Jan van Veen Advances to Semi-Finals After Narrow Victory Over James Wade
In a thrilling quarterfinal match at the World Matchplay, Jan van Veen secured a 16-13 victory against James Wade, setting the stage for a semi-final clash with Gerwyn Price. Despite both players struggling early on, the match concluded with heightened intensity as Wade mounted a strong comeback, tying the score at 11-7 with a streak of four consecutive legs.
As the match progressed, both players showcased remarkable checkout abilities, leading to a marked improvement in their scoring. Van Veen, who averaged 93 points per leg, managed to clinch the final two legs amidst a chorus of boos, marking his first appearance in the World Matchplay semi-finals.
Gerwyn Price Displays Dominance Against Ross Smith
In another quarterfinal bout, Gerwyn Price emerged victorious against Ross Smith with a score of 16-12. Price, ranked No. 3 globally, demonstrated his prowess with an impressive average of 102.78, also hitting the highest number of points in the match with ten checkouts. He rebounded from a 12-8 deficit, securing four consecutive wins to advance to the semi-finals for the first time since 2022.
Price’s victory highlights his remarkable form this season, as he reached his fourth televised semi-final, having previously excelled in the World Masters, British Open, and Premier League tournaments. In the other semi-final, the defending champion Luke Littler will face Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Price’s Late Surge Seals the Win
Throughout the match, the tension was palpable as both players engaged in a back-and-forth battle. Price initially controlled the pace, but Smith fought hard, managing to tie the game at 12-12. However, with deft finishing, Price broke back to lead again, sealing his victory with impressive checkouts, including a 121 to extend his advantage.
Van Veen Reflects on His Performance Against Wade
Following his hard-fought win over Wade, Van Veen admitted that his performance was not at its best. “I felt poor,” he remarked, acknowledging his lack of scoring consistency but emphasizing that, ultimately, a win is a win. He highlighted his 118 finish as pivotal to his success and expressed optimism for his upcoming match.
Upcoming Matches at the World Matchplay
The excitement continues this weekend at the Betfred World Matchplay, held at the iconic Winter Gardens. Fans will witness two semi-final matches, each featuring calculating strategies and stellar performances. Van Veen will take on Price, while Littler defends his title against van Duijvenbode.
All eyes will be on these players as they compete for a spot in the final round. Viewers can catch the live coverage starting at 7:30 PM on Sky Sports Action, with additional highlights appearing on Sky Sports Main Event. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an exhilarating weekend of darts.
