Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith will lock horns in the semi-finals of the Betfred World Matchplay on Saturday, after overcoming Andrew Gilding and Rob Cross in their respective quarter-final clashes on Friday.
Van Gerwen defied an insipid start to topple Gilding 16-10 in the evening’s opener, before Smith swept aside an off-colour Cross to advance to a third Blackpool semi-final.
The pair will now go head-to-head in a thrilling last four showdown at the Winter Gardens on Saturday, in a repeat of their epic 2023 World Championship final.
Smith avenged his defeat to Cross in the 2019 World Matchplay decider with a comprehensive 16-7 success.
Cross boasted a tournament average of 103 coming into the tie, although he endured an evening to forget at the Empress Ballroom, and Smith duly capitalised to triumph with a 96 average.
“Rob’s doubles early on were non-existent, and I was just stepping in and taking my chances,” reflected the 2023 World Champion.
“He was missing three darts at double 16, three darts at double eight. Rob Cross doesn’t usually miss those doubles and he wasn’t getting close.
“I just want to play well. I want to do what I do best and entertain the crowd. In my last two games I’ve not done what I do best, but I’m in the semi-finals.
“I know I’ve got a tough game against Michael now. I have to step up, and it’s going to be a spectacle for this crowd tomorrow.”
Smith made a blistering start to the contest, converting consecutive 134 and 101 combinations to lead 3-0, which set the tone for a dominant display.
Cross was unable to find his range on the outer ring and the St Helens star took full advantage, stretching his lead to 7-1 at one stage.
Smith extended his advantage to 11-3 as the procession continued, although Cross added some respectability to the scoreline in the closing stages, conjuring up a 144 checkout to cut the gap to 14-7.
However, the 2019 champion was unable to mount an unlikely turnaround, as Smith fired in a 13-darter to cap off a resounding victory.
Saturday’s semi-finals will see world number one Luke Humphries take on 2007 champion James Wade in the evening’s opener, before Van Gerwen and Smith renew their rivalry for a place in Sunday’s showpiece.
The Betfred World Matchplay is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
2024 Betfred World Matchplay.
Friday July 19.
Quarter-Finals x2.
Michael van Gerwen 16-10 Andrew Gilding.
Michael Smith 16-7 Rob Cross.
Saturday July 20 (2000 BST).
Semi-Finals.
Luke Humphries v James Wade.
Michael van Gerwen v Michael Smith.
Best of 33 legs.
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