Van Gerwen and Humphries to collide in World Matchplay final.
Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries are set to face off in the final of the 2024 Betfred World Matchplay on Sunday. Both players secured their spots in the final after winning their semi-final matches in Blackpool on Saturday.
Van Gerwen triumphed over Michael Smith in a thrilling match, winning 17-13 to reach his fifth World Matchplay final. Meanwhile, Humphries defeated James Wade 17-10, marking his first appearance in the final on a vibrant night at the Winter Gardens.
Despite some erratic finishing early on, three-time champion Van Gerwen finished strong, securing his place in the final for the second time in three years. The match was tied at 12-12 when Van Gerwen delivered a spectacular 136 checkout to regain the lead. He then won four of the next five legs to clinch victory.
Reflecting on the game, Van Gerwen commented, “It was a really weird game. My scoring was really good, but my doubles let me down. I don’t know how I missed so many. I could easily have been further ahead, but I kept my head in the game, and that was key tonight. I will have to be better in the final, but I’m there, and that’s all that matters. I know what I’m capable of; mentally, I make it too hard for myself sometimes. Luke is a great player and has been doing really well lately, so I need to put him in his place tomorrow.”
Van Gerwen started strong with a 161 checkout, racing to a 4-1 lead, only for Smith to win the next four legs and take the lead. Van Gerwen responded with a run of five consecutive legs, taking control at 9-5. Smith fought back to level the match at 12-12, but Van Gerwen’s 136 checkout shifted the momentum back in his favor, and he secured the win by taking four of the last five legs.
In the opening semi-final match, Humphries continued his stellar 2024 season with his first World Matchplay semi-final win, avenging his loss to Jonny Clayton at the same stage last year. He had to be at his best to overcome Wade, who averaged 102.38 in a high-quality contest.
Humphries said, “It was a fantastic game. James would’ve probably won against anyone else tonight. He was relentless, never giving me a leg off, and he was probably the better player for much of the match. I don’t know how I won 17-10, but I kept my performance at a high level throughout and was deadly in the mid-part of the game. I’m really looking forward to the final. I’ve got my family coming down, so it will be another proud occasion for me.”
Humphries started strong, taking the first two legs, but Wade found his form and took a 5-4 lead. The match was level at 8-8 when Humphries produced a decisive run of four consecutive legs to take control. He never let go, hitting a 156 checkout to go 14-9 up and ending Wade’s hopes of a comeback. Despite Wade’s continued efforts, including a ten-darter to stay in the match, Humphries won three of the last four legs to secure his place in the final.
The Betfred World Matchplay final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland-based subscribers).
2024 Betfred World Matchplay
Saturday, July 20 – Semi-Finals
• Luke Humphries 17-10 James Wade
• Michael van Gerwen 17-13 Michael Smith
Sunday, July 21 (2000 BST) – Final
• Luke Humphries vs. Michael van Gerwen
• Best of 35 legs
• Sky Sports on air from 1930 BST
