2025 World Matchplay Darts Day Five Preview

The final four fixtures of the second round at the 2025 World Matchplay Darts take place on Wednesday, July 23, at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. With major names like Luke Littler, Gerwyn Price, and Michael van Gerwen set to appear, fans can expect an evening of high drama and elite-level darts.

This prestigious tournament—second only to the World Championship in significance—offers a £800,000 prize pool and has already thrown up some major surprises. Defending champion Luke Humphries was eliminated in round one by Dutch sensation Gian van Veen, blowing the tournament wide open. With just 12 players remaining, the race for the title intensifies.

Andrew Gilding vs Dirk van Duijvenbode

The evening’s action begins when Andrew Gilding meets Dutch powerhouse Dirk van Duijvenbode. Gilding edged past Damon Heta in a sudden-death opening round thriller, just missing out on a nine-darter along the way. ‘Goldfinger’ held his nerve in the 22nd leg, finishing with a clinical 13-darter.

Van Duijvenbode came from behind to beat Rob Cross, landing a brilliant 137 checkout en route to a 10-8 win. After a slow start, ‘Aubergenius’ turned on the style in the second half of the match and will be full of confidence heading into this one.

Both of these players caused a first round upset and dispatched heavy fancied seeds, this one looks to be much tighter on paper and many experts can’t split them. Expect a tight battle between two in-form players.

Chris Dobey vs Gerwyn Price

Next up, Geordie favourite Chris Dobey taking on Gerwyn Price. Dobey brushed aside Ricardo Pietreczko with a solid 10-5 win, despite struggling with his doubles early on. Once he found his finishing rhythm, ‘Hollywood’ sealed the win convincingly.

Price, meanwhile, was involved in a fiery battle with Daryl Gurney. Emotions ran high as both players exchanged animated celebrations and subtle and somtimed not so subtle exchanges. Nevertheless, the Welshman came through with a strong performance and a 10-6 victory. Price enters this tie as the favourite, but Dobey has the firepower to make it interesting. The story of this match could be Dobey’s doubles. If he can find them then we could be going on the way, but Price won’t give him the time to compose himself that he was granted in the first rounound.

Luke Littler vs Jermaine Wattimena

Luke Littler was nothing short of sensational in his opening match against Ryan Searle, posting a 108.82 average and five maximums. ‘The Nuke’ also hit over 50% of his doubles, underlining his status as the man to beat in the 2025 World Matchplay Darts.

If he continues at that lefel then there are few left in the tournament who can touch him. The early exit of world number one Luke Humphries however shifts further focus onto the teenage sensation and he finds himself yet again under a growing weight of expectation.

Jermaine Wattimena held off a Peter Wright comeback to win 10-8, but will need a much-improved display if he’s to challenge Littler. If the teenager produces another performance like Sunday’s, it could be a very short night for the Dutchman.

Michael van Gerwen vs Josh Rock

The final match sees three-time champion Michael van Gerwen take on rising star Josh Rock. MVG got the better of Raymond van Barneveld in round one, but his finishing left a lot to be desired. He’ll need to be sharper if he wants to overcome a red-hot Rock.

The Northern Irishman was clinical in a 10-5 win over Ross Smith, averaging 104.32 and reeling off a string of 12-dart or better legs. On current form, Rock may well have the upper hand—but writing off van Gerwen is always a risky move.

Tonight’s Fixtures – Wednesday 23 July

• Andrew Gilding vs Dirk van Duijvenbode
• Chris Dobey vs Gerwyn Price
• Luke Littler vs Jermaine Wattimena
• Michael van Gerwen vs Josh Rock

Stay with Online Darts throughout the evening for live updates, statistics, and reaction from the 2025 World Matchplay Darts.