2025 World Matchplay – Sunday Preview: Big Names, Big Stage

After a sizzling opening night which saw the defending champion Luke Humphries sent home early by Gian van Veen, the  Betfred World Matchplay 2025 rolls into its first full day with two stacked sessions at the Winter Gardens. From seasoned legends to rising stars, Sunday promises a perfect blend of drama, atmosphere and darting brilliance.

Let’s take a quick look at what’s coming up…

Afternoon Session  (1pm–5pm)

Rob Cross vs Dirk van Duijvenbode

A first-round tie that screams entertainment. Rob Cross, the 2019 Matchplay champ, takes on the fiery but unpredictable Dirk van Duijvenbode. These two have met on big stages before and always deliver pace and power. Both have been struggling to reach their “A game” consistently lately and will be targeting this game to ignight their hopes of a deep run in the tournament.

• Stat to watch: Cross has made the Matchplay quarter-finals or better in 4 of the last 5 years.

Peter Wright vs Jermaine Wattimena

Former world and Matchplay champ Peter Wright begins his campaign against quick-fire Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena. Snakebite’s form has been patchy to say the least, but you never quite know when he’ll find that winning habit  again, or that winning set of darts…

Wattimena meanwhile is no stranger to the Matchplay stage, having reached the second round twice, most recently in 2019. While consistency has been an issue in recent years, he’s clawed his way back up the rankings thanks to some strong ProTour form in 2025.

• Fun fact: Wright has made the Matchplay semi-finals or better three times in the last six years.

Elsewhere in the afternoon:

• Damon Heta vs Andrew Gilding: The Aussie Heat meets the 2023 UK Open champ.

• Dave Chisnall vs Mike De Decker: Chizzy will be looking to bring his floor form to the stage.

Evening Session Highlights (7pm–11pm)

Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle

The biggest crowd reaction of the day is guaranteed when Luke “The Nuke” Littler hits the Blackpool stage. The teenage sensation was handed an early exit last year at the hands of Michael van Gerwen. This year “The Nuke” faces Ryan Searle, a heavy scorer who is more than capable of spoiling the party.

• Stat to know: Littler has averaged over 100 in more than 60% of his TV matches in 2025.

Gary Anderson vs Luke Woodhouse

One of the game’s most beloved greats returns to the Matchplay stage. Gary Anderson, the 2018 champion, although the vetran’s form has dipped in recent years, has shown signs of turning back the clock this year and a resurgence coule be on the cards. Luke Woodhouse, though, is solid and fearless, back for his second consecutive World Matchplay appearance. He made his Blackpool debut in 2024, where he put up a solid performance but bowed out in the first round to Joe Cullen. His opponent however, is one of the most dangerous players in the field, the Englishman could be in for a long night.

Also tonight:

• Jonny Clayton vs Martin Schindler: A real stylistic clash – steady rhythm vs rapid fire.

• Stephen Bunting vs Ryan Joyce: Two under-the-radar players capable of deep runs.

Full Fixture List – Sunday 20 July 2025

Afternoon Session (1pm – 5pm)

• Damon Heta vs Andrew Gilding

• Rob Cross vs Dirk van Duijvenbode

• Peter Wright vs Jermaine Wattimena

• Dave Chisnall vs Mike De Decker

Evening Session (7pm – 11pm)

• Gary Anderson vs Luke Woodhouse

• Jonny Clayton vs Martin Schindler

• Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle

• Stephen Bunting vs Ryan Joyce

Follow all of the action at the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay