Oddschecker expert Grant Heaney has previewed the World Matchplay Darts and provided three tips.
World Matchplay Darts 2024
One of the most eagerly-anticipated events on the darting calendar is almost upon us, as the 2024 World Matchplay gets up and running at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Saturday night.
The second longest-running major in the history of the PDC will see a star-studded 32-man field fight it out for the coveted Phil Taylor trophy.
Last year, Nathan Aspinall landed the World Matchplay crown for the first time after crushing Jonny Clayton 18-6 in the final. Only Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and Rod Harrington have managed to successfully defend the World Matchplay title. Can ‘The Asp’ follow suit this summer?
World Matchplay 2024 Predictions
Luke Humphries will be looking to add the World Matchplay to his growing collection of trophies. ‘Cool Hand Luke’ reached the top of the darting mountain at the turn of the year by becoming the new champion of the world and he arrives in Blackpool as the favourite to lift the World Matchplay title at 10/3 on Spreadex.
That Ally Pally triumph in January saw Humphries scoop a fourth successive major trophy and he has since gone on to reach the Premier League final, not to mention both he and Michael Smith recently guided England to a record-breaking fifth World Cup of Darts success.
Pre-tournament favourite Humphries is playing at the peak of his powers right now and he looks primed to get his hands on more silverware at the Winter Gardens.
Luke Littler goes into his first-ever World Matchplay as the 4/1 (bet365) second favourite behind the aforementioned Humphries. Following his history-making run to the World Darts Championship final, ‘The Nuke’ has since become the youngest ever Premier League Darts champion, hitting a nine-dart finish in the final for good measure. If Littler is to reign supreme in Blackpool, he’ll have to overcome three-time winner Michael van Gerwen in a blockbuster first round battle.
Reigning champion Nathan Aspinall is as big as 33/1 on bet365 to win back-to-back World Matchplay titles. An ongoing arm injury means ‘The Asp’ will be fighting through the pain barrier to compete in this summer’s showpiece, making it a mighty tall order for the Stockport star to be the last man standing for the second year running.
Elsewhere, 2022 finalists Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen make up the top-four in the outright betting, while either Michael Smith or Gary Anderson are destined to fall at the first hurdle after being drawn against one another in round one. Fan favourite and 2024 Masters champion Stephen Bunting is likely to be many observers' dark horse at 40/1 on Sky Bet
World Matchplay 2024 Odds
| Player | Best Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Humphries | 10/3 | 23% |
| Luke Littler | 4/1 | 20% |
| Gerwyn Price | 15/2 | 12% |
| Michael van Gerwen | 10/1 | 9% |
| Rob Cross | 14/1 | 7% |
After reaching the semi-final stage of the 2023 World Matchplay, Luke Humphries is the 10/3 favourite on Spreadex to go all the way this time around.
‘Cool Hand’ was at his brilliant best when delivering a masterclass in big finishing during the World Cup of Darts final a fortnight ago and he will take some stopping in his quest for World Matchplay glory.
World Matchplay 2024 Betting Tips
Luke Humphries Quarter 1 Winner - 5/6 @Betway
Luke Humphries’ red-hot form makes him the rightful World Matchplay outright favourite but backing ‘Cool Hand’ to come through his quarter looks the more appealing option to support at 5/6 on Betway. Humphries finds himself in the supposed more favourable quarter of the draw and he looks well positioned to navigate his way to the latter stages.
Luke Humphries Most 180s - 100/30 @ Betfred
There also appears to be some value in siding with Luke Humphries to hit the most tournament 180s at 100/30 on Betfred. The world number one has been the most prolific maximum hitter on the PDC circuit over the past 12 months, not to mention he hit more 180s than any other player en-route to winning the World Darts Championship earlier this year.
Gerwyn Price To Hit a 9 Darter - 14/1 @ Betfred
Gerwyn Price was the last player to hit a nine-dart finish at the World Matchplay and backing him to repeat the feat looks like a nice long shot to cheer on at 14/1 on Betfred. The Iceman delivered nine perfect darts when the Premier League was in Manchester in April and he remains one of the PDC’s serial 180 hitters, making him an appealing prospect for another roof-raising nine darter in Blackpool.
