The second round of the 2026 World Matchplay concluded on Wednesday night and our resident darts expert Keith Deller looks ahead to the first quarter-final clash between Dirk van Duijvenbode and Gary Anderson.
Gerwyn Price enjoyed the most convincing second round victory -- defeating Rob Cross 11-5 after a first round scare against Martin Schindler -- while Cameron Menzies was forced to withdraw against Ross Smith after being taken ill on stage, a devastating blow for the Scotsman after defeating world number two Luke Humphries in the opening round.
Luke Littler is the odds-on favourite to retain the World Matchplay after beating James Wade in the 2025 final, but seven other players will be out to dethrone 'The Nuke' in Blackpool.
Check out Deller's 9/1 Bet Builder for Dirk van Duijvenbode v Gary Anderson at the Winter Gardens below...
Dirk van Duijvenbode v Gary Anderson Bet Builder
- Match Winner: Gary Anderson
- Over 28.5 Legs
- Over 18.5 180s
- Most 180s: Gary Anderson
This one has got the makings of a World Matchplay classic in Blackpool. While Van Duijvenbode has already levelled his best tournament -- reaching the quarter-finals stage for just the second time -- 'The Flying Scotsman' will be looking to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time since 2020.
While I am backing Anderson to emerge victorious as the first selection in my Bet Builder, I can sense the Dutchman pushing the 55-year-old very close.
Of the eight quarter-finalists, Van Duijvenbode has played more legs (50) than anyone at the 2026 World Matchplay, needing 24 legs to beat Chris Dobey and 26 to overcome Michael van Gerwen.
I'm not expecting a quick nights work for Anderson, and -- while I fancy the Scotsman to come out on top -- I'm backing over 28.5 legs.
Both Van Duijvenbode and Anderson are prolific at finding the treble 20 when they're at the top of their game, and if the contest goes how I think it will, I'm anticipating plenty of 180s.
Van Duijvenbode found nine 180s in 26 legs against MVG, while Anderson recorded seven maximums in just 18 legs against Jonny Clayton. Over 18.5 180s at 4/5 looks a great price in this one, and I'm backing it as the third selection in my Bed Builder.
'The Flying Scotsman' hit just two less 180s than Van Duijvenbode in the second round -- despite playing eight less legs -- and I fancy the 2018 World Matchplay winner to hit the most maximums, wrapping up my 9/1 Bet Builder.
All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
