In a tournament where former champions had been falling like dominoes, it was the veterans – and one teenager who plays like one – who firmly turned the tide.
Sunday night’s session at the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay was billed as a turning point – and it delivered. It had a little of everything: legends rolling back the years, ferrets biting hard, teenagers rewriting records, and one Liverpudlian surviving a very late wobble.
GARY ANDERSON 10-5 LUKE WOODHOUSE
The Flying Scotsman stuck one in the bank for the old timers, racing to victory after being all square at half-time. Woodhouse, making only his second appearance on the hallowed Winter Gardens again gave a good account of himself – yet to no avail.
Twelve months earlier, Woody pushed then reigning Matchplay champion, Nathan Aspinall way – eventually bowing out 10-8. And after two sessions against another who has tasted Blackpool triumph in Gary Anderson – the Harrows man was neck and neck.
However, that’s when things changed. Ando walked off stage at the second break, signed a couple of autographs for kids, then returned and barely missed a thing – in fact, that’s pretty much true – just the one double which didn’t really matter. Woodhouse was left to stand, watch and wish he could rewind until just before the adverts. Unfortunately, the Worcestershire chuckers destiny is limited to what he can throw at a dartboard and not dimensions in time.
Afterwards, Darts World told Gary that his old mate, Adrian Lewis had tipped him as a dark horse to win – just questioned whether age would come into play! Because, let’s face it – the Scot mentions it in almost every interview himself!
Asked about the impact of age and the new generation coming through, one seasoned pro didn’t hold back – with a few laughs along the way.
“Well, I agree with the age thing! It’s not just catching up with me – it’s getting out of hand. People think, ‘What’s he moaning about?’ – but I can’t even get out of bed in the morning!”
Not that he’s been taking it easy outside the oche either.
“If I’m not playing darts seven days a week, I’m working 16-hour shifts at the Lakes, cutting down trees.”
Basically, it’s either double tops or tree tops – and neither sound particularly relaxing. Despite the aches and long days, he’s not quite ready to accept the senior tour just yet.
“I don’t class myself as a senior yet – but once I’m done with darts, I’m done. Maybe I’ll take up hockey or golf.”
So, retirement might not involve slippers and a caravan just yet – more like sticks or swings. He also had praise for the sport’s younger fans, especially those turning up to see the likes of Luke Littler, and made a point about the importance of embracing the next generation.
“It’s the kids – they love darts now. Littler came along and did great things for the sport. Some of them might be here at an event like this for the very first time, so just give them a bit of attention. It’s not going to kill you.”
In summary: the legs might be creaking, the mornings might be rough, but the message is clear – there’s still plenty of life (and humour) left in the old throw yet.
JONNY CLAYTON 10-7 MARTIN SCHINDLER
It finally seemed like a new trend was beginning. In the early sessions, former champions were being dumped out. But two games into session three, it was the stalwarts getting the job done. First Anderson, then Clayton – the latter embroiled in a classic with Martin Schindler.
In a battle of two recent World Cup skippers, it was Wales who edged Germany in a match packed with fourteen maximums and some breathtaking power scoring. After racing into a 5–1 lead, the contest looked like The Ferret’s to lose. Schindi fought back ferociously, closing the gap to 6–4, but the Red Dragon man always maintained his advantage and had just enough to keep the German at bay.
Looking at the stats, Schindler could feel somewhat aggrieved. His magnificent 103.45 average topped Jonny’s, which sat just under the ton. He also hit exactly half of his doubles. The problem? He had far fewer chances than Clayton – and therein lies the crucial factor.
Jonny Clayton might be one of the most composed players on tour, but his Winter Gardens record isn’t exactly glittering. So, when he was out in front and looking sharp, I asked if his past experiences there were on his mind while embroiled in another big TV clash:
“You do start thinking about your record in that venue. I think it does come to mind. When I was 4–1 up, I’m thinking, just keep running.”
It’s the classic inner battle – one minute you’re coasting, the next your brain’s firing off existential questions mid-throw. Welcome to professional darts. Still, Clayton knew the man on the other side of the oche wasn’t going to give him anything for free.
“That’s the quality of Martin Schindler – he’s not going to let you run away with anything.”
And then there’s that nickname. In an era of intimidating aliases – The Heat, Voltage, The Titan – The Ferret doesn’t exactly strike fear into the heart. I suggested Aggressive Ostrich. Clayton wasn’t sold.
“I’ve been The Ferret for 30 years – I’m gonna stick with it.”
And to be fair, why change it? He might not have the scariest name in darts, but Jonny Clayton’s bite – like a ferret’s – often comes just when you least expect it.
LUKE LITTER 10-2 RYAN SEARLE
Reigning Premier League champion Luke Littler didn’t just burst out of the traps – he smashed them to bits. The opening mini-session of his World Matchplay clash against Ryan Searle was unlike anything we’ve seen before. Heading into the first break, The Nuke was 5–0 up, averaging a frankly ridiculous figure that had statisticians rifling through the record books and poor Searle wondering what on earth had just hit him.
There’s no questioning the quality of Heavy Metal, but when faced with the full force of a Littler tornado, there’s not much anyone can do. By the time Searle finally got a leg on the board, the teenager already had six. From that point, it wasn’t a case of if – just how soon.
In the end, Littler’s final average read a colossal 108.92 – and that was after easing off as the finish line approached. Think Usain Bolt casually jogging the last 20 metres. It was simply breathtaking from a player who clearly has more than just the Matchplay title in his sights:
“Yeah, the Triple Crown is there to be run. With Humphries out now, it won’t be a Luke v Luke final.”
Littler also revealed he’s back on the practice board – not that you’d have guessed he’d ever been off it.
“Practicing again now. But it’s just basically legs of 501 – nothing else like specific doubles of out-shots.
Being from the same town of Warrington, I teased that there should be a statue of him be built on Bridge Street, Littler smiled: “There should be.”
It’s Jermaine Wattimena up next for Luke. The Dutchman has publicly said he isn’t worried – but after this performance – I sure would be.
“He [Wattimena] played well earlier but I think I played a bit better – I just can’t wait to get back out there again.”
STEPHEN BUNTING 10-8 RYAN JOYCE
It hasn’t been a great couple of hours for anyone called Ryan. First Searle, then Joyce – both bowing out of the World Matchplay in quick succession. The latest to fall was Relentless Ryan Joyce, who was ultimately out-gunned by The Bullet, Stephen Bunting – though not without a few heart-in-mouth moments.
After a nip-and-tuck opening, Bunting led 6–4 at the second interval. A few minutes (and one slightly painful crowd rendition of Robbie Williams’ Angels) later, the Liverpudlian extended that advantage to 8–4 and looked to be in cruise control. Then someone whistled.
Whether it was nerves, momentum, or the eerie timing of a pitch-perfect heckle, Bunting faltered. Joyce pounced, clawing his way back to 8–8. Ever the gentleman, Bunting later suggested that the culprit may have simply been “whistling at some nice lady” and just got their timing wrong. Sure, Steve. That’s probably what happened, mate.
In the end, Bunting regained composure and saw it through 10–8 – more relief than euphoria. Still, ten 180s and a string of heavy visits proved his scoring power is firmly intact. And when you’re stacking up points like that, you can get away with a checkout percentage of just 35.71%.
Mental strength has become a core part of Bunting’s game in recent years, particularly after a rocky start to his Premier League campaign. When asked how much he had to dig into that resilience, he didn’t hold back:
“I’ll be honest – not many players in world darts go to the first eight nights, lose first round, and then go and win an event. That shows my mental strength and the never-say-die attitude. No matter how much I’m out and down – I still push forward. To bounce back and win ProTour, World Series, and a Euro Tour event shows how far I’ve come.”
Bunting’s last TV title – the Masters – was followed by the birth of another child nine months later. So, tongue firmly in cheek, I asked if another win next Sunday might spark similar celebrations.
“No more kids! I might go on The Big One. I don’t know what I’ll do – can’t think that far forward. Just enjoying the ride. Big game against Gary Anderson next, so not looking beyond that.”
As a child, Blackpool was a holiday destination. I booked the family in for a week, guaranteed but I’ve just bought a caravan in Prestatyn, so I’ll go there if I’m out early!”
And finally, when I asked if it might be time he learned the lyrics to his walk-on song Titanium, he smiled and insisted:
“I know the walk-on song 100%.”
If he keeps playing like this, he might need to prove it – at least for another week.
——ENDS—–
Images: PDC
