James Wade survived a gritty 10-7 encounter with Jermaine Wattimena to advance into the second round of the World Matchplay, held at the historic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The 2007 champion, who has been runner-up on six occasions (2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2025), is still chasing the coveted Phil Taylor trophy and hopes this year will finally bring the triumph he has long sought. Wade entered his 21st Matchplay campaign with a strong start, claiming four legs in the opening session and establishing a 4-1 lead while Wattimena struggled to find his rhythm on the televised stage. The Dutch competitor rallied, delivering a series of powerful legs and two crucial breaks of throw to narrow the gap to 5-4.
Despite the Dutchman's resurgence, Wade seized the momentum when Wattimena’s level dipped again, stringing together three consecutive legs to stretch the advantage to 8-4. The remainder of the match turned tense as both players exchanged breaks. Wade eventually clinched the decisive leg on the double top, securing his place in Blackpool’s next round.
After the match, Wade was candid about his performance, describing it as "rubbish" and attributing his win to luck rather than his usual high‑scoring consistency. He told Sky Sports, "I was really, really lucky.
I didn’t do what I normally do. I slowed him down, not purposely, but he pushes and pushes, as he has done the last four games between us. I slowed myself down and walked around rather than speeding up. In the end, the proof was in the pudding.
It's hard to process. I normally go so fast playing Wattimena, and this time I thought: 'I'm going to do what I want to do, not what you want me to do.'" Wade’s next opponent will be Ryan Searle, who dispatched William O'Connor 10-6.
O'Connor, making his Matchplay debut, fell behind early as Searle hit clinical doubles and broke twice to lead 6-1. Although the Irishman fought back to 8-6, Searle’s treble‑heavy finishing secured the win on double top.
In another first‑round clash, Gian van Veen displayed remarkable checkout prowess, overcoming Krzysztof Ratajski 10-6. Ratajski had bested Van Veen a week earlier en route to his third Euro Tour title in Leverkusen, but the world No.
3 turned the tables in Blackpool, especially with his precision on the outer ring. Van Veen opened with two 144 checkouts and later produced a massive 160 finish in the 13th leg, igniting the Winter Gardens crowd. Ratajski, nicknamed the "Polish Eagle," kept the score within reach but never closed the gap beyond three legs, as Van Veen defended his own throw superbly.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Van Veen admitted recent struggles, saying, "Everyone knows I have been struggling the last few months, and I just needed that win today. My finishing got me through that game today.
I am finishing really well, my scoring needs to be up there the next round. It is very important to have a good run. I have been up and down. To go deep here would mean so much confidence for myself going into the back end of this year." Van Veen will meet Wessel Nijman, who demonstrated why he is the player to watch in 2026 with a commanding 10-5 victory over Dave Chisnall.
Nijman, already the holder of eight titles this year, finally translated his floor‑form dominance to a big‑stage performance. He surged ahead 6-1 after taking the first four legs, and despite Chisnall’s attempts to claw back, Nijman nullified a break and sealed the match with a flawless 108 checkout.
Michael van Gerwen edged a nervous 10-6 win over Andrew Gilding. Van Gerwen missed a double 12 for a nine‑dart finish in the sixth leg and posted an average just under 95, but his experience saw him through a resilient Gilding who refused to relinquish the lead in the first half.
Meanwhile, Gary Anderson delivered arguably the tournament’s best showing to date, dismantling Ryan Joyce 10-2. The Scottish veteran averaged just under 110 – his highest in 18 years at the Winter Gardens – and finished with impressive 144 and 141 checkouts.
Anderson’s next test will be against Jonny Clayton, who rounded off the afternoon session with a 10-7 win over Damon Heta. Clayton survived a late surge from Heta, clinching a 121 bullseye finish followed by a 144 checkout to secure the match.
The day’s opening match saw 13th seed Chris Dobey miss four match darts and eventually lose 13-11 to Dirk van Duijvenbode, after squandering 29 missed doubles. The first round of the World Matchplay continues on Monday with four more high‑stakes encounters broadcast live from 7 p.m.
on Sky Sports. Ross Smith opens the slate against Kevin Doets, followed by Gerwyn Price versus Germany’s No.
1 Martin Schindler. World No. 2 and 2024 champion Luke Humphries will face Cameron Menzies in a marquee showdown, and Danny Noppert will take on "Voltage" Rob Cross to close the evening. Fans will be watching closely to see who ultimately claims this year’s World Matchplay title.
While Luke Littler will be defending his crown, the field remains wide open, promising more drama, high scoring and spectacular finishes as the tournament progresses. Viewers can stream all the action on Sky Sports or via the NOW platform, ensuring they don’t miss a single dart thrown in Blackpool’s iconic arena.