Michael van Gerwen's Rival James Wade Battles Through at World Matchplay Darts

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, was looking 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. On his 21st Matchplay appearance, Wade 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 sub-par for the TV stage.

Why it matters for Michael van Gerwen

Wade's win sets him up for a potential showdown with Michael van Gerwen, who is also competing in the tournament. Van Gerwen has been in top form this season, and a meeting with Wade could be a thrilling encounter.

What comes next?

Wade will face Ryan Searle, who came through with a 10-6 win over William O'Connor, in the second round. Searle's win was a dominant display, with the player taking a 6-1 lead early on and never looking back.

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.

What's next for Michael van Gerwen?

Michael van Gerwen will be looking to make a statement in the tournament, and a win over Wade could be a significant boost to his chances. Van Gerwen has been in top form this season, and a meeting with Wade could be a thrilling encounter.

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.'"

Wade will face Ryan Searle, who came through with a 10-6 win over William O'Connor, in the second round. Searle's win was a dominant display, with the player taking a 6-1 lead early on and never looking back.

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.

"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."

The World Matchplay Darts continues at Blackpool's Winter Gardens until July 26, with Michael van Gerwen and other top players competing for the Phil Taylor trophy.

category: match_report