Michael van Gerwen emerged victorious in a thrilling match against Luke Littler at the World Matchplay, securing a 10-6 win. In their 10th encounter, Van Gerwen silenced his critics after a period of disappointing performances this year. This win also denied Littler his first victory on debut at the Winter Gardens. The Dutchman expressed his emotions post-match and is set to face Joe Cullen in the next round.
Van Gerwen reflected on the challenging match, acknowledging Littler’s incredible talent and the hard work required to secure the win. Despite facing a rough patch recently, he credited his dedication to practice during the holidays for the victory.
The match had its share of ups and downs, with Littler taking an early lead before Van Gerwen staged a comeback to lead 5-2. Both players displayed impressive scoring, averaging around 110 in the middle of the game. A pivotal moment came when Van Gerwen executed a remarkable 146 checkout to extend his lead to 8-5. Littler struggled to recover, allowing Van Gerwen to clinch the victory.
In another exciting match, Michael Smith rallied from a 3-0 deficit against Gary Anderson to secure a 10-5 win. Smith’s seven consecutive legs propelled him to victory as Anderson faced challenges with the crowd’s behavior. Smith’s exceptional form throughout the match highlighted his determination and respect for Anderson.
Looking ahead, Smith is set to face Chris Dobey in the next round, following Dobey’s hard-fought 10-7 victory over Ritchie Edhouse. The World Matchplay action continues with Ryan Searle’s impressive performance against Damon Heta, securing a 10-4 win.
As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate more thrilling matches on Tuesday. The second round kicks off with Gerwyn Price taking on Ross Smith, followed by Nathan Aspinall facing James Wade. World champion Luke Humphries will clash with Stephen Bunting, and Jonny Clayton will meet Dimitri Van den Bergh in the final match of the night.
The World Matchplay promises to deliver more excitement as the competition heats up. Don’t miss the action live on Sky Sports Main Event and Action, with instant access available for £26 with NOW. Stream a variety of sports live on NOW with no contract, ensuring you catch all the thrilling moments of the World Matchplay and more.