Michael Smith put on a dominant performance against Rob Cross in the World Matchplay quarter-finals, setting up a thrilling semi-final showdown against Michael van Gerwen. The Dutch superstar also secured his spot in the semi-finals by overcoming Andrew Gilding in a hard-fought match.
Van Gerwen had to battle through a tough game against Gilding, struggling with his finishing on doubles and finding Gilding’s slow pace challenging. Despite the difficulties, Van Gerwen managed to find another gear in the latter half of the match to secure his place in the semi-finals.
Smith’s victory over Cross was highlighted by Cross’ struggles with double 16, missing 12 attempts at the bed which proved costly. Smith capitalized on Cross’ missed opportunities and cruised to a 16-7 win, showcasing his sharp form and determination to win a major title.
Both Smith and Van Gerwen will face off in what promises to be an exciting semi-final match, with Smith aiming to clinch his first Matchplay crown while Van Gerwen seeks his fourth title. The semi-finals will take place at the Winter Gardens on Saturday, offering fans a thrilling display of top-class darts.
In addition to the semi-final matchups, the World Matchplay will see Luke Humphries take on James Wade in the evening’s opener before the highly-anticipated clash between Van Gerwen and Smith. The tournament features the world’s best darts players competing for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy and a prize pool of £800,000.
Darts enthusiasts can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 7.30 pm on Saturday. The semi-finals will be played in a first-to-17 legs format, adding to the excitement and drama of the prestigious summer tournament.
As the World Matchplay reaches its climax, fans can expect intense competition, high-quality darts, and thrilling moments as the top players battle it out for glory. Don’t miss the semi-final matchups and witness the crowning of the next champion at the iconic Blackpool venue.