Tag: Ancelotti

Kelechi Iheanacho scores Leicester City’s opening goal with a back heel against Burton Albion in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Southern Brave Women

Yet to bat.

Northern Superchargers Women


are batting,

88 for 6 (85).

Northern Superchargers Women are 88 for 6 with 15 balls remaining.

Take a look at the most popular Ashes moments that you watched on the Sky Sports app and website across the five-Test series.

Lee Johnson refuses to call Hibs’ 2-1 defeat to Inter Club d’Escaldes an embarrassment and insists the fans must get behind the team ahead of the Conference League qualifier second leg.

Nathan Aspinall crushes Jonny Clayton to win World Matchplay title; we’re back for the World Grand Prix at the Morningside Arena in Leicester from 3–9 October – live on Sky Sports

Nathan Aspinall produced darts from another planet as he crushed the hopes of Jonny Clayton to win his maiden World Matchplay title at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Sunday night.

Aspinall put together an astonishing display of 11 consecutive legs on his way to completing an 18-6 romp against Clayton on a remarkable night of arrows.

Local favourite Aspinall shared the opening 10 legs with 48-year-old Welshman Clayton – who had taken out nine ton-plus finishes in his run to the final – responding to his opponent’s 110 opening salvo by conjuring up a majestic 141 checkout in leg seven, before firing in a 101 kill to restore parity.

Locked at 5-5 after the second mini-break, Aspinall, who succumbed to Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith in World Grand Prix and Grand Slam deciders last year, burst into life, winning 13 of the last 14 legs to scoop the £200,000 top prize.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” claimed Aspinall, who becomes the 12th player to lift the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy.

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Aspinall hit five ton-plus finishes, including the Big Fish, on his way to winning the World Matchplay title

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Aspinall struggled to put into words how important winning the World Matchplay was for him

“I did so well to keep it at 5-5. I was doing Jonny Clayton things! I was taking out those three-dart combinations and that kept me in the game.

“I think that third session was the key. I don’t know what it was, but then I suddenly found my scoring, and I finished brilliantly all game. I’m so happy.”

The Stockport thrower reeled off four consecutive legs in 11, 14, 13 and 12 darts to stretch his lead to 9-5, and Clayton was left shell-shocked as Aspinall’s blistering barrage showed no sign of relenting.

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This is not Fish O’Mania! Aspinall reeled in a magnificent 170 checkout against Clayton

The 32-year-old produced a mesmerising 170 checkout to make it six legs without reply, and a 115 combination in leg 18 continued the procession, as his lead stretched to 13-5.

Aspinall’s astonishing winning run totalled 11 legs before Clayton finally stopped the rot to reduce the arrears to 6-16, but it simply delayed the inevitable.

Normal service was resumed for Aspinall in leg 23, as he landed a 16-dart hold on tops to move a leg away from glory, and despite some late double trouble, he eventually landed double five to cap off the greatest win of his career.

To produce that spell in the biggest game of your life is what dreams are made of. It was a devastating spell. He hit 180 in the 11th leg and that changed everything.

Wayne Mardle on Nathan Aspinall’s 11-leg burst

“These things don’t happen very often, so I want to enjoy this moment!” continued Aspinall, who also paid tribute to Clayton, who showed incredible character throughout the week in Blackpool.

“To share that final with Jonny was very special. He is such a lovely guy. He’s the best person on the tour.

“I wish him and his family all the best. He’s a gentlemen of the game, he’s a credit to our sport, but I’m just happy I beat him!”

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Aspinall completed a stunning win before falling to his knees in celebration

Clayton – also featuring in his maiden World Matchplay final – performed magnificently in his run to the final, which was fuelled by his desire to triumph for his ill father.

The Welshman had only claimed a solitary win at the Winter Gardens prior to this year’s tournament, and he was full of praise for a brilliant Aspinall.

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Clayton avenged Aspinall’s 108 break with this stunning 141 checkout

“I came out of the blocks well but then Nathan just turned up,” conceded the 48-year-old, who pockets the £100,000 runner-up prize.

“I cannot argue with the result. I was beaten by the better player, and what a fantastic guy he is.

“To make the World Matchplay final is an amazing achievement. I’m a very proud man.

“I’d like to thank my family and this phenomenal crowd. One day I will get back on this stage in a final, and hopefully that will be my night.”

We’re back for the World Grand Prix at the Morningside Arena in Leicester from 3-9 October – live on Sky Sports. Stream all your favourite sports with NOW for £21 a month

Beau Greaves wins Women’s World Matchplay title with 6-1 victory over Mikuru Suzuki in the final; we are back for the World Matchplay final as Nathan Aspinall and Jonny Clayton battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm

Teenage sensation Beau Greaves lived up to the pre-tournament billing by outclassing the field on her way to victory at the Women’s World Matchplay.

Greaves continued her domination of the women’s game to storm to the title at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

The 19-year-old dispatched Japan’s Mikuru Suzuki 6-1 in the showpiece to triumph on her Winter Gardens debut, relinquishing just four legs throughout the event in claiming the £10,000 top prize.

“I wasn’t at my best, but I got over the line, so I’m really happy,” said Greaves, who has now sealed her qualification for November’s Grand Slam of Darts and the 2023/24 World Darts Championship.

“I didn’t think I was going to win this with the way I was playing, but after the year I’ve had and all the tournaments I’ve won, I’m so grateful to be stood here holding this trophy.

“I’m so excited to be going to the Grand Slam and the World Championship, but I need to practise more! I need to get more comfortable on the big stage.

“It means everything [to win this title]. I’ve got so much respect for all of the ladies that have played up here, and I’m looking forward to another great year.”

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Greaves nailed this 74 checkout to win her first Women’s World Matchplay title

Greaves has shattered a host of records on the PDC Women’s Series circuit during the last year, and reaffirmed her status as the premier player in women’s darts at the Empress Ballroom.

Greaves and Suzuki arrived in Blackpool as the top two seeds, and they renewed their rivalry on one of the sport’s most iconic stages, in a fitting finale to the second staging of the £25,000 tournament.

The Doncaster star seized the early initiative as she crashed in five perfect darts to break throw in leg two before firing in a second 180 en route to a 3-0 lead, and then exploiting further misses from Suzuki in leg four to continue the procession.

She missed the bull for a spectacular 161 checkout before moving to the cusp of victory, although Suzuki avoided the whitewash by surviving two match darts in leg six.

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Mikuru Suzuki walked out to ‘Baby Shark’ which got MC John McDonald even busting a move

Greaves quashed any hopes of a miracle fightback, defying back-to-back 140s from Suzuki to secure victory with a clinical 74 combination on tops.

She kicked off her campaign with a thumping 4-0 victory over Dutch debutant Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who became the first trans woman to compete in a PDC televised event.

Greaves then recovered from a sluggish start to defeat Ireland’s Robyn Byrne in an entertaining semi-final.

Two-time Lakeside women’s champion Suzuki fell just short in her bid for glory, despite defeating last year’s runner-up Aileen de Graaf and Lancashire veteran Lisa Ashton on her Blackpool bow.

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Robyn Byrne impressed with this sensational two-dart 95 finish as she knocked out Rhian O’Sullivan

Earlier in the afternoon, reigning champion Fallon Sherrock was beaten by Ashton in a dramatic quarter-final, despite producing a 12-dart skin-saver in leg six to force a last-leg shoot-out.

Byrne also won through a deciding-leg tie against Rhian O’Sullivan in the last eight.

We are back for the World Matchplay final as Nathan Aspinall and Jonny Clayton battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm. Stream the World Matchplay final and more with NOW for £21 a month

Jonny Clayton to face Nathan Aspinall in final | we’re back for the Women’s World Matchplay on Sunday from 1pm at the iconic Winter Gardens before the last two men battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm

Jonny Clayton came through a marathon World Matchplay clash with Luke Humphries to set up a final meeting with Nathan Aspinall.

Welshman Clayton came through an epic encounter to seal his spot in Sunday’s showpiece, recovering from 10-7 down to triumph 17-15.

Aspinall, meanwhile, ran out a convincing 17-9 winner against Joe Cullen in the evening’s opener, punishing a profligate display from the Yorkshireman to keep his title tilt alive.

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Watch the moment Jonny Clayton sealed his place in the World Matchplay final after beating Luke Humphries

With very little to separate the two players on the Winter Gardens stage, it was Clayton’s higher checkout percentage that ultimately proved the difference.

The 48-year-old, who helped steer Wales to a second World Cup of Darts title alongside Gerwyn Price in Frankfurt last month, will now go in search of his first big title since winning the Masters, Premier League and World Grand Prix in 2021.

“This means a lot to me,” reflected Clayton, who averaged just under 99 and pinned 61 per cent of his attempts at double to end the hopes of Humphries, who crashed in 10 maximums in defeat.

“To get over the line against one of the best players in the world is an amazing feeling. Luke Humphries is going to go on and pick up majors time after time!

“I had to dig deep, but you’ve got to take your chances and that’s what I did, and I really hope I can pick this trophy up tomorrow.

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Clayton says he’ll have no help for when he takes on Nathan Aspinall in the final

Aspinall, who lost both the Grand Slam and Grand Prix finals last year, will aim to go one better after powering past Cullen.

A 17-9 win showed his superiority, with Cullen’s 148 checkout to break in the seventh leg proving to be a false dawn for the 34-year-old.

Instead, Aspinall pulled clear and never looked like slipping up as he progressed through to Sunday’s final.

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Aspinall seems convinced he will not lose the final on Sunday night

“Joe didn’t play well and I was nowhere near my best, but I think I was just a little bit more clinical and that’s why I got over the line,” said Aspinall, who averaged 95 and landed 11 maximums.

“I have lost my last three [televised] finals. I’m not going to do it again. I’m so confident.

“I have had a poor game tonight but I got over the line. I’m one happy guy right now, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Clayton and Aspinall were embroiled in a fascinating battle for Play-Off qualification in this year’s Premier League, and now they will renew their rivalry for the £200,000 top prize and the Phil Taylor Trophy.

“Me and Nathan were involved in a scrap for the Premier League [Play-Offs] this year and Gezzy Price helped me out. I’ve got no help tomorrow night. I have to do the job, and fingers crossed I can do it,” said Clayton.

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Join us on Sunday to see who will be victorious in the World Matchplay final

Beau Greaves will make her Blackpool bow as the top seed for the Women’s World Matchplay following her domination over the last 12 months, and she will open her challenge against Dutch debutant Noa-Lynn van Leuven.

The £25,000 event will feature the top eight players from a one-year Order of Merit based on PDC Women’s Series earnings across 20 tournaments since last August.

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Eight of the best go head to head this Sunday, and you can watch the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final all in one session at the Women’s World Matchplay

Ireland’s Robyn Byrne then takes on Welsh ace Rhian O’Sullivan before Japanese trailblazer Mikuru Suzuki faces last year’s finalist Aileen de Graaf.

Reigning champion Fallon Sherrock goes up against darting legend Lisa Ashton in a mouth-watering quarter-final.

We’re back for the Women’s World Matchplay live on Sky Sports Action from 1pm at the iconic Winter Gardens on Sunday before the last two men battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm. Stream the Women’s World Matchplay and more with NOW for £21 a month

Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling has put last season’s hamstring problems down to a different diet he had where he was carrying ‘extra weight’ but now says he is in a great place.

Jonny Clayton and Luke Humphries set up tantalising meeting; we’re back for more World Matchplay on Saturday at the iconic Winter Gardens as the final four battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action at 8pm

Jonny Clayton crashed in a stunning six ton-plus finishes to set up a World Matchplay semi-final meeting with Luke Humphries at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Friday.

Clayton made it through to the semi-final at the Winter Gardens for the first time after a 16-12 victory over Ryan Searle with a 97.5 average, seven 180s and six ton-plus checkouts, while Humphries held off a late fightback from Damon Heta to win 16-13 in a match with more breaks of throw than holds.

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Clayton impressed with SIX amazing ton-plus checkouts

Searle and Clayton locked horns in the opening quarter-final match of the night after the pair dumped out former champions Peter Wright and Dimitri Van den Bergh to reach the last eight.

The opening four legs were shared with Clayton pinning a superb 118 checkout on double 19 to make it 2-2 before ‘Heavy Metal’ landed tops to move 3-2 in front with two 180s and a 106.40 average to Clayton’s 102.23.

The relentless pace of the contest continued with both players pummelling big numbers and huge finishes.

Clayton piled in a scintillating 121 in the eighth leg, but Somerset thrower Searle struck with a 121 on the bull to level at 5-5.

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Searle and Clayton took it in turns to check out 121 finishes in a classic encounter at the Winter Gardens

In a barnstorming battle Searle, who produced the performance of the first round to demolish Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld, before claiming another major scalp to topple 2021 winner Peter Wright in the last 16, fired in a sixth 180 and a 96 finish to regain the upper-hand at 7-6.

Former Premier League and World Grand Prix champion Clayton added a third ton-plus checkout of the match with a 115 to level at 7-7 and he then hit a fourth thanks to a magnificent 124 on the bull to make it 8-8.

‘The Ferret’ capitalised on Searle’s missed dart at tops with a 76 outshot and he maintained his two-leg cushion for an 11-9 advantage with a 100.23 average and 65 per cent at the doubles.

Welshman Clayton broke again with a cool 100 checkout and he then planted a remarkable sixth ton-plus finish with a cracking 122 on the bull moments later to make it 13-9.

And 48-year-old Clayton made it through to his first World Matchplay semi-final by sinking double 15 with his first match dart.

To win this would mean so much for family reasons. My dad’s not very well and I want to do this for him. I’m very emotional. My dad is my biggest fan so I want to do this for him. I’m here still fighting and hopefully I’ll be here this Sunday in the final.

Jonny Clayton wants to win the Matchplay for his sick father

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Damon Heta continues to tease the fans with another Ashes inspired walk-on!

Humphries then took on Australian No 1 Heta, who has embraced the role of pantomime villain with his Ashes-themed walk-ons and he didn’t disappoint as he returned for the third test at the Empress Ballroom.

‘Cool Hand Luke’ survived a match dart to win an epic second round tie-break against Dirk van Duijvenbode and he was in no mood for a repeat as he surged into a 3-2 lead with a 102.3 average.

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Heta hit a mega 152 against Humphries before celebrating wildly

The 28-year-old sunk a neat ton on tops-tops to move 5-4 in front but Heta remained calm and composed to hang on to Humphries coat-tails on double 16.

Humphries took out 68 regain the advantage at 7-6 before taking a stranglehold on the contest as he opened up a three-leg buffer at 10-7 in a break-fest of a contest – 14 in 17 legs.

Former UK Open runner-up Humphries, who is yet to lift a televised ranking title, gained a rare hold of throw with an 81 finish for an 11-darter and a 12-8 cushion.

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Humphries booked his spot in the semi-finals with a spectacular finish!

He then struck with a 121 checkout to stretch his advantage before holding in the next leg on tops to edge closer to victory at 14-8.

‘The Heat’ was not giving up easily though as he won three legs on the spin with a skin-saving 152 to make it 15-13.

But after missing two darts at tops, world No 6 Humphries completed the win with two double 18s in a match which featured an incredible 20 breaks of throw.

Nathan Aspinall and Joe Cullen will meet in the first semi-final on Saturday night with Wales’ World Cup winner Clayton and sixth seed Humphries facing each other in the second last-four clash.

We’re back for more World Matchplay action at the iconic Winter Gardens on Saturday at 8pm as the final four battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm. Stream the World Matchplay and more with NOW for £21 a month

Trans darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven talks to Sky Sports about her transitioning period, opening up to her family, the devastation of losing close friends, how winning the Denmark Open left a sour taste in her mouth and facing Beau Greaves at the Women’s Matchplay.

Van Leuven only joined the Women’s Series last year because she has been transitioning, but reaching the Event 12 final enabled her to leapfrog 2022 Blackpool semi-finalist Lorraine Winstanley and secure qualification for this year’s event in last-gasp fashion.

The 27-year-old Dutch debutant will now make history on Sunday by becoming the first trans woman to play in a TV darts tournament.

It is a dream come true for Van Leuven, who said she always “felt different” to the other kids at school when she was growing up, but now feels playing ‘Beau ‘n’ Arrow’ at the Empress Ballroom is her darting destiny.

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Van Leuven explains how comments from other players spoiled her victory at the Denmark Open

Van Leuven, who has been working as a chef de partie in her local restaurant, fell out of love with darts and quit before her transition started last year.

She said: “I never really got into a group with people around darts. I was really unhappy with myself so my darts game wasn’t that good. When you’re not feeling great then nothing in life will be really, really good. I quit darts and then I became a happier version of myself but then I really wanted to start playing darts again.

“I tried to enjoy life as much as possible. I transitioned before going through a lot of meetings with a psychologist.”

Explaining to her family and friends what she was undergoing proved one of the hardest moments in her life.

“It was really tough,” said Van Leuven. “I told a really good friend of mine and she was really supportive but she also said I had to tell my mum.

“I think it was about a week later when I told her and a week later I was already at the doctors and I think it took me a couple more months before I told my dad and other family members, but they were all really supportive to me. It was really nice which has really helped me through everything.”

There were a few people that I talked to a lot and then suddenly you don’t hear from them anymore and then you have to hear from the parents that they’re not there anymore. It is devastating,

Van Leuven on losing a few of her friends to suicide

Van Leuven opened up about the pain of losing a few of her friends to suicide at a time when she was offering support to trans people as a moderator.

“There were a few people that I talked to a lot and then suddenly you don’t hear from them anymore and then you have to hear from the parents that they’re not there any more. It is devastating,” said an emotional Van Leuven.

“They’ll all waiting on trans-health care and I think there’s a waiting list of up to three years in the Netherlands before you get your first appointment, so that’s really tough on some people.

“It is way too long to wait because a lot of people in that position are depressed, they’re really unhappy with themselves. They’re not getting the help they need, so it is way too long.”

Van Leuven researched regulations before participating in tournaments. The PDC, together with the DRA (Darts Regulation Authority) disciplinary committee, has now established rules for transgender players.

She finds the darting authorities a breath of fresh air, unlike World Athletics, which has excluded trans women who have gone through male puberty from female events in order to try to strike a balance between inclusivity and making sure there is no unfair advantage.

“I feel devastated by the people that get hit by that,” she said. “I think it’s tough for transgender people to play sports, especially when people know that you’re trans because you have a big advantage until you prove it’s not.”

Sour taste in Denmark

Van Leuven won the Denmark Open but thought she was going to be stripped of the title

Van Leuven has largely received a positive reaction from fellow female players, including Greaves and Fallon Sherrock, but winning the Denmark Open in May left a sour taste in her mouth, despite securing the biggest title of her career to date.

“After I won there was the presentation on stage and I just had a weird feeling about something that happened on stage. The other players were talking to each other and I felt it was about me,” said Van Leuven. “I was right because someone told me but I just don’t think it was the right place or time to do something like that.

“They were complaining about me, so they had to [come] forward against me and do it altogether [to throw me out of the competition] which kind of ruined the moment. I worked hard for that title. I played really good games throughout the day and in the end I won. People who had match darts against me didn’t take their opportunities but I took mine. It was a deserved win.”

Ready to take on brilliant Beau?

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Van Leuven believes there is more pressure on her opponent Beau Greaves, ahead of their first-round match at the Women’s World Matchplay

Van Leuven, whose darting hero is Raymond van Barneveld, has been getting her eye in at the local darts shop based in Heemskerk, which is about 35 minutes by road from Amsterdam.

Now it is almost time to face Greaves, who has been the most dominant force in the women’s game having scooped 15 of the last 20 PDC Women’s Series events.

Greaves’ record-breaking 15th Women’s Series title was a whitewash of Van Leuven with a 104 average, but the 27-year-old did claim a shock win over a below-par Greaves in Milton Keynes in May, something which she believes will play on Beau’s mind this Sunday.

Greaves will be quite a proposition for Dutch darts star Van Leuven

“I’m practising not much more than I would usually do. It’s just a tournament like any other. I’m trying to keep the pressure off and I don’t want to do anything more than I usually do because I know what works for me and I don’t want to over practise,” Van Leuven said.

“I couldn’t have got a worse draw but I know I can beat her, I have done it before but I always give her a good game and I play a nice level against her. I just want to give her a good game so may the best woman win.

“It’s on TV so there’s a lot of pressure on me but there’s a lot of pressure on Beau as well. A lot of people are expecting her to win the tournament so that might play into my hands.

“I’ve got nothing to lose. I’m not afraid of anyone. I have just got to bring my A-game to the stage and see where it ends.”

‘I don’t like attention but I’m getting used to it now’

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Eight of the best go head-to-head this Sunday and you can watch the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final all in one session at the Women’s World Matchplay

Having spoken to Dutch TV and the Guardian, Van Leuven will prepare to face the world’s media on the eve of her biggest match.

Being in the limelight is something the Dutchwoman might seem unprepared for, but her time in Blackpool will be well spent seeing the sights before gameday.

She promises plenty of fight and a lot of maximums, but knows it will come down to doubles for dough when going up against Beau.

“Last time I played her I averaged 83 and I didn’t even get a shot at a double,” she said. “I thought I played a good game but it wasn’t good enough but it will be different on stage. I’m going to try to hit everything I can.”

Van Leuven added she would give up her role as chef de partie and even sacrifice her favourite chocolate pastry dish for her ultimate dream – a PDC Tour card.

The winner of the Women’s World Matchplay will qualify for November’s Grand Slam of Darts and the 2023/24 World Darts Championship, in addition to the £10,000 top prize.

Fallon Sherrock will face the legendary Lisa Ashton at the Women’s Matchplay as she begins the defence of her title

2023 Women’s World Matchplay
Sunday July 23
Draw Bracket
(1) Beau Greaves vs (8) Noa-Lynn van Leuven
(4) Robyn Byrne vs (5) Rhian O’Sullivan
(2) Mikuru Suzuki vs (7) Aileen de Graaf
(3) Fallon Sherrock vs (6) Lisa Ashton

Format
Quarter-Finals – Best of seven legs
Semi-Finals – Best of nine legs
Final – Best of 11 legs

Prize Money
Winner: £10,000
Runner-Up: £5,000
Semi-Finalists: £2,500
Quarter-Finalists: £1,250
Total: £25,000

Watch the Women’s World Matchplay at the iconic Winter Gardens on Sunday from 1pm as eight of the sport’s leading female stars will battle it out for the £10,000 top prize – live on Sky Sports Action. Stream the World Matchplay and more with NOW for £21 a month.

Joe Cullen and Nathan Aspinall set up semi-final showdown I we’re back for more World Matchplay on Friday at the iconic Winter Gardens as the world’s top stars battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action from 8pm

Joe Cullen made it through to the World Matchplay semi-finals for the first time after a dominant 16-11 victory over Daryl Gurney, while Nathan Aspinall overcame housemate Chris Dobey by the same scoreline.

Cullen hit eight 180s and a 142 checkout with a 97.11 average to keep Gurney at arms length as ‘The Rockstar’ broke new ground to reach the last four, while Aspinall stumbled over the finishing line against Dobey, closing out a 16-12 victory with a 99.3 average and 10 180s.

Cullen, the former Masters champion and Premier League runner-up, produced an inspired display of finishing to dump out tournament favourite Gerwyn Price in a dramatic tie-break last time out and he started where he left off by surging into a 5-0 lead against two-time semi-finalist Gurney.

The Northern Irishman finished off 77 to clinch his first leg of the match after the first interval before producing a 132 checkout on the bull to trail 8-5.

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Gurney’s 132 bull-finish was followed by Cullen 142 checkout in the very next leg!

Cullen responded in style with a 142 checkout before Gurney nailed tops to remain in outside contention at 9-6.

Gurney, who is the most decorated player left in the top-half of the draw, having lifted televised titles at the World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals in 2017 and 2018 respectively, made it three legs from four to close the gap to 10-8.

‘The Rockstar’ restored his four-leg lead at 12-8 and the Yorkshireman remained cool, calm and composed to sink back-to-back legs 13 darters for a 14-10 advantage in the race to 16.

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Cullen prefers it to be drama-free as he impersonates MVG – ‘Phenomenal’

The 34-year-old landed double 4 to move on the brink of victory and he marched into his first World Matchplay semi-final by sinking tops.

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Nathan Aspinall dedicated his win over Chris Dobey to fellow Stockport man, Ricky Hatton

Aspinall continued his challenge against his stablemate Dobey, who dumped out world No 1 Michael Smith in Tuesday’s last 16.

There were three consecutive breaks of throw heading into the first interval, but it was ‘Hollywood’ Dobey who held the early initiative 3-2.

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Dobey took a two-leg lead over Aspinall in the early stages with this 140 checkout

Aspinall, featuring in his third consecutive World Matchplay quarter-final, averaged 117.5 in the session with a scoring average of 134 but still ended up a leg behind.

Dobie came out after the break and struck with a spectacular 140 before nailing sensational tops, tops to stretch his advantage to 6-3, but back came Aspinall from 7-5 down with three legs on the spin to regain the lead for the first time since the opening leg.

The former UK Open champion soon opened up a two-leg cushion with a superb 92 finish, culminating with successive double 18s and he made it seven out of eight legs for a 12-8 lead on double eight after wiring the bull for a 167 checkout.

Reigning Masters champion Dobey was being put to the sword but he threatened one of the great comebacks with an 84 finish for an 11-darter to trail 15-12.

Aspinall eventually staggered over the finishing line after pinning double 8 in front of Stockport legend Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton before embracing Dobey.

Ryan Searle and Jonny Clayton kick off Friday’s last eight action, before Damon Heta and tournament favourite Luke Humphries battle it out for a place in Saturday’s semi-finals.

We’re back for more World Matchplay action at the iconic Winter Gardens on Friday at 8pm as the world’s top stars battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action.

Peter Wright joins MVG, Michael Smith and Gerwyn Price out of the tournament I We’re back for more World Matchplay on Thursday at the iconic Winter Gardens as 32 of the world’s top stars battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action

World No 2 Peter Wright became the latest high-profile name to exit this year’s World Matchplay in Blackpool after suffering a shock defeat to Ryan Searle on Wednesday.

The 2021 champion, who has flown under the radar ahead of this year’s tournament, has endured a difficult period on the board and it continued with an 11-8 defeat to ‘Heavy Metal’ Searle at the Winter Gardens.

Wright joined reigning champion Michael van Gerwen, world No 1 Michael Smith and last year’s runner-up Gerwyn Price in crashing out of the tournament.

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Ryan Searle sunk this 112 checkout to knock out Peter Wright but he must first find a hotel to stay in Blackpool!

Somerset star Searle, who had never won a game at the Matchplay and not beaten Wright on TV, opened up a 63 lead before sinking a 107 checkout to move 8-4 up.

Searle then pinned a magnificent 112 to guarantee a new name on the Phil Taylor Trophy this year.

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Searle took advantage of Wright’s missed darts by nailing this 107 checkout to storm into an 8-4 lead

He told Sky Sports: “That’s unbelievable really. That was such a scrappy game and we were both giving each other chances and in the end I was lucky enough to take mine.

“I didn’t expect an easy game but he’s not been in the best form. You just never know when he’s going to turn the switch and turn it around. I was quite nervy at the end but just happy to get over the line.”

Peter struggled from start to finish, even though he was in the match. I thought he did well to win eight legs to be fair. Searle was getting more darts than him and he was outscoring him. Searle regressed to his yearly means and it was more than good enough to beat Peter Wright. Anyone can win it and I really believe that.

Wayne Mardle on Ryan Searle’s stunning win

Searle will take on seventh seed Jonny Clayton who bossed 2020 winner Dimitri Van den Bergh for an emphatic 11-6 victory as ‘The Ferret’ reeled in the Big Fish for a 3-1 lead before winning seven of the next nine legs to storm into the quarter-finals.

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Clayton stepped up to reel in the Big Fish after being on the verge of being broken by Van den Bergh

At 4-4, the Welshman took out a 13 and 14 darter en route to an 8-4 advantage before landing a scintillating 156 for a 9-5 lead.

The 48-year-old former Premier League and World Grand Prix champion struck with a 126 in a brilliant 12-dart leg to move one away from victory and he soon wrapped things up by pinning double eight.

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The Welshman knew he had to play well to beat Van den Bergh

Speaking about facing Clayton in the last eight, Searle said: “I’ve got a job on my hands and I’m going to have to try and book a hotel now because I’m meant to be leaving on Friday.”

In the evening’s curtain-raiser Brendan Dolan was unable to continue his giant-killing run having dumped out defending champion Michael van Gerwen on Sunday night.

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Heta was up to his old tricks, bowling a cricket ball on the stage during his walk-on, then after blowing away Brendan Dolan 11-1 he declared that Australia have already sewn up the Ashes!

The Northern Irishman was on the receiving end of an 11-1 tonking from Australian No 1 Damon Heta, who continued sporting a baggy green cap and his cricket bat for his Ashes-inspired walk-on at the Empress Ballroom.

In the final match of the night, Luke Humphries and last remaining Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode collide in an explosive last-16 clash, in a repeat of July’s European Darts Matchplay decider.

We’re back for more World Matchplay action at the iconic Winter Gardens on Thursday at 7pm as the world’s top stars battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action.

Stuart Broad made Usman Khawaja his 599th Test wicket, pinning the Australia opener lbw on the opening morning in Manchester.

Joe Cullen’s precise finishing at the end of his match – including back-to-back bulls – against Gerwyn Price saw him rally from 10-9 down to stun the Welshman.

Brendan Dolan dethrones Michael van Gerwen with shock win; we are back for more World Matchplay action on Monday at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool as the world’s top stars battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action

Brendan Dolan created more history by dumping out defending World Matchplay champion Michael van Gerwen in the first round in Blackpool on Sunday.

In one of the biggest shocks at the Winter Gardens, Dolan produced a wonderful performance to stun the pre-tournament favourite 10-7.

Reigning champion Van Gerwen, who underwent dental surgery in June and has been playing through the pain barrier, began his defence of the Phil Taylor Trophy as firm favourite against world No 27 Dolan in the evening session.

Sunday’s bumper double-session saw eight first-round ties take place at the Empress Ballroom, as world champion Michael Smith kicked off his title tilt with a comfortable win over Steve Beaton.

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Brendan Dolan knocked out defending champion Michael van Gerwen in the first round of the World Matchplay

Dolan, nicknamed ‘The History Maker’ after his nine-dart heroics at the World Grand Prix back in 2011, won four of the first five legs to lead Van Gerwen by three, but a stunning 137 from the Dutchman saw him draw level.

Dolan then opened up an 8-6 lead before making no mistake with a clinical 62 finish to move within a leg of a huge upset.

The 49-year-old from Northern Ireland then dethroned the reigning champion by pinning double three.

“To beat Michael van Gerwen on a big stage, I suppose coming into this he had extra pressure, he’s the defending champion. He was unbelievable in Poland last weekend and I know he’s suffering and he’s trying to recover,” Dolan told Sky Sports.

“He probably isn’t getting in as much practice as he would like and it wasn’t the Michael there tonight that we would normally expect, but I am over the moon.

“I made enough opportunities and took enough of them to win the game.”

Brendan Dolan is a quality player, we know that. You can’t be better than these every single night of the year. He is through and let me tell you who else is pleased Michael van Gerwen’s out – it’s the nastiness of this competition. Every single other player in this event is glad that Brendan Dolan won because you don’t want all the big hitters in. There’s now an opportunity for someone to get through to a semi-final or final that they didn’t think would have been as easy.

Wayne Mardle on MVG’s shock exit

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Dolan says he took his opportunities as he shocked Van Gerwen

World No 1 Smith avoided the same fate as Van Gerwen, defying a below-par performance to defeat the evergreen Beaton, making his 22nd World Matchplay appearance at the age of 59.

The opening exchanges were dominated by missed doubles, but a majestic 161 finish from Smith in leg five catapulted him into a 4-1 lead, and the St Helens star converted a further two ton-plus finishes to wrap up a comprehensive 10-2 win.

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Michael Smith produced a moment of magic during his victory over Steve Beaton

“I didn’t miss a thing in practice, but I came up here and I didn’t produce,” conceded Smith, who was left frustrated by his performance, despite the result.

“I think I tried too hard instead of relaxing. There’s a lot of room for improvement, but I’m still in the tournament and I’ll take the win.

“I won ugly, and that’s something I wasn’t able to do a couple of years ago. I know the game is there, and hopefully I can produce it on Tuesday night.”

Luke Humphries produced the performance of the tournament so far in his 10-2 demolition of Jose de Sousa, averaging almost 102 to see off the former Grand Slam champion.

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Nathan Aspinall hit this massive 151 checkout during his win over Krzysztof Ratajski

Nathan Aspinall fired in eight 180s during his 10-7 win over 2021 semi-finalist Krzysztof Ratajski, producing a monstrous 151 checkout to move 7-4 ahead, and sealing his progress with a superb 12-dart leg.

In the afternoon session, Dirk van Duijvenbode won through a thrilling tie-break against Kim Huybrechts, surviving two match darts to condemn the Belgian to his eighth first-round exit in nine World Matchplay appearances.

Chris Dobey ended his winless run at the Winter Gardens with a gripping 10-8 victory over 2007 champion James Wade.

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Australian Damon Heta winds up the Blackpool crowd by mocking Jonny Bairstow and reminding everyone of the score in the men’s Ashes

Australian No 1 Damon Heta sported a baggy green cap and his cricket bat for his Ashes-inspired walk-on and he celebrated his first win on the famous stage, courtesy of a resounding 10-5 success against highly-fancied debutant Josh Rock.

Dutchman Danny Noppert, the 2022 semi-finalist, survived a late scare to see off Martin Schindler in a gruelling encounter.

Peter Wright, the 2021 champion, enters the fray as the first round draws to a close on Monday night, and the world No 2 will play UK Open champion Andrew Gilding for a place in the last 16.

Raymond van Barneveld will also make his World Matchplay return, with the five-time world champion securing his qualification following a five-year hiatus.

“I really feel like I’m coming back and I’m proud of myself for that,” insisted Van Barneveld, who will meet 15th seed Ryan Searle in round one.

“It feels really good to be going back to Blackpool, I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it. It’s like a summer World Championship, the atmosphere there is brilliant.”

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Speaking on Love The Darts, Raymond van Barneveld talked about his aims for this year’s World Matchplay

Meanwhile, 2020 champion Dimitri Van den Bergh locks horns with European champion Ross Smith in Monday’s opener, before Wales’ World Cup winner Jonny Clayton faces Germany’s No 1 Gabriel Clemens.

We are back for more World Matchplay action at the iconic Winter Gardens on Monday at 7pm as the world’s top stars battle it out for the Phil Taylor Trophy – live on Sky Sports Action.

Australia take the important wicket of Tammy Beaumont who had produced a brilliant 47 from 42 balls in the run chase.