James Wade Battles Through on 20th World Matchplay Appearance in Blackpool

James Wade came through a tough 10-7 battle against Jermaine Wattimena to make it through to the second round of the World Matchplay at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Sunday 19 July 2026.

What happened?

Wade, the 2007 World Matchplay champion, had the early advantage as he took four legs on the spin in the first session to take a comprehensive 4-1 lead. Wattimena's levels were sub-par for the TV stage.

Why it matters for James Wade

On his 20th Matchplay appearance, Wade had the chance to finally clinch the Phil Taylor trophy once again after finishing runner-up in this tournament on six occasions in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2025.

What comes next?

Wade's win sets him up for a second-round match against Ryan Searle, who came through with a 10-6 win over William O'Connor. O'Connor, who was on his Matchplay debut, was put to the sword by Searle early on as some clinical doubling and two breaks of throw had him 6-1 in the lead in no time.

Wade was, as ever, honest in his assessment of his own performance, declaring that he was "rubbish". "I was really, really lucky. I didn't do what I normally do," Wade told Sky Sports. "I slowed him down, not purposely, but he pushes and pushes, as he has done the last four games between us. "I slowed myself down and walked around rather than speeding up. "In the end, the proof was in the pudding. "It's hard to process. I normally go so fast playing Wattimena, and this time I thought: 'I'm going to do what I want to do, not what you want me to do.'"

Gian van Veen finds confidence-boosting win

Gian van Veen showed some incredible finishing in a 10-6 win over Krzysztof Ratajski in what was a confidence-boosting win for the world No 3. Ratajski had beaten Van Veen less than a week ago on the way to winning his third Euro Tour title in Leverkusen but Van Veen showed why he is one of the world's best in Blackpool, especially on the outer ring.

Two early 144 checkouts set the precedent and a huge 160 checkout in the 13th leg for a break of throw set the Winter Gardens alight. The 'Polish Eagle' did keep coming throughout the contest, but was always kept at least three legs away from Van Veen as he just defended his own throw incredibly well.

"Everyone knows I have been struggling the last few months, and I just needed that win today," Van Veen told Sky Sports. "My finishing got me through that game today. "I am finishing really well, my scoring needs to be up there the next round

Wade will face Ryan Searle in the second round, while Van Veen will look to build on his confidence-boosting win in the next round of the World Matchplay.