The eagerly anticipated World Matchplay Darts 2024 kicks off Saturday night at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. This prestigious event is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and dramatic matches, and this year’s opening night promises to deliver a thrilling start. With former world champions and top contenders all vying for victory, fans are set for an evening of top-tier darts. The fixtures include Gerwyn Price versus Daryl Gurney, Jonny Clayton facing Raymond van Barneveld, Luke Humphries against Ricardo Pietreczko, and Nathan Aspinall taking on Luke Woodhouse.
Read on to find detailed match by match previews and predictions for the World Matchplay Darts 2024 Day 1 and take advantage of the selected betting offers to maximise your betting value.
World Matchplay Darts Day one 2024 Tips
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Intense Showdowns Await: World Matchplay Darts 2024 Opening Night Preview
Key Stats
– Gerwyn Price’s three-dart average of 98.24 places him among the top five in all competitions this season, but recent form issues raise concerns.
– Jonny Clayton has averaged over 98 since revitalising his season, culminating in a championship win and establishing him as a top contender.
– Ricardo Pietreczko’s 180s rate has dropped to just one maximum every 10 legs since May, indicating a significant decline in his scoring power.
The World Matchplay Darts, held annually at the Winter Gardens, is one of the most highly anticipated tournaments in the darts calendar. The unique knockout format, combined with the venue’s rich history and passionate crowd, makes for a spectacular sporting event. The competition features 32 of the world’s best players, who compete over nine days for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy. Each match is a test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude, as players must navigate through intense rounds to reach the final.
Tonight’s line-up includes some of the sport’s biggest names, each bringing their own style and flair to the oche. The evening’s matches promise a blend of high drama, remarkable skill, and potential upsets, setting the stage for what should be an enthralling tournament.
Game-by-Game Predictions for Day One
Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney
Gerwyn Price, a former finalist, starts his campaign with some trepidation, having openly admitted to struggles with form and fitness. “I’ve never done well there,” Price confessed, highlighting his mixed history at the Winter Gardens. Since winning the Nordic Darts Masters, his performance has been inconsistent, with early exits in the Pro Tour and withdrawal from the World Cup raising concerns. Despite his three-dart average of 98.24, which places him among the top five in all competitions this season, these issues have cast doubt over his chances.
On the other hand, Daryl Gurney has shown solid form this year. Although Price’s three-dart average surpasses Gurney’s 93.32, Gurney’s steadier mindset and recent performances suggest he can cover the 2.5 leg handicap. Gurney, known for his resilience, has had a commendable season, making a Players Championship final and maintaining a checkout percentage of 43.38%.
Jonny Clayton v Raymond van Barneveld
Jonny Clayton, last year’s runner-up, had a slow start to the season but has recently found his stride. A finalist at the Dutch Darts Championship and a winner at Players Championship 14, Clayton’s average has soared above 98. This resurgence in form has re-established him among the sport’s elite. His recent performances have been characterised by consistent high scoring and efficient checkouts, indicating a return to the form that saw him reach the final last year.
Raymond van Barneveld, although a seasoned veteran with a Pro Tour title this year, has historically struggled at the Winter Gardens, not progressing past the second round since 2011. Van Barneveld’s seasonal average is a respectable 93.75, and he has shown flashes of his old brilliance with victories over top players like Michael Smith and Gary Anderson.
Luke Humphries v Ricardo Pietreczko
Luke Humphries, the reigning world champion, faces Ricardo Pietreczko, who has lost his last five PDC matches. Humphries boasts a substantial seasonal average of 99.28 compared to Pietreczko’s 88.95. The German has struggled to maintain his form, especially in hitting 180s, averaging one maximum every 10 legs since May. Humphries, known for his powerful scoring and clinical finishing, has maintained his exceptional standards throughout the season.
Humphries’ dominance in scoring and his ability to close out legs efficiently make him the clear favourite to advance.
Nathan Aspinall v Luke Woodhouse
Defending champion Nathan Aspinall has had a turbulent year, marked by injury struggles and fluctuating performances. Despite leading the head-to-head 3-0 against Luke Woodhouse, their encounters have been closely contested, often going to the deciding leg. Aspinall’s seasonal average of 94.52 just edges out Woodhouse’s 93.75, but the margin is slim, and Woodhouse has been a more efficient finisher with a checkout percentage of 39.84%.
Aspinall’s recent form has been inconsistent, dropping below 90 in several matches, which has raised concerns about his current level. Woodhouse, on the other hand, has had a series of decent runs on the Pro Tour and reached the quarter-finals of the Players Championship Finals.
Prediction for World Matchplay Darts Day one
Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney: Gurney +2.5 Leg Handicap
Despite Gerwyn Price’s superior three-dart average, his recent performance has been erratic, and there are concerns about his form and fitness. Price’s admission of his struggles at the Winter Gardens and his mental state raises red flags. His early exits in recent Pro Tour events and his withdrawal from the World Cup highlight his current vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, Daryl Gurney has been consistent, showing a steady form that suggests he can cover the 2.5 leg handicap. Gurney’s three-dart average of 93.32, while lower than Price’s, coupled with a higher checkout percentage of 43.38%, indicates he has the tools to keep the match close. Price’s erratic form, coupled with Gurney’s steady performance, makes this handicap a smart choice for punters.
Jonny Clayton v Raymond van Barneveld: Clayton to Win
Jonny Clayton’s return to form has been nothing short of remarkable. After a slow start to the season, Clayton has found his rhythm, evidenced by his run to the final at the Dutch Darts Championship and his triumph at Players Championship 14. His three-dart average has climbed above 98, showcasing his consistency and precision.
Clayton’s resurgence has reinstated him among the sport’s elite, making him a formidable opponent. Raymond van Barneveld, though a veteran with a Pro Tour title this year, has struggled at the Winter Gardens, not progressing past the second round since 2011. Despite his respectable seasonal average of 93.75 and notable victories, van Barneveld’s inconsistency at this venue is a significant drawback. Clayton’s recent achievements and superior form make him the clear favourite in this encounter.
Luke Humphries v Ricardo Pietreczko: Pietreczko Under 2.5 180s
Luke Humphries, the reigning world champion, has maintained an exceptional seasonal average of 99.28, highlighting his dominant form. In stark contrast, Ricardo Pietreczko has been struggling, losing his last five PDC matches and averaging just 88.95. Pietreczko’s difficulty in hitting 180s is particularly telling, with an average of one maximum every 10 legs since May.
With the total legs line set at 15.5, it is unlikely Pietreczko will surpass 2.5 180s. Humphries’ consistent scoring and Pietreczko’s declining confidence and form make this bet the most sensible for this match. The German’s dip in performance and Humphries’ superior game play underline the rationale for predicting fewer maximums from Pietreczko.
Nathan Aspinall v Luke Woodhouse: Total Legs Over 16.5 (Best Bet of the Day)
Nathan Aspinall, the defending champion, has had a mixed year with injury struggles and inconsistent performances. Despite leading the head-to-head 3-0 against Luke Woodhouse, their matches have often been closely contested, frequently going to the deciding leg. Aspinall’s average of 94.52 slightly edges out Woodhouse’s 93.75, but the difference is marginal. Woodhouse has proven to be an efficient finisher with a checkout percentage of 39.84%, making him a formidable opponent.
Given their history of tightly contested matches and comparable statistics, a long match with over 16.5 legs is highly probable. This makes it the best bet of the day due to the strong supporting evidence from their past encounters and current form. The closely matched statistics and the nature of their previous meetings strongly support the likelihood of a drawn-out contest, making over 16.5 legs a compelling prediction.
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