Wade and Clayton Set for Blockbuster Betfred World Matchplay Semi-Final Clash

The stage is set for an epic semi-final showdown between James Wade and Jonny Clayton at the Betfred World Matchplay, following their respective victories in Thursday’s gripping quarter-final matches in Blackpool. As the darts action heats up at the historic Winter Gardens, two of the sport’s most consistent performers kept their title dreams alive with commanding displays.

James Wade, a name synonymous with excellence at this event, battled past a spirited Gian van Veen to secure a 16-13 win, marking his tenth appearance in a World Matchplay semi-final. Wade, the 2007 champion and five-time runner-up, showed trademark resilience after a rocky start that saw him miss his first 11 attempts at double. The early struggle allowed Van Veen to jump out to a 4-1 lead, capitalizing on the Englishman’s finishing woes.

But as fans have come to expect, Wade flipped the script with clinical precision and composure. A surge of eight straight legs turned the tide emphatically in his favor. Finishes of 68, 86, 80, and 61 showcased the 42-year-old’s vast experience and ability to deliver under pressure. Although Van Veen clawed his way back into the contest late on, narrowing the gap to 13-11, a couple of missed darts at double 16 proved costly. Wade took full advantage, restoring a two-leg cushion and eventually closing out the match with characteristic efficiency.

Reflecting on the hard-fought win, Wade was candid in his assessment: “I’m so, so happy. I’m buzzing. That was a scrap up there tonight. I was disappointed with the way I started, but I did what I needed to do. I’m very grateful to go through.”

Standing between Wade and a second World Matchplay title is Jonny Clayton, who produced a dominant performance to dispatch Stephen Bunting 16-7 in the evening’s second quarter-final. The Welshman was in electric form from the outset, beginning the match with an 11-darter and a stunning 160 checkout that helped him storm into a 5-0 lead with a red-hot 110 average.

Bunting, who had shown impressive form in previous rounds, never truly found his rhythm. Despite managing to share the next ten legs and briefly cutting the deficit to 11-7 with a brilliant 12-dart leg, he couldn’t stem the Clayton onslaught. The Ferret closed the match in emphatic style, stringing together clinical finishes of 76 (twice), 108, and 118 to secure his place in the semi-finals with authority.

“I love this tournament,” Clayton said afterward. “Stephen didn’t play his best game tonight, but I played well and put him under pressure. I’ve got a big heart and I’m a proud man, so hopefully I’m here until the end!”

Clayton’s confidence was palpable, as he looks to better his runner-up finish at the Masters earlier this year and go one step further than his 2023 Matchplay campaign. The Welshman is defending significant ranking points this week, but he appears to be peaking at the perfect time.

Saturday’s semi-final between Wade and Clayton promises to be a thrilling clash of styles and experience. Wade’s methodical, tactical approach will go head-to-head with Clayton’s fluent scoring and explosive checkouts. Both players have shown they’re capable of handling high-stakes matches, and their contrasting temperaments could make for an intriguing contest.

The Betfred World Matchplay continues on Friday with the remaining two quarter-final ties. 2022 runner-up Gerwyn Price faces off against Northern Ireland’s rising star and World Cup winner Josh Rock, while World Champion Luke Littler resumes his campaign against the seasoned Andrew Gilding. With a place in the last four on the line, fans can expect fireworks at the Empress Ballroom.

As the tournament heads into its final stages, the spotlight shines ever brighter on Wade and Clayton. One is a decorated veteran with a proven Matchplay pedigree; the other, a hungry contender aiming to secure one of the most prestigious titles in the sport. Come Saturday, only one will move on to the final – but both have already left their mark on a memorable 2025 tournament.

Wade and Clayton Set for Blockbuster Betfred World Matchplay Semi-Final Clash

2025 Betfred World Matchplay

Thursday July 24

Quarter-Finals x2

James Wade 16-13 Gian van Veen

Jonny Clayton 16-7 Stephen Bunting

Friday July 25 (2000 BST)

Quarter-Finals x2

Luke Littler v Andrew Gilding

Josh Rock v Gerwyn Price

Best of 31 legs