The second most prestigious title in darts, the Betfred World Matchplay, starts on Saturday 15th July and runs right up until the final, on Sunday 23rd July. We’ve previewed this huge tungsten tussle and provided you with our best bets for the occasion.
Betfred World Matchplay Darts Tips
History, Location and Format
The 2022/23 Betfred World Matchplay is the 30th running of this unique and much loved match play darts tournament.
One of the reasons for it’s popularity is the host venue; the magnificent Empress Ballroom in the Winter Gardens, in Blackpool, which has hosted every iteration of the event, other than a year in Milton Keynes during the COVID pandemic.
The first ever winner was American Larry Butler, who shocked the darting world, by beating Englishman Dennis Priestley.
Since 2018, the players have competed for the Phil Taylor Trophy, named after the greatest darts player of all time, who won this tournament a record 16 times!
There have also been other multiple World Matchplay winners, including Michael van Gerwyn (three times) and Rod Harrington (twice).
Prize Money
There is a £800,000 total prize fund with the money distributed as follows:
| Winner (1) | £200,000 |
| Runner-up (1) | £100,000 |
| Semi-finalists (2) | £50,000 |
| Quarter-finalists (4) | £30,000 |
| Second round losers(8) | £15,000 |
| First round losers (16) | £10,000 |
Draw
The top 16 players on the PDC Order of Merit qualify automatically for the World Matchplay and are seeded. The top 16 players on the ProTour Order of Merit, not to have already qualified on the cut-off date will be unseeded.
Jonny Clayton Quarter 3 winner – 3/1
‘The Ferret’ has a really tough looking opening round against the German Giant Gabriel Clemens, who showed his class at the World Championships.
If however, the Welshman progresses as he should do, he could face a decent chance of winning the third quarter final.
The high seed in his section is no 2 seed Peter Wright, who has been in torrid form of late and though there are other dangerous players such as Ryan Searle, Raymond van Barneveld and Dimitri Van Den Bergh, it’s Clayton who tempts at 3/1.
Gerwyn Price to win – 9/2
Clayton’s Welsh World Cup of Darts winning teammate, Gerwyn Price is 2nd favourite to win the tournament and almost did so last year; hitting a nine darter on the way to losing in the final to Michael van Gerwyn.
Price then had a total meltdown at the World’s, resorting to wearing ear defenders on stage, to try to drown out the crowd abuse coming his way.
‘The Iceman’ has responded well though, topping the Premier League table and once again losing in the final to the Dutchman.
I genuinely think this smaller venue suits Price and can see him going one better than last year.
Luke Humphries each way (1/4 4 places) – 14/1
‘Cool Hand Luke’ is still awaiting his first ranking title but has been in superb form on the European Tour, winning four titles in 2022 and then won the European Darts Matchplay two weeks ago, followed by a Players Championship this week.
The Englishman has a tough looking quarter but if he can get past van Gerwyn, he can trouble anyone in his current form.
We will have daily tips from the event so keep checking in with the Betfred Blog team and all new users can partake in our Bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets offer via the register button at the top or bottom of the page…
*All prices correct at the time of writing.
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