World Matchplay Darts: James Wade fights through 20th Blackpool appearance as Gian van Veen picks up crucial win | Darts News

James Wade came through a hard-fought 10-7 win over Jermaine Watimena in the second round of the World Matchplay at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

Wade, the 2007 World Matchplay Champion, is looking to finally win the Phil Taylor Trophy after finishing runner-up at the tournament six times in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2025.

In his 20th matchplay appearance, Wade had an early advantage as he took a 4-1 lead with four legs on the spin in the first session, Watimena’s level of sub-par for the TV stage.

The Dutchman came up with two breaks on strong footwork and throws that helped him claw back to 5-4.

Despite the resurgence, Wade capitalized when Watmena’s level faded a second time, allowing ‘The Machine’ to reel off three legs in a row for an 8-4 advantage.

Then a few legs were tense as the throw took a break, with Wade finally taking the top spot to win in Blackpool.

Wade, as always, was honest in his assessment of his own performance, declaring that he was “rubbish”.

“I was really, really lucky. I didn’t do what I normally do,” Wade said Sky Sports.

“I slowed him down, not on purpose, but he pushed and pushed, like he’s done the last four games between us.

“I slowed myself down and walked around instead of speeding up.

“In the end, the proof was in the pudding.

“It’s hard to process. I usually go too fast to play Watimena, and this time I thought: ‘I’m going to do what I want to do, not what you want me to do.'”

He will face Ryan Searle Who is coming off a 10-6 win over William O’Connor.

O’Connor, who was making his matchplay debut, put Searle to the sword early as some clinical doubling and two breaks in the throw saw him lead 6-1.

The Irishman fought back to bring the game back to 8-6 but it wasn’t enough as Searle again found his treble to secure the result, taking it to the top.

Van Veen found the win a confidence booster as Nijmann brought floor form to the stage

Gian van Veen showed some incredible finishing in a 10-6 win over Krzysztof Ratajski in a confidence boost for the world No.3.

Ratajski beat Van Veen en route to his third EuroTour title in Leverkusen less than a week ago but Van Veen showed why he is one of the world’s best in Blackpool, particularly in the outer rings.

Two early 144 checkouts set the precedent and a massive 160 checkout for the break in the 13th leg throw lit up the Winter Gardens.

The ‘Polish Eagle’ continued to come across the contest, but was always kept at least three feet away from Van Veen as he defended his own throw incredibly well.

“Everyone knows I’ve been struggling the last few months, and I needed that win today,” Van Veen said. Sky Sports.

“My finishing went through that game today.

“I’m finishing really well, my scoring needs to be in the next round.

“Having a good run is very important. I’ve been up and down.

“Going deep here means a lot of confidence for myself going into the end of this year.”

He faced Wessel Nijmann in 2026 after the Dutchman showed off a comprehensive 10-5 win over Dave Chisnall.

Nijman won eight titles in 2026, but the matchplay marked the tournament where it was time to convert his floor form into a big stage performance.

He did so while taking the first four legs to go up 6-1. Chisnall managed to pick up a few legs along the way but after dismissing ‘Cheesy’s’ throw, Nijman held onto his throw for a brilliant 108 checkout to win.

What happened in the afternoon session?

Michael van Gerwen Andrew Gilding, while ground out a nervy win Gary Anderson Delivered his best ever World Matchplay performance at Blackpool on Sunday afternoon.

Van Gerwen, who missed D12 for a nine-darter in the sixth leg, averaged no less than 95 in a 10-6 win over Gilding who refused to surrender a first-half lead in their round one contest.

Former world champion Anderson Delivered his best performance of the tournament so far, beating Ryan Joyce 10-2.

The Scotsman averaged just under 110 – his best in 18 years at the Winter Garden – and produced spectacular finishes of 144 and 141 to win.

He will accept Johnny Clayton In the next round, who rounded out the afternoon session with a 10-7 win over Damon Heta, Clayton’s stand out moments clinched the fight back from ‘The Heat’ with a 121 finish on the bullseye followed by a 144 finish.

In the first game of the day, 13th seed Chris Dobe missed four match darts before losing 13-11. Dirk van DuyvenbodeDobey paid for missing 29 doubles in the game.

What’s happening in World Matchplay on Monday?

The first round of World Matchplay Darts continues on Monday with four more big games coming your way, live on Sky Sports from 7pm.

Ross Smith Opens the show against Kevin Deutzas Gerwyn Price Then began his matchplay campaign against the German No.1 Martin Schindler.

2024 Matchplay Champion and World No.2 Luke Humphries Heading into the evening with a splash against the water Cameron Menzies.

Danny Knoppert Then later in the evening when he takes ‘Voltage’ Rob Cross.

Who will win this year’s World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler will defend his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more great games now.