This year’s Betfred World Matchplay has been a record-breaking campaign for Dutch darts, with five players already progressing to the second round in Blackpool.
There is guaranteed to be a sixth Dutch representative added to that list on Monday evening, as Netherlands’ most successful darting stars go head-to-head in a blockbuster showdown.
Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld will renew their rivalry on one of the sport’s most iconic stages, with Van Gerwen eyeing a fourth World Matchplay crown.
The 36-year-old lifted the Phil Taylor Trophy in 2015, 2016 and 2022, and he’s hoping to bounce back from a difficult period by returning to winning ways in Blackpool.
“This is a huge tournament where everybody wants to perform, so you need to make sure you’re sharp,” insisted the world number three.
“I haven’t played a lot of tournaments recently. My practice has gone well, but practice doesn’t mean anything when you are on that stage.
“I’ve been in tough positions in my life before, and now it’s time to show some character and think about how I’m going to bounce back.”
Van Gerwen and Van Barneveld have been involved in some classic bouts throughout the last decade, and the younger Dutchman insists motivation won’t be an issue against his compatriot.
“Raymond has been on the circuit for a long time and we all know what he’s capable of, but I need to focus on myself,” Van Gerwen added.
“I think this is a good match for me, because nobody has to motivate me against Raymond van Barneveld.
“I don’t want to lose to anybody, especially not to Raymond. Simple as that!”
Danny Noppert, Gian van Veen, Wessel Nijman, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Jermaine Wattimena have all celebrated victories across the opening two days in Blackpool, and Van Barneveld is aiming to join that group on Monday.
The five-time World Champion has not tasted victory on the Winter Gardens stage since 2018, suffering back-to-back first round defeats to Ryan Searle and Jonny Clayton over the last two years.
However, the 58-year-old is hoping to roll back the years at the Empress Ballroom, having secured his qualification via the ProTour Rankings earlier this month.
“A clash against Michael is always awesome, and everyone wants to see it of course,” admitted Van Barneveld, a World Matchplay runner-up in 2010.
“I have known Michael for years, and against me he always stands up.
“We go way back – I remember a game at the World Championship where I averaged 109 over eight sets and I only won two!
“We’ve had so many good battles, but I’ve had some crucial wins over him – one game at the World Championship, the Premier League final and Grand Slam final, so I know I’m able to beat him.”
Van Barneveld has produced glimpses of his brilliant best over the last 12 months, defeating the likes of Luke Humphries, Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price on the ProTour circuit.
Nevertheless, he has not progressed beyond the last 16 of a televised ranking event since his run to the Grand Slam semi-finals in November 2022 – a record he would love to rectify this week.
“I’m 58 years old, and I’m still 36th in the world,” reflected the Den Haag veteran.
“Not many players in the world have come back after losing their Tour Card, but I’m still here!
“It’s always great to perform in front of these big crowds when they’re chanting your name, but you want to prove that you can still perform.
“It’s not a secret that in the last few years I’ve struggled in the major tournaments. Of course I’m proud to be here, but pride doesn’t bring you anywhere; I want to have results.”
The Betfred World Matchplay is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
2025 Betfred World Matchplay
Monday July 21 (1900 BST)
First Round x4
Chris Dobey v Ricardo Pietreczko
Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney
Michael van Gerwen v Raymond van Barneveld
Ross Smith v Josh Rock
Best of 19 legs