2023 Betfred World Matchplay Day Four Review

Tournament favourites fall on day four, with Price and Smith both departing.

Last 16 action got underway and an epic night of darts saw, Joe Cullen upset the odds and knock out Gerwyn Price to book his place in the last eight, with Dobey seeing off Smith.

Rockstar Raised The Roof

Joe Cullen sensational finishing was too much for Gerwyn Price, with Rockstar winning 13-11

Rockstar flew out the blocks and lead in the early proceedings 4-1 at the first break. Gerwyn Price reacted to the good start from Cullen to win the next session 3-2, which left Cullen just in front after the final interval.

Joe Cullen lead 8-6 before Price fired in four straight legs to move just one away. Cullen held to close the gap before Price had a a match dart. It was missed by Price before Cullen found back to back bullseye finishes to lead again.

Price levelled the score up, before Cullen held comfortably and won the game in fantastic style with a 116 checkout.

World Champion Out of The Matchplay

Chris Dobey produced a fantastic finishing performance in his victory over Michael Smith

Michael Smith took the early advantage leading 5-2 after seven legs which included a 121 from the current World Champion.

Hollywood scoring was the issue early but once he found the power scoring which has seen him be the best 180 hitter in the world in the past three months, was the master of the 140s and he reeled off seven straight legs to move just two legs away.

That run was too much for Smith who wasn’t able to find a way back in the game and the 69% doubling percentage from Dobey was world class and it’s Aspinall next for Hollywood.

Repeat Win For Gurney

Daryl Gurney fired in 5 180s and averaged 104.43 in defeating Gary Anderson 11-4.

Gurney who met Anderson last year and got the better of him, started in incredible style leading 6-0 with an 100% ratio on the doubles.

It was nearly seven out of seven for Superchin when he missed the bullseye for a 121 checkout, however Anderson didn’t require the bull for the same finish cleaning up a 121 on double four.

Gurney relentless power scoring was just to much for Anderson, with the Scotsman averaging 102 after 10 legs, he only had two legs on the board with the Northern Irishman averaging 106.

Anderson continued to fight till the end but a final average of 104 for Gurney was enough to seal an emphatic win over Gary Anderson.

Aspinall Battles Past Noppert

Nathan Aspinall had to use all of his fight to edge past Danny Noppert.

The Asp lead 3-2 and 6-4 at the breaks with five breaks of throw in the opening ten legs. Noppert was struggling with his scoring with only three scores of 140+ in ten legs.

Both players after the interval were comfortable on throw up until leg 18, with Asp throwing for the game Noppie found a 13 dart leg to level up the game for the first time since leg four.

Nathan Aspinall found another gear, just needing 30 more darts to seal the victory with a 14 and a 16 darter.

2023 Betfred World Matchplay

Tuesday July 18 

4x Second Round

Daryl Gurney 11-4 Gary Anderson

Nathan Aspinall 11-9 Danny Noppert

Joe Cullen 13-11 Gerwyn Price

Michael Smith 11-7 Chris Dobey