PDC World Matchplay Darts - PDC World Matchplay Darts
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by Steve Ashfield | in PDC World Matchplay Darts Predictions
We're guaranteed a Dutch player in the last 16 of the World Matchplay Darts Championship. Third seed Michael van Gerwen takes on compatriot Raymond van Barneveld. Will 'Mighty Mike' win this all Dutch battle? Read our match prediction.
This match is being played over the best of 19 legs rather than a sets format. Whoever wins will go into the last 16 and take on either 14th seed Rob Cross or unseeded Josh Rock for a place in the quarter-finals.
Michael van Gerwen has won this tournament on three previous occasions. He won the title in 2015 and 2016 and again three years ago. Last year, he lost in the final to Luke Humphries and will hope to go one better this year.
In 2025, van Gerwen was runner-up in the World Championships and won the German Darts Grand Prix.
Like his opponent, Raymond van Barneveld is a former PDC World Champion and 'Barney' also won the BDO version on four occasions. The 58-year-old has previously retired a couple of times but made a comeback.
He's currently 36th in the world rankings, 33 places below his opponent. One Players' Championship quarter-final has been reached this year. Three of his last four matches have been lost and we tip van Gerwen to win on a -2.5 legs handicap.
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Michael van Gerwen - Raymond van Barneveld Key Points
- Van Gerwen was the runner-up in this year's World Championships.
- Van Gerwen is ranked 33 places above his opponent.
- Van Gerwen has won this title on two occasions.
- Van Gerwen was the 2024 runner-up in this tournament.
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Our Michael van Gerwen vs Raymond van Barneveld Prediction
Can 58-year-old Raymond van Barneveld turn back the clock in this World Matchplay Darts Championship match? Both players are former multiple time world title winners but van Gerwen was only eight when van Barneveld won his first.
Van Gerwen was the 2025 World Championship runner-up this year but failed to reach the Premier League Darts play-offs. Van Barneveld has struggled for consistency. Our Michael van Gerwen v Raymond van Barneveld prediction is Michael van Gerwyn to win on a -2.5 legs handicap.
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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