens. This one will be entertaining while it lasts. 10-6 to Gurney.
