Hello darts fans! What a night ahead! The semi-finals kick of The World Matchplay 2024 kick-off this evening with World Number One Luke Humphries taking on the 2007 World Matchplay champion James Wade, before familiar foes Michael Van Gerwen and Michael Smith (the 2023 World Final) renewal rivalries once more.
World Matchplay 2024: Semi-Finals
Luke Humphries v James Wade
Michael van Gerwen v Michael Smith
Last night, Mighty Mike found himself embroiled in a real scrap against Andrew’ Goldfinger’ Gilding in the early exchanges of their game, in the pair’s first televised showdown since Gilding stunned the Dutchman to win last year’s UK Open. However, the three-time champion delivered the goods in the second half of the contest, winning 8 legs on the spin in an inspired run to the finish line. Tonight will be MvG’s seventh World Matchplay semi-final thus far.
World Matchplay 2024: Bounceback BullyBoy
Michael Smith, when he hasn’t thrown a dart this week has spent the other time in bed, did what he needed to do as he demolished Rob Cross, who will have nightmares about double 16 for years to come. He was bewildered as we were watching on as Rob Cross couldn’t hit a double for love nor money and took his chances. Bully boy told me afterwards, it was one of his easier routes to a semi-final major for sure, and he appreciates lady luck is shining on the St Helens native.
Bully boy has had a barren time since his maiden World Championship success over 18 months ago, failing to win a major title since. But winning a Pro Tour event subsequently, however teaming up with good friend and camptriot Luke Humphries to win the World Cup of Darts seems to have brought him back to life. A revitalised Smith is a dangerous competitor in pursuit of his first Blackpool crown.
World Matchplay 2024: Semi-Final Predictions
Michael Van Gerwen 17-12 Michael Smith
Luke Humphries 17-12 James Wade
Luke Humphries and James Wade is a real intriguing one as all week they’ve been each other’s practice partners. Luke hasn’t had it all his own way though and has pushed and had to dig deep to grind out results. Over this long format though and in the 2nd half of his games he’s managed to crack on without stress.
I had the pleasure of interviewing The World Number One for Sky Sports ahead of tonight’s clash, and ‘Cool Hand’ is currently ozzing confidence. He was fully assured that he would make the final when his family would be enjoying the occasion at Winter Gardens.
World Matchplay 2024: Wondrous Wade
That said, he was also extremely complimentary to the evergreen James; Wade dubbing him a ‘legend’ of the game and praising The Machine’s longevity at the oche. Wade in renewed spirits tweeted earlier that on reflection after his Ross Smith win he was feeling great. ‘I felt in control throughout, not 100% my A game but we are getting very close’.
There was something about watching James Wade rolling back the years with beautiful power scoring and clinical finishing. Tonight’s semi-final is 17 years since his sole Matchplay Title and he currently holds the record for most active consecutive appearances; next year being 20 years on the spin in Blackpool Can he cause an upset and most ironically can the man who was the last player who sneaked into the 32 man field dump out the world number 1? He does, but the bookies make him a severe underdog to advance to the final.
World Matchplay 2024: Semi-Final Predictions
James Wade +6.5 legs @ 1.76 with kwiff
Michael Van Gerwen -2.5 legs @ 2.20 with kwiff
By Polly James
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