Resurgent Stars Clash in Blackpool

Daryl Gurney takes on 2018 Matchplay winner Gary Anderson at the 2023 Betfred World Matchplay, in the first clash of the Second Round at the Winter Gardens.

Superchin overcame another former winner in Rob Cross on the opening night, claiming a 12-10 win with Voltage hitting the big fish despite defeat.

The former Semi Finalist produced an important 96 finish with his last dart at double 8 in the 21st leg, to break his opponent and throw for the match.

Gary won later in Saturday’s curtain raiser, beating Dave Chisnall 10-6 including a Shanghai (120) finish to break his opponent early on.

Anderson and Gurney met in the First Round 12 months ago at the Winter Gardens, with Daryl coming through a 10-7 winner including a blind 180 to lift the lively Blackpool crowd.

Both were sent home early at the most recent World Championship but have started this year in resurgent form.

The pair produced a classic back in the Second Round of the 2017 World Matchplay, with Superchin clinching an 11-9 win as both players hit averages over a ton (Anderson: 105.17/ Gurney: 103.26).

Anderson has claimed a title on the Pro Tour in 2023, after he beat Krzysztof Ratajski 8-5 in the Final of Players Championship 8.

The Flying Scotsman also reached the Final of Pro Tour Event 5, as he went on to finish 7th on the Pro Tour Order of Merit to qualify for Blackpool.

Gurney has already dumped out one former holder of the Phil Taylor trophy in this year’s competition, including a 63.16% checkout rate and 6 180s in his opening round win over Cross.

Superchin beat some big names in reaching the Semi Finals of the Austrian Darts Open, whilst also reaching the Quarter Finals of the opening Pro Tour of the year in Barnsley.

The Second-Round action starts from 7pm tonight live on Sky Sports, with last year’s Runner Up Gerwyn Price up against former Masters winner Joe Cullen and World Champion Michael Smith taking on Chris Dobey.