Gerwyn Price just blasted his way into his fourth major semifinal of 2026, dropping Ross Smith 16-12 in a Day 7 quarterfinal battle at the World Matchplay of Darts in Blackpool. The Iceman is absolutely on fire, continuing his dominant run and setting up a monumental clash for the next round.
Price Dominates, Bracket Shifts
You just watched Price put on a clinic, taking down Smith in what felt like a blink for a 16-12 victory. This wasn’t just a win; it was Price slamming his claim to one of those coveted semifinal spots. The format, best of 31 legs with a win by two or sudden death in the 37th, means every single leg counts, and Price held strong. His consistency this year, now securing a fourth major semifinal, is absolutely insane. Fans are seeing a player at the top of his game, and you gotta wonder who can even slow him down right now.
Wade and van Veen Battle for Their Spot
While Price is already locked in, the other quarterfinal of Day 7 is still brewing, and it’s a tight one. We’ve got James Wade battling Gian van Veen, and the tension is palpable. Wade is currently trailing 9-11 at the end of the fourth mini-session. The Machine is fighting tooth and nail to make another Matchplay semifinal appearance, showing that veteran grit we all love. On the other side, GVV is chasing his very first semifinal in Blackpool, and you know he’s going to leave it all on the oche. Their match, which kicked off at 9:30 p.m. local time, is a rematch from a previous Matchplay quarterfinal, and it’s shaping up to be another thriller. The winner of this one gets to face the white-hot Gerwyn Price.
What’s Next: Semifinal Showdowns
The World Matchplay semifinals are shaping up to be absolutely wild. With Price already through, he’s set to clash with whoever emerges victorious from the brutal van Veen versus Wade showdown. On the other side of the bracket, we’re looking at Luke Littler going head-to-head with Dirk van Duijvenbode. These aren’t just games; these are matchups that could define 2026. Keep an eye on the results from that van Veen and Wade match; it dictates the next major hurdle for Price, and it’s going to be electric!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply