Michael van Gerwen has been dealt a challenging first-round matchup at the upcoming World Matchplay, as he prepares to face rising star Luke Littler. The PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) recently confirmed the details, revealing that the clash will take place on the third day of the tournament at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, specifically on Monday, July 15. This encounter promises to be one of the most exciting early-round matchups, given the status and skill of both competitors.
Van Gerwen, a three-time World Matchplay champion, is under significant pressure to perform well in this event, given the stakes surrounding his ranking and earnings. The Dutch darting legend won the Matchplay in 2022, which earned him £200,000 in prize money—a sum that will be up for defense this year as the PDC’s Order of Merit is determined based on prize money accumulated over a two-year span. An early exit against Littler would not only cost him a shot at the title but could also see him lose a large portion of his ranking points, threatening to drop him from his current standing to third place.
The draw against Littler is seen as a “nightmare” scenario for van Gerwen, given the prodigious talent of his opponent. Littler has been on a rapid rise within the world of darts since his impressive showing at the World Championship final during the Christmas period. Despite his notable achievements, including a victory in the Premier League and strong performances in the World Series, Littler sits just 25th in the world rankings due to those events not contributing ranking points. However, his success on the Pro Tour secured his spot at Blackpool, setting up a first-round meeting with one of the top 16 seeds—van Gerwen, in this case, becoming the “unlucky” seed to draw him.
Van Gerwen’s potential early-round struggle exemplifies the depth of talent present at the World Matchplay. For the Dutchman, any hopes of replicating his 2022 triumph and avoiding a costly slip in rankings depend on his ability to overcome Littler’s challenge. Commentators have already pointed out that this matchup is one to watch, as Littler’s fearless, confident play style is expected to make him a formidable opponent, even against a decorated champion like van Gerwen.
The tournament itself, which kicks off on Saturday, July 13, boasts a packed lineup of high-caliber players. Reigning world champion Luke Humphries and defending Matchplay titleholder Nathan Aspinall will headline the opening day. Aspinall is set to defend his title against newcomer Luke Woodhouse, hoping to join an elite group of players, including Rod Harrington, Phil Taylor, and van Gerwen, who have managed to win back-to-back Matchplays.
Top-seeded Humphries will commence his campaign against Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko. The opening day will also see prominent figures such as Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and Raymond van Barneveld taking the stage. A particularly intriguing matchup is slated between Clayton and van Barneveld, a five-time world champion. 2022 runner-up Gerwyn Price will also have his hands full, as he prepares to battle Daryl Gurney in what promises to be a tightly contested match.
Sunday’s sessions feature a double slate of matches, culminating in a star-studded Monday lineup, highlighted by the van Gerwen-Littler showdown. But van Gerwen won’t be the only major draw that evening. World number three Michael Smith, another prominent figure in darts, will clash with 2018 champion Gary Anderson in what is sure to be another exhilarating match. Meanwhile, Australia’s top player, Damon Heta, will be facing off against Ryan Searle, rounding out a day filled with intense, high-stakes competition.
The prospect of van Gerwen facing Littler has already captivated fans and analysts alike, as it presents a classic battle of experience versus youthful exuberance. For Littler, a victory over the legendary Dutchman would signify a career-defining moment and solidify his status as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. Conversely, van Gerwen will be determined to show why he remains one of the elite competitors in darts, despite the mounting challenges.
With such a talented field of players and storylines unfolding across every match, this year’s World Matchplay is shaping up to be a memorable spectacle. Whether van Gerwen can overcome his tough draw and maintain his status atop the darting world remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Blackpool as some of the best in the game vie for glory and a place in the sport’s history.