According to NOS Sport, the World Matchplay final features no Dutch competitors after Dirk van Duijvenbode and Gian van Veen suffered heavy semifinal defeats in Blackpool. Van Duijvenbode fell 5-17 to England’s Luke Littler, while Van Veen lost 10-17 to Wales’s Gerwyn Price, leaving the tournament without Dutch representation for the title match.
World Matchplay Semifinals End Dutch Hopes in Blackpool
The pursuit of the Phil Taylor Trophy concluded for the remaining Dutch darters during a punishing night of semifinals. According to NOS Sport, Dirk van Duijvenbode was outclassed by a dominant Luke Littler, sliding to a 5-17 defeat. Earlier in the evening, Gian van Veen fought valiantly but ultimately fell 10-17 to Gerwyn Price. With these losses, the tournament—boasting a £1 million total prize fund—proceeds without any Dutch finalists.
“There just wasn’t any more in this tournament, I could feel that,” Van Veen told Viaplay, as reported by NOS Sport. The 24-year-old from Poederoijen noted that while his scoring improved, his double-out attempts faltered. Despite the semifinal exit, Van Veen stated he leaves the venue with satisfaction after reaching the final four.
Luke Littler Dominates Dirk van Duijvenbode with 117.10 Average
Nineteen-year-old Luke Littler continued an extraordinary run of major success by dismantling Van Duijvenbode 17-5. According to NOS Sport, the world number one entered the clash boasting a streak of seventeen consecutive major semifinal victories. Littler immediately signaled his intent by breaking the Dutch throw with a twelve-darter in the opening legs.
Did you know? The World Matchplay features a total prize pool of £1 million (approximately €1.17 million), making it the second-largest tournament on the dartskalender after the World Championship.
Van Duijvenbode, ranked 28th on the world rankings, found himself entirely overwhelmed by the scoring power of the world champion. According to NOS Sport, Littler maintained a staggering 117.10 match average, frequently landing maximum 180s. Although Van Duijvenbode managed a brilliant 146 checkout to reduce the deficit to 3-8, the Katwijker admitted defeat in his post-match interview with Viaplay, conceding, “He is simply unstoppable.”
Gerwyn Price Overpowers Gian van Veen to Reach Second Final
Gerwyn Price secured his return to the World Matchplay title match by subduing Gian van Veen 17-10. According to NOS Sport, ‘The Iceman’ seized control early by breaking throw in the first leg. Though Van Veen clawed his way back to 6-5, Price capitalized on missed doubles from the young Dutchman to pull away.
Van Veen struggled to find the crucial triples during the latter stages of the match, mirroring difficulties he faced earlier in the week against opponents like Krzysztof Ratajski, Wessel Nijman, and James Wade. According to NOS Sport, this victory lifts Price from seventh to fourth position in the world rankings, setting up a final clash against Littler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the World Matchplay semifinals?
According to NOS Sport, Luke Littler defeated Dirk van Duijvenbode 17-5, and Gerwyn Price defeated Gian van Veen 17-10 to advance to the final.
What is the prize money for the World Matchplay?
According to NOS Sport, the tournament features a total prize pool of one million pounds (roughly 1.17 million euros), with a portion reserved for the winner.
Which Dutch players have won the World Matchplay previously?
According to NOS Sport records, Michael van Gerwen remains the only Dutch player to win the prestigious tournament, taking titles in 2015, 2016, and 2022.
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