World Matchplay: Michael Smith meets Gary Anderson, Dimitri Van den Bergh takes on Glen Durrant

2:16 Michael Smith reflects on his quarter-final win over Krzysztof Ratajski

“If this was the first round and I was playing Gary, I think I’d win, because you know Gary, he doesn’t practice at all. He’s had four months of fishing and he’s not even chucked a dart. He only played in the Home Tour and that was it.

“He’s been playing really really well so I know I have got a tough game and he will know the same. I have just got to keep the 180’s going and the finishing. We know there’s only two matches left and potentially a nice Matchplay title.”

Gary Anderson

1:41 Gary Anderson was happy to finally see off Simon Whitlock 16-12 to reach the semi-finals of the World Matchplay

“Hopefully I’m sat here on Sunday with a trophy but I’m taking it one game at a time and it’s going to be another tough fight against Michael Smith on Saturday.

“He’s got a good record against me recently and is playing some brilliant darts, I’ve been saying how good he is for years and although it’s a bit late he’s finally starting to come through to the top.”

Part’s Verdict

There seemed a time where Michael couldn’t get past Gary but that’s well in the past now. Gary hasn’t beaten Michael in a ranked event since 2017. That’s quite a while.

I just think it is Smith’s time. He was in the final last year. I think he’s got the stamina now with the health. Every indicator to me points towards Smith, except for the class of Anderson. Smith is a very astute young man and he’s not going to take anything for granted.

Gary was allowed to get the mindset of ‘I’m in control’ and he was basically in control all the way against Whitlock. That’s the only danger I see Smith facing, but if he can start reeling off 180’s, he gets it.

Dimitri Van den Bergh vs Glen Durrant

Van den Bergh’s route to the semi-finals

There will be a new name in a major PDC ranking final after stablemates Van den Bergh and Durrant came through compelling quarter-final ties on Friday evening in Milton Keynes.

Van den Bergh has enjoyed a dream Matchplay debut, claiming the scalps of world No 6 Nathan Aspinall, 2018 quarter-finalist Joe Cullen and two-time world champion Adrian Lewis – a finalist here in 2013.

Durrant stormed past former semi-finalist Jeffrey de Zwaan with a whopping 107 average in his opener, before dumping out world champion Peter Wright 11-8 in a fascinating second round encounter.

Durrant’s route to the semi-finals

He overcame Vincent van der Voort in a war of attrition to reach the last four, but after three defeats in major semi-finals against Smith, Dave Chisnall and Wright, this represents Duzza’s best chance to reach his first TV final as a PDC player.

The Teessider defeated Van den Bergh to win his first PDC ranking title in February last year which may be a good omen, although the mercurial Belgian has been incredibly consistent this week and knows that victory will see him climb into the world’s top 16 for the first time in his career.

In their own words…

Dimitri Van den Bergh

1:56 Dimitri Van den Bergh could hardly contain his excitement as he reached the World Matchplay semi-finals on debut at the expense of two-time world champion Adrian Lewis.

“I feel fantastic, amazing, unbelievable. My first semi-final in a major tournament. I’m showing the world I have it in me. Simple as that.

“The whole tournament I have not been busy with who I play. It doesn’t matter who you get, if you play in the World Matchplay, you have got to believe in yourself, you’ve got to believe in own game, your own ability and that’s what I am doing.”

Glen Durrant

2:45 Glen Durrant was relieved to reach the semi-finals of the World Matchplay following his dramatic comeback win over Vincent van der Voort.

“Honestly back-to-back semi-finals [at the Matchplay] is absolutely incredible. I think I was slightly embarrassed that I was the favourite going into tonight, when you’ve got Gary Anderson and Michael Smith still in the competition.

“I’ve just got this fighting spirit right now and sometimes when you go through that, is your name on the trophy? I got battered in practice by Dimitri Van den Bergh. He was sensational. I think he ruined my game because he was so good backstage.

Webster’s Verdict

I am so impressed with Dimitri Van den Bergh. Forget that he is 26, his CV is looking pretty exceptional already. He’s mature, Adrian Lewis came back at him last night but he dealt with him, put him back in his place. It was a fantastic performance.

Glen had to really graft. It was a match where he didn’t look like winning until he won. It’s going to be a fascinating game and it’s a contrast of styles yet again and it always will be generally with Glen, as he’s slow and deliberate but Dimitri can deal with that.

It’s a good game, it’s a massive opportunity. Most people will side with Glen, but Dimitri is still a fearless kid and he’s playing fantastic stuff. He’s heading to the top 16, he’s the captain of his country at such a young age. He’s a fantastic talent and he’s a nice lad as well. I think he’s going to be great going forward.

Darts is back on Sky Sports in July and August, with nine days of coverage from the World Matchplay followed by the six-day Premier League resumption which gets underway on Tuesday August 25.

Sourse: skysports.com