World Matchplay Darts Tips, Predictions For Quarter-Finals

July 24, 2025

The quarter-finals of the World Matchplay Darts begin on Thursday at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool with two box-office showdowns.

Proceedings begin with young buck Gian van Veen taking on James Wade for a spot in the final four, both of whom will fancy their chances after strong starts to the tournament.

Stephen Bunting will look to make it past the quarter-final for the first time in his career when facing Jonny Clayton in the second and final clash of the evening.

World Matchplay Darts Tips

Gian van Veen to win and most 180s @ 5/4
Stephen Bunting to win and most 180s @ 2/1

Gian van Veen can equal best-ever major result

Van Veen’s best-ever result in a major came in the 2023 European Championship when reaching the semi-final and the Dutchman is primed to at least equal that in the World Matchplay this year.

The 23-year-old sprung a surprise when sending Luke Humphries home in the last 32, averaging 98.45 with eight 180s and shooting 10/25 (40%) on the outer ring.

He wasn’t quite as emphatic when beating Danny Noppert 11-5 in the last 16 but it was still a convincing win and he holds the edge over James Wade tonight.

Van Veen has won two of his last three clashes with Wade and over the last 12 months has been thoroughly more consistent, posting a better average with more 180s and a greater checkout percentage.

‘The Giant’ has always been seen as a player with huge potential and this could well be his breakthrough. 5/4 to win and throw the most maximums is a tempting price with the best Irish bookmakers.

Gian van Veen vs James Wade tip: Van Veen to win and most 180s @ 5/4

Stephen Bunting can post career-best World Matchplay finish

Stephen Bunting has equalled his best ever finish in the World Matchplay by reaching the quarter-final but he’s fancied to post a career best ahead of Thursday’s meeting with Jonny Clayton.

Bunting looked good in his first outing with a 98 average and ten 180s against Ryan Joyce before a gritty win over Gary Anderson next time out where he admittedly didn’t put his best foot forward.

‘The Bullet’ is a 180s machine having hit nearly 700 over the last 12 months, bettered by only reigning world champion Luke Littler and his 97.49 average also ranks in the top five.

Clayton has looked right at home so far in the tournament he finished runner-up to Nathan Aspinall in two years ago but don’t be surprised if Bunting proves to be too hot to handle.

Bunting has won two of his last three match-ups with Clayton, most recently in the World Series of Darts 3 quarter-final.

Stephen Bunting vs Jonny Clayton tip: Bunting to win and most 180s @ 2/1