The second biggest event on the darting calendar, the World Matchplay at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, is just around the corner, with 32 of the world’s top darts superstars vying to win the Phil Taylor Trophy in 2024.
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Nathan Aspinall stormed to victory last year, but the Asp’s hopes of retaining this year’s trophy look slim, as reigning World Champion Luke Humphries is looking as imperious as ever, and will want to add the World Matchplay to his ever-growing trophy cabinet as the pre-tournament favourite. But who else is a strong candidate to win this year’s event?
- Gary Anderson
Perhaps the most in-form player on the planet not called ‘Luke’, the Gary Anderson renaissance that we’ve been able to witness in the last 18 months has been nothing short of delightful to watch.
Despite being a former two time World Champion and one of the decorated player in PDC history, Anderson’s only won this trophy once, back in 2018 where he defeated Mensur Suljovic 21-19 in the longest final in tournament history.
A tough quarter of the draw is another hurdle in what could be one of Anderson’s last few chances to win a televised major, but the Flying Scotsman has shown time after time that even as the sport has evolved, he will always be a dangerous player.
2. Michael Smith
Speaking of Gary Anderson, he may not even make it past the first round if his opponent was to have his way. Michael Smith has enjoyed a strong 2024 so far, winning on the Pro Tour, reaching finals night in the Premier League and was part of the winning World Cup team in Frankfurt last month.
The World Matchplay is a title that still eludes the Bully Boy however, having been the runner up to Rob Cross in 2019. Despite some success in 2024, Smith needs major trophy success in order to defend his prize money if he is to maintain his place in the current order of merit.
Like Anderson, he’s in the hardest quarter of the draw, with the likes of Chris Dobey, Rob Cross and Damon Heta all being potential opponents in later rounds. But Smith is a fantastic momentum player, and once he starts racking up legs and wins, it’s hard to stop him.
Read More: Who Should Stay And Who Should Go From The 2024 Premier League Darts Field?
3. Jonny Clayton
Last year’s runner up, and the most recent winner on the Pro Tour, Jonny Clayton is hitting a rich run of form at the perfect time, and it might just be enough to see the Ferret go all the way this year at the Winter Gardens.
After a quiet couple years on the major trophy front for the Welsh no.2, aside from the 2023 World Cup triumph alongside compatriot Gerwyn Price, Clayton is still a certain fan favourite, and perhaps only Littler and Humphries can rival him for consistent ton plus checkouts.
A favourable first round draw against Raymond Van Barneveld will kick off his campaign, with many eyes looking at a potential mouthwatering quarter final tie against Humphries later on.
4. Luke Littler
We’ve not seen much of the 17-year-old sensation since his Premier League win in May, with two very abrupt exits in the recent Pro Tour events perhaps signalling a bit of rust from Luke Littler.
But how can anyone even doubt Littler’s chances of success at the World Matchplay after the whirlwind 8 months he’s had so far in the PDC?
A monumental clash against Michael Van Gerwen, who himself will be wanting to bounce back from last year’s first round exist against Brendan Dolan, could set this tie up to be a true classic.
5. James Wade
Just over a fortnight ago, James Wade’s World Matchplay hopes looked non existent. But a fantastic pair of performances on the Pro Tour (and a lot of luck thanks to Jonny Clayton beating Cameron Menzies) saw Wade pip Menzies and Mike De Decker and qualify for his 19th consecutive World Matchplay.
Whilst no longer in his prime, and a few years removed from his last major win at the 2021 UK Open, Wade showed many times in 2023 that his experience and doubling means he can truly never be counted out, such as what we saw at the 2023 Grand Slam in his classic against Josh Rock.
Our prediction sees Wade meet high flying Ross Smith for a place in the semi finals, and one would fancy whoever wins that tie can certainly go on to win the entire event in Blackpool.
By Jaspar Shepherdson
(@jasparshepmedia on Twitter/X and Instagram)
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