James Wade survived a gritty 10‑7 showdown against Jermaine Wattimena to earn a place in the second round of the World Matchplay at Blackpool's iconic Winter Gardens. The 2007 champion, who has been runner‑up six times (2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2025), is still desperate to lift the Phil Taylor trophy again. In his 21st appearance at the event, Wade started strongly, snatching four legs in the opening session and establishing a solid 4‑1 lead while Wattimena struggled to find his rhythm on the televised stage. The Dutch contender rallied with a burst of high‑scoring legs and two crucial breaks of throw, narrowing the gap to 5‑4.

However, Wade soon re‑asserted control as Wattimena’s level dipped a second time, allowing "The Machine" to claim three consecutive legs and stretch his advantage to 8‑4. The remainder of the match turned tense, with both players exchanging breaks, but Wade ultimately clinched the final legs to seal the victory in Blackpool.

After the win, Wade was candid about his performance, describing it as "rubbish" and admitting he felt fortunate. "I was really, really lucky. I didn't do what I normally do," he told Sky Sports. "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 match was a masterclass in early dominance. The Irish debutant O'Connor fell behind quickly as Searle hit precise doubles and secured two early breaks, racing to a 6‑1 lead. Though O'Connor fought back to 8‑6, Searle’s relentless trebles proved decisive, allowing him to finish on a double and move on.

Gian van Veen also impressed, delivering a confident 10‑6 victory over Krzysztof Ratajski. Van Veen, ranked world No. 3, avenged a recent loss to Ratajski from a Euro Tour event in Leverkusen.

He showcased his finishing prowess with two early 144 checkouts and a spectacular 160 checkout in the 13th leg, igniting the Winter Gardens crowd. Ratajski, known as the "Polish Eagle," kept pace but never got closer than three legs, as Van Veen defended his own throw flawlessly. Speaking to Sky Sports, Van Veen reflected on his recent form: "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." He will meet Wessel Nijman, who demonstrated why he is a leading contender in 2026 with a 10‑5 demolition of Dave Chisnall. Nijman entered the tournament after a prolific season that saw him capture eight titles. In his Matchplay debut, he seized the first four legs and built a 6‑1 lead. Although Chisnall clawed back a few legs, Nijman neutralised a potential break and held his own throw, culminating in a flawless 108 checkout to seal the win.

Michael van Gerwen edged a nervous 10‑6 triumph over Andrew Gilding. Van Gerwen narrowly 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 determined Gilding who refused to relinquish the lead early on. Gary Anderson, the former world champion, delivered arguably the tournament's best performance to date, thumping Ryan Joyce 10‑2.

Anderson posted an average just under 110 – his highest at the Winter Gardens in 18 years – and finished with impressive 144 and 141 checkouts. His next challenge will be against Jonny Clayton, who secured a 10‑7 win over Damon Heta, surviving a late surge from "The Heat" with a decisive 121 bullseye finish followed by a 144 checkout. The day also featured a dramatic encounter between 13th seed Chris Dobey and Dirk van Duijvenbode. Dobey missed four match darts and ultimately fell 13‑11 after squandering 29 double attempts, highlighting the fine margins that define Matchplay darts.

The first round of the World Matchplay continues on Monday with four more high‑stakes matches broadcast live on Sky Sports from 7 pm. Ross Smith opens against Kevin Doets, followed by Gerwyn Price versus German No.

1 Martin Schindler. 2024 champion and world No. 2 Luke Humphries will headline with a clash against Cameron Menzies, and Danny Noppert will round out the evening against "Voltage" Rob Cross.

Fans will be keen to see who ultimately claims this year's World Matchplay title. Luke Littler, the defending champion, will look to retain his crown as the tournament progresses, with all action available on Sky Sports and streaming platforms such as NOW for those who prefer online viewing.