Man consider the Betfred World Matchplay is one of the truest tests in elite darts. The PDC second most prestigious is a also a huge fan favourite. With longer formats, no set play to even up the odds and only either the very best, and the most on-form, making up the elite field, it’s often a gripping event right from opening matches.
As the 2025 Betfred sponsored event rolls into the Winter Gardens next week, bringing with it thirty-two dart-flinging hopefuls, £800,000 in prize money, and a strong scent of ambition, DW are going to suggest a few early match ups to keep an eye on.
So dust off those deckchairs and brace yourselves – the countdown for darts’ answer to Glastonbury (with fewer tents) is truly underway. And the first-round draw has thrown up ties far tastier than the promenade burgers.
Humphries v Van Veen:
Defending champion Luke Humphries – world number one and current holder of the Phil Taylor Trophy – begins his campaign against World Youth Champion Gian van Veen, a man with talent as big as his points.
The Matchpay is a difficult defence with only three men having won more than one title so Humphries may have wished for a more comfortable start than against the Dutch prodigy who may be due for a major event breakthrough?
MVG vs Barney:
In a match drenched in Dutch nostalgia, three-time champ Michael van Gerwen will slug it out with his old sparring partner Raymond van Barneveld, who’s been threatening retirement longer than most of us have had a mobile phone. Over the years this type always had something of the master vs the apprentice about it with Barney regularly being able to defy the odds even when Micahel was in his pomp.
With both men in different stages of their careers this might be a fascinating watch.
Littler vs Searle:
Reigning King of the Palace Luke Littler goes hunting for something he remarkably hasn’t yet won – as a qualifier he drew Micahel van Gerwen in the first round last year.
The teenage World Champion will be facing off against Ryan Searle, a man with the hair of a Norse god and the eyesight of a bat. Still, he’s darned good considering.
Searle never looks phased and The Nuke has not been at his destructive best in recent weeks, there will be plenty looking to see if Luke can get a challenge started this time.
Clayton vs Schindler:
Jonny Clayton takes on German number one Martin Schindler, which should be a belter. Clayton had an emotional run to the final here and always has plenty of support. Schindler could be due a run in one of the bigger majors. He is yet to replicate his Pro Tour title winning form on one of the biggest stages and may face a hostile crowd after the recent World Cup.
Rock vs Smith:
Josh Rock and Ross Smith collide in another contest for the purists to salivate over. Both these men are capable of sublime performances and can destroy their opponents with sustained number crunching like few others.
Smudger Smith can produce sublime performances but seems to have struggled to make the kind of impact his European Championship win would have suggested was imminent. It’s possible that he needs to add more to his matchplay game and what better place is there to do so?
Rock has begun to pick up titles and has claimed an emotional one at the World Cup recently. Could the Northern Irishman make his ranking major breakthrough here?
Other juicy ties involving former Matchplay champs include the colourful Peter Wright against Jermaine Wattimena. The Machine Gun has been firing incredibly of late – but will he have the antidote for a Snakebite? Rob Cross versus Dirk van Duijvenbode promises noise, fireworks, and all the makings of a maxfest.
Stephen Bunting and Ryan Joyce renew their yearly tradition of meeting in round one, while Nathan Aspinall – part man, part energy drink – plays debutant Wessel Nijman.
Gary Anderson continues his one-man crusade to prove grumpiness is a performance enhancer, facing Luke Woodhouse. Meanwhile, James Wade makes his twentieth consecutive appearance – in his wife’s hometown, no less. The Machine plays Joe Cullen, who was one millimetre away from becoming Premier League champ. That’s darts for you, Joseph!
Elsewhere, Gerwyn Price renews World Cup final rivalries as he takes on Daryl Gurney in a match oozing with energy and character. And Chris Dobey will try to outwit the highest-ranked player whose name would score the most in a game of Scrabble – Ricardo Pietreczko. Especially on a triple word score.
Finally, Damon Heta faces Andrew Gilding – with gold being the theme there. Think about it. Dave Chisnall goes head to head with reigning Grand Prix champ Mike De Decker in what looks like one that could go deep. Oh, and keep an eye on Cameron Menzies – surprisingly making his Winter Gardens debut – who will be looking to freeze out Danny Noppert.
The Empress Ballroom, Blackpool awaits…
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
