2025 World Matchplay Day Three Preview

Legends Collide in the Final Night of Round One

The heat in Blackpool is rising as day three of the 2025 World Matchplay brings the final four first round matches to the iconic Winter Gardens. After a thrilling opening two days where upsets and high averages have made headlines, tonight wraps up the first round and four marquee fixtures take the Empress Ballroom stage.

Yesterdays stabdout moment was surely the blockbuster performance from Luke Littler. While several top names, including world number one Luke Humphries, suffered early exits during a dramatic weekend in Blackpool, the reigning World Champion showed no signs of vulnerability as he cruised into the last 16. The afetrnoon session saw four seeds fall including favourites Damon Heta and Rob Cross handed early exits.

Here’s a detailed look at tonight’s 2025 World Matchplay fixtures

Chris Dobey vs Ricardo Pietreczko

Chris Dobey, currently ranked a lofty 6th in the PDC Order of Merit, enters the 2025 world matchplay having demonstrating impressive form at recent TV events. Questions still remain however over his doubling under pressure. The Geordie favourite will hope that a recent Pro Tour win will have answered those questions and build up some confidence heading into one of the biggest events of the year.

Pietreczko will be making his second appearence at the Winter Gardens. The German lost to Luke Humphries in the opening round of the 2023 event and failed to qialify last year. Picachu will be eager to prove he belongs on this stage but may find Dobey too much in this environment.

Expect a high-scoring match and for Dobey to assert control early, while Pietreczko will aim to keep pace with his heavy scoring. If Pietreczko can hit his doubles, this could be a match to watch.

Gerwyn Price vs Daryl Gurney

The battle of the Celtic warriors pits Northern Ireland’s Daryl Gurney against Welsh powerhouse Gerwyn Price. Price enters the match a strong favourite and rightly so, he has undoubtedly been the best player in the world not called “Luke” over the last few months and recent wins both on the Euro Tour and in the World Series will do nothing but boulster the Welshman’s confidence. The Winter Garden’s has not been a happy hunting ground for Price the last couple of years with back to back second round exits. The Ice Man arrives in 2025 in much better form than recent yeaer and after a number of surprising exits finds himslef among the favourites to go all the way.

Gurney, known for his resilience and late-match surges, will need to exploit any tactical missteps from the “Iceman.” still some way from his brilliant best, thete have been shoots of resurgence from Super Chin and he will be looking to ride a wave of success following Northern Ireland’s World Cup win in June.

This fixture promises fireworks. But Price maintains his recent form, Gurney must deliver a seasons-best night to challenge the former world champion.

Michael van Gerwen vs Raymond van Barneveld

Among one of the most storied rivalry in darts history reignites as “Mighty” Michael van Gerwen takes on compatriot Raymond van Barneveld in a match steeped in history and nostalgia. Recent history however bodes far better for MVG as he leads the head‑to‑head 8–2 over their last ten meetings. It has been some time now since we have seen van Barneveld at his best and many picked him in the runup to this tournament to not get over the line for qualification. This does not mean that it will be an easy match for MVG. The Green Machine will still need to bring his best and won’t want to be caught cold.

Van Barneveld, the senior veteran of the two, famously beat MVG 10–3 in Blackpool back in 2009, proving that age alone doesn’t decide these great duels. Expect MVG to bring intensity, but Barney’s experience and his new status as the wiley veteran could make for an interesting tussle.

Ross Smith vs Josh Rock

Closing out night one is a clash between 2022 European Champion Ross Smith and Northern Irish phenom and recent World Cup winner Josh Rock. Rock is riding a wave as one of the most exciting young talents within the PDC

This match is a classic showdown: seasoned precision versus youthful power. If Rock’s fast-paced scoring game lands big, Smith will need to rely on his experience and calm under pressure.

Summary

Tonight marks the final night of the first round in the 2025 World Matchplay. With each match poised to be a best-of-19-legs battle, drama and late-night pivot points are guaranteed. Whether you’re backing tradition or rooting for the next generation, there’s no shortage of stories unfolding.

Head to Online Darts on YouTube—your destination for all the latest news, in-depth post-match interviews, and behind-the-scenes coverage straight from the Winter Gardens. Be sure to subscribe for full analysis and exclusive player reactions after each match.

For fans tracking the action, Day Three of the 2025 World Matchplay guarantees fireworks across every tie. Let us know your predictions and who you think will rise under the Blackpool lights!

Enjoy the evening session—and let the darts fly!