Matchplay Magic
Photo: Mike Glover/UK Darts Magazine
Mike Glover Previews The 2014 World Matchplay
Whether you are watching in the venue, following on TV or
simply catching up with all of the latest through UK Darts,
the World Matchplay at Blackpool never fails to throw some
excitement your way.
Last year saw some of the best matches in the history of televised
darts, matches where both men involved threw to the absolute best of
their ability and no quarter was given.
The players too love Blackpool. Phil Taylor has described the tournament
as his favourite on the calendar, and with a relatively relaxed schedule,
often sunny weather (although it is in England so don’t expect too
much) and a more relaxed atmosphere than many events the World
Matchplay continues to remain conducive to top quality darts.
This year looks like being no exception, and for the rest of this article I
am going to focus on some of the things to look out for when 19th July
comes round and the PDC heads for it’s annual jaunt to the coast.
New Faces
BDO World Champion Stephen Bunting made the switch to the PDC in
January and he has done enough to qualify for the Matchplay. He will of
course be unseeded, meaning his draw will be tough, and so he may not
Photo: Mike Glover/UK Darts Magazine
Of course there are a few reasons for this, not least of which is the long
format that allows players to get into full stride. And then of course
there is the magic of the Winter Gardens, which despite being only a
fraction of the size of many Premier League venues seems to serve up
one of the best atmospheres around time and again.