Tempers flare between Price and Gurney on Day 3 of the 2025 World Matchplay

Delight for Dobey

In the first game of the evening, Chris Dobey dispatched of a below-par Ricardo Pietreczko 10-5 to book his spot in the Last 16. Both players started off slowly, but it was the World Number Six who prevailed with a 91 average. Dobey’s win sets up a tie against the winner of the next game on Day 3 between former World Matchplay finalist Gerwyn Price or reigning World Cup champion Daryl Gurney.

Gurney and Price clash

Elsewhere, Gerwyn Price and Daryl Gurney took part in a very feisty encounter, with the game ending with a frosty handshake between the pair. It was the Iceman who prevailed 10-7 averaging just north of 100, defying a late fightback from the newly crowned World Cup champion. The 2022 World Matchplay finalist is looking to win this tournament for the first time, and he is currently second favourite to do so, behind Luke Littler.

Rolling Back The Years

Rivalries were renewed in one of the most anticipated first round games at this year’s World Matchplay, as Michael van Gerwen faced Raymond van Barneveld. However, the standard early doors wasn’t at the level of previous meetings, with neither player looking comfortable in the first ten legs.

It was the three-time World Matchplay champion who got the better of his Dutch compatriot, improving his game drastically to win 10-6. Van Gerwen will play the winner of the final game of the evening between Josh Rock and Ross Smith.

Rampage from Rock

The final game of this year’s first round action, was seen by lots of fans as the most exciting, as Ross Smith took on the much fancied Josh Rock. Rock coming into this encounter as the favourite, despite being the non seed.

It was a very sluggish start for Smith, who found himself 5-0 down averaging just 76 at the first interval, and it proved too much of a deficit to come back from. But it was the newly crowned World Cup champion who stole the show on Monday night, averaging 104.32 to win his first ever game at the Winter Gardens and set up an enticing match against Michael van Gerwen.

2025 Betfred World Matchplay

Monday, July 21 (1900 BST)

First Round Results x4

Chris Dobey 10-5 Ricardo Pietreczko

Gerwyn Price 10-7 Daryl Gurney

Michael van Gerwen 10-6 Raymond van Barneveld

Ross Smith 5-10 Josh Rock

Tuesday, July 22 (1900 BST)

Second Round Fixtures x4

Gian van Veen vs Danny Noppert

Wessel Nijman vs James Wade

Stephen Bunting vs Gary Anderson

Jonny Clayton vs Mike De Decker