James Wade survived a gripping 10-7 encounter with Jermaine Wattimena to advance into the second round of the World Matchplay at Blackpool's iconic Winter Gardens. The 2007 champion, who has finished as runner‑up on six previous occasions (2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2025), is still yearning to lift the Phil Taylor trophy again.
In his 21st appearance at the tournament, Wade started strongly, claiming four of the first five legs and establishing a 4-1 lead. Wattimena, whose performance on the television stage was below his usual standard, managed to claw back with a series of high‑scoring visits and two crucial breaks of throw, narrowing the gap to 5-4.
However, Wade seized the momentum when Wattimena’s level dipped a second time, stringing together three consecutive legs to push the score to 8-4. The remainder of the match became a tense back‑and‑forth as both players exchanged breaks, but Wade ultimately held his nerve and secured the win on the final double, earning a place in the next round. After the match, Wade was candid about his play, describing his own performance as "rubbish" and admitting that he had been unusually lucky. 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.
Searle's own first‑round match was a dominant display. O'Connor, making his Matchplay debut, fell behind early as Searle hit a series of clinical doubles and secured two early breaks, racing to a 6-1 lead.
Although the Irishman rallied to bring the score to 8-6, Searle's treble‑heavy scoring proved too much, and he sealed the victory with a finish on double top. In another headline fixture, Gian van Veen produced a masterclass in finishing, beating Krzysztof Ratajski 10-6. Van Veen, the world number three, had lost to Ratajski less than a week earlier in Leverkusen, but he turned the tables in Blackpool with precision on the outer ring and two early 144 checkouts that set the tone. A spectacular 160 checkout in the 13th leg ignited the crowd and gave Van Veen a decisive break of throw.
Ratajski, known as the "Polish Eagle," kept the pressure on but could never get closer than three legs, as Van Veen defended his own throw brilliantly. Speaking to Sky Sports, Van Veen said, "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 impressed with a 10-5 victory over Dave Chisnall. Nijman, who has collected eight titles in 2026, used the Matchplay platform to translate his prolific floor form to the big stage.
He surged out of the gates, taking the first four legs and leading 6-1 before Chisnall could mount any serious comeback. After neutralising a break from Chisnall, Nijman held his own throw throughout and capped the win with a flawless 108 checkout. Michael van Gerwen, another former world champion, 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 as Gilding fought valiantly to stay in the match during the opening half. Meanwhile, Gary Anderson delivered perhaps the most impressive performance of the opening day, thrashing Ryan Joyce 10-2. Anderson averaged just under 110 – his highest at the Winter Gardens in 18 years – and showcased dazzling finishes of 144 and 141.
His next opponent will be Jonny Clayton, who secured a 10-7 win over Damon Heta, sealing the match with a 121 bullseye finish followed by a 144 checkout. The day's action also featured the 13th seed Chris Dobey, who missed four match darts and ultimately fell 13-11 to Dirk van Duijvenbode after squandering 29 double attempts. The first round will continue on Monday with four more high‑stakes matches broadcast live on Sky Sports from 7 p.m. Ross Smith opens the slate against Kevin Doets, followed by Gerwyn Price versus Germany's number one Martin Schindler.
World number two Luke Humphries, the 2024 Matchplay champion, will face Cameron Menzies in a clash that promises fireworks, while Danny Noppert will take on "Voltage" Rob Cross later in the evening. The World Matchplay remains one of darts' most prestigious events, and the field this year is packed with seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers.
Fans can follow every throw, every checkout, and every surprise upset on Sky Sports or stream the action via NOW. The tournament's blend of tradition, high‑pressure moments, and the quest for the coveted Phil Taylor trophy ensures that each round delivers drama and excitement for both players and spectators alike.