The World Matchplay 2024 saw an electrifying day of darting action on Monday, 15th July, with four thrilling matches that showcased the skills and resilience of some of the sport’s top players. Here’s a detailed look at the performance and key statistics from the day’s matches.
Damon Heta vs. Ryan Searle
The opening match saw Ryan Searle overpower Damon Heta with a 10-4 victory. Searle’s precision and consistency were evident throughout the match, with a slight edge in the averages and checkouts.
Match Statistics:
- Averages (3 Darts): Searle – 101.01, Heta – 100.93
- 100+ Thrown: Searle – 18, Heta – 14
- 140+ Thrown: Searle – 11, Heta – 9
- 180 Thrown: Searle – 2, Heta – 4
- Highest Checkout: Searle – 167, Heta – 97
- Checkouts 100+: Searle – 3, Heta – 0
- Checkout Percentage: Searle – 55.6% (10/18), Heta – 44.4% (4/9)
Searle’s higher checkout percentage and a magnificent 167 checkout were critical in securing his dominant win.
Michael Smith vs. Gary Anderson
In the second match, Michael Smith demonstrated his darting prowess, defeating Gary Anderson 10-5 in a display of high-scoring and strategic finishing.
Match Statistics:
- Averages (3 Darts): Smith – 102.08, Anderson – 98.97
- 100+ Thrown: Smith – 20, Anderson – 17
- 140+ Thrown: Smith – 14, Anderson – 10
- 180 Thrown: Smith – 4, Anderson – 7
- Highest Checkout: Smith – 96, Anderson – 101
- Checkouts 100+: Smith – 0, Anderson – 1
- Checkout Percentage: Smith – 38.5% (10/26), Anderson – 29.4% (5/17)
Smith’s consistent high scores and a strong finishing game ensured his place in the next round.
Michael van Gerwen vs. Luke Littler
The highly anticipated clash between Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler lived up to expectations, with van Gerwen securing a hard-fought 10-6 victory.
Match Statistics:
- Averages (3 Darts): van Gerwen – 101.93, Littler – 100.83
- 100+ Thrown: van Gerwen – 21, Littler – 13
- 140+ Thrown: van Gerwen – 9, Littler – 8
- 180 Thrown: van Gerwen – 5, Littler – 7
- Highest Checkout: van Gerwen – 146, Littler – 83
- Checkouts 100+: van Gerwen – 1, Littler – 0
- Checkout Percentage: van Gerwen – 43.5% (10/23), Littler – 46.2% (6/13)
Despite Littler’s commendable performance, van Gerwen’s superior scoring and critical 146 checkout sealed his victory.
Chris Dobey vs. Ritchie Edhouse
The final match of the evening featured Chris Dobey securing a 10-7 win over Ritchie Edhouse. Dobey’s higher scoring consistency and strategic checkouts made the difference.
Match Statistics:
- Averages (3 Darts): Dobey – 93.94, Edhouse – 87.63
- 100+ Thrown: Dobey – 20, Edhouse – 16
- 140+ Thrown: Dobey – 10, Edhouse – 7
- 180 Thrown: Dobey – 6, Edhouse – 3
- Highest Checkout: Dobey – 96, Edhouse – 130
- Checkouts 100+: Dobey – 0, Edhouse – 2
- Checkout Percentage: Dobey – 26.3% (10/38), Edhouse – 31.8% (7/22)
Dobey’s resilience and consistency throughout the match were key to his victory, despite Edhouse’s impressive highest checkout of 130.
Conclusion
The World Matchplay 2024 continues to deliver outstanding darts and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for more exciting matches and updates as the tournament progresses.