2025 World Matchplay Day Four Preview

The Second Round Gets Underway at the Winter Gardens

The action continues to come thick and fast at the 2025 World Matchplay, the second round begins tonight (Tuesday, July 22) with four mouth-watering clashes at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens. With  a total of £800,000 in prize money and crucial ranking points on offer, the stakes are higher than ever as the field narrows to just 16 of the world’s best players.

The tournament, second only to the World Championship in stature, has already seen some major shocks—including the early exit of reigning champion Luke Humphries. The top 16 players on the PDC Order of Merit were seeded, joined by 16 Pro Tour qualifiers, but form and reputation have already been shaken up as we head into the business end.

Gian van Veen vs Danny Noppert

One of the most exciting emerging stars on the tour, Gian van Veen, pulled off the tournament’s biggest upset so far by eliminating world number one and defending champion Luke Humphries in a dramatic 10-8 battle. It was a match that turned in the 15th leg, when Van Veen capitalised on Humphries’ missed doubles to break throw and take control. Still only 22, Van Veen now carries huge momentum into the next round.

Standing in his way is fellow Dutchman Danny Noppert, who barely broke a sweat in a dominant 10-2 win over Cameron Menzies. “The Freeze” raced into a 7-0 lead and never looked back, averaging over 96 and showing little sign of nerves on the Winter Grdens stage.

This all-Dutch clash promises a fascinating contrast—Noppert’s calm, methodical approach versus Van Veen’s fearless fireworks. If the young gun maintains his level, another shock could be on the cards.

Wessel Nijman vs James Wade

In the second match of the night, Dutch newcomer Wessel Nijman takes on seasoned campaigner James Wade in what could be one of the standout matches of the round.

Nijman delivered an assured performance to see off 2022 World Matchplay winner Nathan Aspinall 10-6. His 101.72 average and early dominance underlined a player unfazed by the spotlight. For a debutant, he looked impressively composed.

Wade, by contrast, was all business in a clinical dismantling of Joe Cullen. The Machine rolled through with a 104.44 average and barely gave his opponent a sniff, winning both opening sessions 4-1 before wrapping up a 10-3 win.

With both players in red-hot form, this one feels like a pick’em. Nijman’s fresh energy versus Wade’s unmatched experience—who blinks first?

Stephen Bunting vs Gary Anderson

Third on stage tonight is a true heavyweight showdown between Stephen Bunting and Gary Anderson—two players who’ve shown both brilliance and vulnerability in their openers.

Bunting survived a spirited comeback from Ryan Joyce to scrape through 10-8. At 8-4 up, he seemed to be cruising, but missed doubles allowed Joyce back in. A clutch 56 finish and a final-leg 11-darter eventually saved the day for “The Bullet”.

Anderson’s opening match was also a tale of two halves. After a cagey opening with Luke Woodhouse, the Scot switched darts mid-match—an unusual move for someone as consistent as The Flying Scotsman. The switch worked, though: Anderson reeled off five consecutive legs to win 10-5.

This clash could go either way, and much will depend on who settles quicker and keeps composure when the pressure mounts.

Jonny Clayton vs Mike De Decker

Rounding off the session is an intriguing tie between Welsh ace Jonny Clayton and Belgium’s rising star Mike De Decker.

Clayton came flying out of the blocks in his first-round win over Martin Schindler, producing an early flurry of heavy scoring that included legs of 12, 13, and 14 darts. Though his intensity dipped late on, “The Ferret” held steady to close out a 10-7 win.

De Decker also delivered in style, overcoming Dave Chisnall in a tight encounter. His finishing was the key—highlighted by a 104 checkout to break for 9-7 and an outstanding 148 to seal the match 10-7.

With both men confident and clinical on their day, this could go the distance. De Decker’s power scoring versus Clayton’s fluency and timing—expect fireworks.

Tonight’s 2025 World Matchplay Schedule – Tuesday, July 22

• Gian van Veen vs Danny Noppert
• Wessel Nijman vs James Wade
• Stephen Bunting vs Gary Anderson
• Jonny Clayton vs Mike De Decker

As the 2025 World Matchplay reaches its midpoint, every leg counts and every double missed could spell the end of a title dream. With four high-stakes matches tonight and the quarter-finals on the horizon, Blackpool is braced for another night of darting drama.

Stay tuned to Online Darts for full coverage, results, and post-match reaction throughout the 2025 World Matchplay.