The second half of the World Matchplay Quarter-Finals takes center stage at the Winter Gardens tonight, with the remaining four players battling for a place in Saturday’s Semi-Finals.

Following a dramatic Thursday night in Blackpool that saw Luke Littler and Dirk van Duijvenbode advance, two more marathon matches await on Friday evening. Both ties will be played over the extended format, where the first player to reach 16 legs will seal their spot in the final four.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s action in the Empress Ballroom.

Ross Smith vs. Gerwyn Price

Tournament Averages: Smith (100.55) | Price (96.80)

The opening match of the evening brings together two of the heaviest scoring throwers in world darts as former European Champion Ross Smith clashes with 2022 World Matchplay finalist Gerwyn Price.

Ross Smith: Fresh and High-Scoring

Ross Smith enters his first-ever World Matchplay Quarter-Final in an unusual position regarding physical load. After putting in an impressive 10-6 opening-round performance against Kevin Doets, averaging 100.55, Smith gained a pass through the second round when Cameron Menzies was forced to retire early in their contest due to sudden illness.

As a result, Smith has thrown only 20 competitive legs on the Winter Gardens stage this week. His lethal treble-scoring ability makes him one of the most dangerous long-format opponents on the PDC circuit. The key question for ‘Smudger’ tonight will be whether his relative lack of stage action this week leaves him fresh for the 31-leg marathon, or if it takes him a few legs to find his match rhythm against a fast starting opponent.

Gerwyn Price: Finding the Gears

Gerwyn Price arrives in the Last 8 after overcoming former champion Rob Cross 11-5 in the second round. While ‘The Iceman’ admitted after the match that his scoring was up and down, his outer-ring finishing proved clinical, pulling away with a commanding mid-match spell to put the game beyond Cross.

Price boasts extensive experience over the longer Matchplay distances, having reached the final in 2022. When Price gets his power-scoring working alongside his signature high-energy stage presence, he can build massive momentum. Against a high-volume 180-hitter like Smith, Price will need to ensure his scoring floor stays high to keep control of his own throw during the early legs.

Whoever dominates the Treble 20 bed will likely dictate this match. Smith has the statistical edge in maximum frequency this season, but Price’s big-stage resilience and experience over the 31-leg distance give him a formidable edge if the tie enters a late dogfight.

Gian van Veen vs. James Wade

The second Quarter-Final presents a classic generational battle as 24-year-old Dutch star Gian van Veen takes on 2007 World Matchplay champion James Wade.

Gian van Veen: Battle-Tested Resilience

Gian van Veen has proven his championship pedigree at the Winter Gardens this week, surviving one of the matches of the tournament in the second round. The young Dutchman outlasted compatriot Wessel Nijman 14-12 in a 26-leg overtime battle. Van Veen showed remarkable composure under immense strain, landing a crucial 148 checkout late in the match to stay alive before breaking in extra legs.

Now into his second World Matchplay Quarter-Final, Van Veen represents the new wave of elite darting talent. He possesses a fluid, high-scoring rhythm and a scoring ceiling that can break open matches quickly. However, having already played 38 legs across two high-intensity matches this week, maintaining his intensity across another 25-plus legs against a relentless opponent like Wade will test his endurance.

James Wade: The Ultimate Matchplay Specialist

Few players in darts history understand the unique demands of the Winter Gardens quite like James Wade. ‘The Machine’ is making his 14th World Matchplay Quarter-Final appearance in his 21st consecutive year competing at the tournament.

Wade booked his spot in tonight’s Last 8 with a tactical 11-8 win over Ryan Searle, executing timely cover-shots and clinical checkouts of 121 and 143 to stifle Searle’s heavy scoring. Wade is a master at managing long-format matches, slowing down the pace, punishing every missed double from his opponent, and forcing high-scoring players into uncomfortable tactical grinds.

This is a classic clash of styles: Van Veen’s explosive scoring power against Wade’s cover-shooting and double accuracy. If Van Veen can establish an early buffer before the second interval, he can force Wade to chase the game. However, if Wade keeps the scoreline close past Leg 20, his vast experience over the 31-leg distance makes him extremely difficult to put away.

World Matchplay Quarter-Final Results & Schedule of Play

Thursday July 23 – Quarter-Final Results

• Dirk van Duijvenbode 16 – 13 Gary Anderson

• Luke Littler 16 – 7 Josh Rock

Friday July 24 – Tonight’s Order of Play (8:00pm BST)

• Ross Smith vs. Gerwyn Price (Best of 31 legs)

• Gian van Veen vs. James Wade (Best of 31 legs)

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