PDC World Matchplay Darts - PDC World Matchplay Darts
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by Steve Ashfield | in PDC World Matchplay Darts Predictions
Fifth seed Jonny Clayton takes on ninth-seeded James Wade for a place in the World Matchplay Darts final. This match is being played over the best of 33 legs. Can 'The Ferret' get a win over Wade? Here's our match prediction.
Wade has had a couple of wins over Clayton this year. However, their most recent match in April saw Clayton win 6-0. The Welshman was the runner-up in this tournament two years ago, his only time in the Blackpool final.
He's already played in one major singles final this year, being the runner-up in the World Masters. Clayton also made it to the UK Open semi-finals and won one tournament on both the Players' Championship and European Tour.
So far this week, he's had wins over Martin Schindler, Mike de Decker and in the quarter-final, beat fourth-seeded Stephen Bunting 16-7.
It's 18 years since James Wade won his only World Matchplay title. He's reached five other finals at the Winter Gardens and was a losing semi-finalist in 2024. In his first two matches of this year's tournament against Joe Cullen and Wessel Nijman, he had a 100+ average.
His average dipped to 96.35 when beating unseeded Gian van Veen 16-13 in Thursday's quarter-final.
We tip Clayton to win this match.
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Jonny Clayton - James Wade Key Points
- The most recent match between these two players took place in April and Clayton won 6-0.
- Clayton beat the fourth seed in the last round for the loss of only seven legs.
- Clayton is bidding to reach his second World Matchplay Darts final in three years.
- Wade's average dipped below 100 in his quarter-final.
- Clayton's checkout percentage in the quarter-finals was 7% higher than achieved by Wade at the same stage.
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Our Jonny Clayton vs James Wade Prediction
This could be a titanic clash if both players hit their top form. James Wade was on fire in the first two rounds with 100+ averages in both matches. In his quarter-final though, his stats dipped and he only recorded a 42% checkout percentage.
Jonny Clayton has already reached one major singles final this year. He was the runner-up here two years ago and demolished Stephen Bunting 16-7 in the last eight. Our Jonny Clayton v James Wade prediction is Jonny Clayton to win.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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