Gian van Veen denies Wessel Nijman in World Matchplay thriller as Menzies withdraws through illness
Gian van Veen came through an epic tie-break against Dutch compatriot Wessel Nijman to set up a quarter-final showdown against James Wade at the World Matchplay on Wednesday.
Van Veen prevailed in an absorbing encounter at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, defying a gallant fightback from his fellow countryman to triumph 14-12.
Following Luke Humphries’ shock first round exit, Nijman was installed as the second favourite – behind Luke Littler – to lift the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy.
However, Dutch number one Van Veen reaffirmed his credentials with a courageous display, producing a brilliant late burst to continue his pursuit of a second major title.
Trailing 4-1, Nijman recovered from a tentative start to restore parity at five apiece, before reeling off three straight legs from 9-7 down to close in on a maiden major quarter-final.
However, with Nijman sat on a potential two-darter for victory, Van Veen crashed in a majestic 148 skin-saver, which he followed up with a 12-dart break in the penultimate leg.
“I don’t have words at the moment. This was such an intense game,” admitted Van Veen, who has won 12 of his 17 meetings against Nijman.
“That 148 finish really saved the game tonight, and I’m so glad with this win.
“Wessel has shown all through 2026 what he’s capable of.
“He’s won so many titles; he is playing phenomenal darts, but I know on the big stage I can do it as well.”
The European Champion will now renew his rivalry with 2007 champion Wade in a repeat of their quarter-final clash 12 months ago, following a hard-fought 11-8 success against Ryan Searle.
There was nothing to separate the pair after ten legs, but Wade showed his class in the latter stages, converting sublime 121 and 143 checkouts to see off a spirited Searle.
“I was just so nervous, so frightened to win and hit a treble… but I’m just so happy,” declared Wade, who is through to his 14th World Matchplay quarter-final.
“I was just lucky enough that Ryan didn’t play that well.
“The 143, I was praying for something to happen, and it did happen. It gave me a little bit of a pump up.
“I just love being part of it. Darts is part of my life and part of who I am and I can’t walk away from it.”
Meanwhile, 2022 runner-up Gerwyn Price powered past former champion Rob Cross to set up a fascinating showdown against Ross Smith on Friday.
After landing a spectacular 161 checkout in the opening exchanges, the Welshman then produced a six-leg burst midway through the contest en route to sealing a comprehensive 11-5 victory.
“I’m going in the right direction,” insisted Price, who averaged 97.8 and pinned 50 per cent of his attempts at doubles.
“If I want to win this tournament I need to be a lot better than that, but I showed a little bit of the old me tonight. I think I need to bring that back.
“I need that energy, I need that buzz and I think Ross brings that, so I’m going to bring it a bit more on Friday, because I’m here to win.”
Smith, meanwhile, progressed to the quarter-finals after Cameron Menzies was taken unwell during the fourth leg of their clash at the Empress Ballroom.
Menzies experienced high blood pressure, which caused him to feel dizzy and subsequently faint after leaving the stage.
However, following an assessment by the on-site medical team, the Scot was deemed well enough to return to his accommodation.
Betfred World Matchplay 2026 Day Five Results
Wednesday July 22
Second Round
Cameron Menzies 0-/wo Ross Smith – *Smith receives a bye after Menzies withdrew through illness*
Gian van Veen 14-12 Wessel Nijman
Gerwyn Price 11-5 Rob Cross
James Wade 11-8 Ryan Searle
