Darts
2024 World Matchplay: History Won’t Repeat as Michael van Gerwen Ends Andrew Gilding’s Run
In a rematch of the 2023 UK Open final, Michael van Gerwen gets revenge on Andrew Gilding beating him 16-9 in the World Matchplay quarterfinals.
Day seven of the 2024 World Matchplay saw a thrilling quarterfinal clash, as Andrew Gilding faced off against three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 UK Open final.
Nervous Start
After sharing the first two legs, Gilding was the first to spark to life, hitting a sensational 148 three-dart checkout to hold throw and take a narrow 2-1 advantage in the race to 16 legs.
Gilding then had an opportunity to break the Dutchman's throw early on after van Gerwen missed six darts at double, but he missed three of his own, allowing MVG to level the match at 2-2.
A 117 three-dart finish from the Dutchman then gave him the advantage, breaking Gilding’s throw and stealing a 3-2 lead going into the first interval.
Goldfinger Hits the Mark
Gilding secured his first break in the sixth leg, ending MVG's short-lived advantage.
He built on this momentum by holding his throw and then winning his third consecutive leg with his second ton-plus finish, a brilliant 114 checkout, to take a 5-3 lead.
The 2023 UK Open champion added a fourth leg to his tally, but MVG managed to halt Gilding's impressive rally, going into the second interval 6-4 down.
Image credit: PDC
MVG’s Finishing Needed Work
Both players then split the next four legs, with each surprisingly breaking the other's throw twice.
Van Gerwen, in dire need of sharpening his finishing, did just that in the following leg, hitting a scintillating 136 checkout to narrow the gap to just one leg behind Gilding.
Mighty Mike Takes Control
In the fourth mini-session, MVG began to grow into the game and regain control. Despite being 8-7 down, he won the next five legs back-to-back, confidently taking a 12-8 lead over Gilding.
While his finishing still needed fine-tuning, his scoring proved to be far too much for Goldfinger.
Revenge Secured
After van Gerwen's rampant run of legs, Gilding seemed to lose all hope and composure, effectively handing the match to the Dutchman.
With a mountain to climb at 14-9 in van Gerwen's favour, Goldfinger responded with an amazing 132 checkout via the bull, but it inevitably wasn’t enough.
Van Gerwen clinched the next two legs to exact revenge on the former UK Open champion and secure his place in the competition's semi-finals, winning 16-10.
He will now sit back and wait for the winner of the match between Michael Smith and Rob Cross to determine his next opponent.
Stay tuned to SportsBoom.com for live updates, post-match reports, and interviews from the legendary Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Don't miss a moment of the action!
Recommended Articles
Meet Louis Hobbs, our esteemed authority on all matters sports-related. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Louis effortlessly emerges as our go-to expert. His particular expertise in the realms of darts and snooker sets him apart and brings a level of insight that goes beyond the ordinary. Louis also holds a deep affection for all things related to US sports, with a special emphasis on basketball and American football, which stand out as his particular favorites. His content may not resonate with you, if you don't consider Lamar Jackson the most skilled player in the NFL.