Michael Smith cruised into the semi-finals of the World Matchplay after a dominant win over Rob Cross, setting up a highly anticipated clash against Michael van Gerwen.
Van Gerwen and Smith will face off after dispatching Andrew Gilding and Rob Cross in their respective quarter-final matches on Friday. The Dutch superstar overcame a sluggish start to defeat Gilding 16-10 in the evening’s opener. Smith then swept aside an out-of-sorts Cross to advance to his third semi-final at Blackpool.
The pair will now go head-to-head in a thrilling last-four showdown at the Winter Gardens on Saturday, a rematch of their epic 2023 World Championship final, which included the greatest leg of darts ever played.
World Matchplay Darts: Quarter-Final Results
- Michael van Gerwen 16-10 Andrew Gilding
- Michael Smith 16-7 Rob Cross
Smith capitalized on Cross’s double 16 woes to secure a convincing 16-7 victory. “I just said to Rob his doubles early on were non-existent, and I was just stepping in and taking my shots,” Smith remarked. “If he is not going to take them, I’ll take them all day long, and now I’m in the semi-final.”
Michael van Gerwen faced a tougher challenge against Gilding but ultimately won ten of the last 12 legs to progress to his seventh World Matchplay semi-final. Despite being unhappy with his finishing and struggling with Gilding’s slow pace, Van Gerwen found his rhythm in the latter stages. “It was a really tough game,” Van Gerwen said. “Everyone knows playing him is tough; he is very slow. Sometimes it is a bit boring to play, but what a darts player. You have to be on the top of your game.”
Smith’s recent victories in a Pro Tour event and the World Cup of Darts, alongside Luke Humphries, have revitalized his form, making him a strong contender for his first Matchplay crown. The semi-final against Van Gerwen promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both players aim to secure a spot in the final.
Credit: Sky Sports
