We are approaching the end of the World Championship. Today it is on for the quarter-finals.
We have entered the last half of this year’s World Championship. After some new shocks yesterday, it is time for the quarter-finals.
Of the eight names to be played today, there are probably at least four, as no one before the tournament, had predicted a place in the quarter-finals. However, they have managed to get it so far, now the question is just who is to pass on to the two semifinals.
Afternoonsession
Nathan Aspinall v Brendan Dolan
It was something of a roller coaster ride Nathan Aspinall was through yesterday, when he reached today’s quarter-final. In his match against Devon Petersen, he was behind by 2-0 before he came back and even ahead by 3-2. After that, Devon Petersen equalized before Aspinall could win the match by winning the seventh set by 4-2. Brendan Dolan had it something easier, when he beat Benito van de Pas by 4-1 in their match. Brendan Dolan and Nathan Aspinall have met each other once. It was during this year’s Players Championship 11, where Brendan Dolan won with the numbers 6-4.
Gary Anderson v Dave Chisnall
If you look at names and merits, this must be the biggest battle of the day. Gary Anderson has been involved in some long and exciting matches along the way in the tournament. He thus won 4-3 against both Jermaine Wattimena and Chris Dobey. Dave Chisnall has played a fewer legs since he has won his last two matches by 4-0 against Kim Huybrechts and Jamie Lewis. Today, the two will meet each other, and it is thus the 24th time the two meet. In the previous 23 appearances, it has turned 17 wins for Gary Anderson, five for Dave Chisnall, and one draw. However, Dave Chisnall won the last time they met, when he won with the numbers 6-5 in the World Series Finals.
Eveningsession
Luke Humphries v Michael Smith
Luke Humphries has been a real pleasure to follow during this World Championship, but today he will probably have a hard time. Michael Smith has looked incredibly strong so far. However, one must not take anything from Luke Humphries, who yesterday beat Rob Cross by 4-2, even though the defending world champion was ahead by 2-0. Michael Smith, on the other hand, did not have the big problems against Ryan Searle, which he beat 4-1. Luke Humphries has previously faced Michael Smith twice. Both times, however, it has become a victory for the world’s number 10.
Michael van Gerwen v Ryan Joyce
Ryan Joyce has impressed everyone by reaching this quarter-final. Yesterday he won his biggest biggest victory of his career when he beat James Wade 4-3 to reach todays match. It will be incredibly difficult in today’s match, as he will face Michael van Gerwen, who has not yet averaged below 100 in this tournament. Most recently, Adrian Lewis felt it, when the Dutchman averaged an incredible 108.08 in their match, winning 4-1. Ryan Joyce’s highest average in this tournament is at 90.40. An average he delivered against Simon Whitlock in the second round. So there are far up to the 108. So if Joyce shall have a real chance in this match, he has to play his best game ever, and at the same time hope that Michael van Gerwen doesn’t show up with his standard level.
Because it is the quarter-finals, the matches will be played best of nine sets.