Gerwyn Price and Gian van Veen set up World Matchplay semi-final clash

Gian van Veen defied a late onslaught from James Wade to set up a semi-final showdown against Gerwyn Price at the World Matchplay in Blackpool on Friday.

Van Veen ended the hopes of 2007 champion Wade in a hard-fought quarter-final tie at the Winter Gardens, avenging his defeat to the left-hander at the same stage of last year’s tournament.

The Dutch number one was nowhere near his blistering best for much of the contest, though he delivered the goods in the closing stages, despite a gallant late burst from Wade.

Following an inauspicious start, Van Veen landed a clinical 160 checkout out of nowhere to open up a 9-6 cushion, before stretching his advantage to 11-7.

Wade hit back with a brace of bullseye finishes to kickstart his comeback, following up a 79 finish with a superb 121 on the bull on his way to levelling the contest.

Van Veen was undeterred, firing in a crucial 118 to lead 14-12, before brushing off a second 121 from Wade to complete a hard-fought 16-13 success.

“I was scoring so terribly. My scoring has been okay the whole tournament but today it just wasn’t up to par. My finishing got me through that,” said Van Veen.

“It was a tight battle, but I’m glad I got the job done in the end. I’m still into the semi-finals of the World Matchplay.

“Even though I’m not scoring as well as I want to, I’m still getting through to the semi-finals. I’ve got about 20 hours to put that right.

“Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be a lot better because I’ll need to be against Gezzy.

“This is the second biggest major after the World Championship, so I’m so glad to get into the semi-finals for the first time.”

Friday’s opening quarter-final saw Price run out a 16-12 winner against former European Champion Ross Smith to book his place in a second World Matchplay semi-final.

The Welshman averaged 102.8 and crashed in ten 180s to cap off his best performance of the week so far in Blackpool, fending off a late fightback from Smith to confirm his progress.

Price produced early fireworks to seize the initiative, winning each of the opening four sessions by a 3-2 scoreline to establish a commanding 12-8 advantage.

Smith responded with a four-leg blitz to restore parity at 12-12, backing up a 13-darter with clinical 68, 72 and 80 finishes to threaten an unlikely turnaround.

However, Price regained control in the latter stages, converting a classy 121 checkout on the bull followed by a double-double 91 checkout en route to victory.

“Ross played a good game, and it’s nice to play well when someone is playing well against you. It gives you confidence,” insisted the 2022 runner-up.

“When Ross got it back to 12-12, I thought: ‘Here we go again’, but thankfully I rolled off four legs on the bounce, so happy days.

“I’m trying to keep myself calm. It worked today, but on other occasions I need to let my emotions go. It has to come naturally.

“Like I said, I’m going to get better and better as this tournament goes on, and hopefully in the next round I’ll play better again.”

World Matchplay 2026 Day Seven Results

Friday July 24

Quarter-Finals

Gerwyn Price 16-12 Ross Smith
Gian van Veen 16-13 James Wade