Michael van Gerwen produces masterclass to defeat Callan Rydz in thrilling quarter-final
Michael van Gerwen is still on track for a fourth World Darts Championship after producing one of the best performances of his career to beat Callan Rydz 5-3 in the match of the tournament.
With both players averaging in excess of 103 and at almost a 50 per cent success rate on their doubles, the quarter-final came down to who could produce their absolute best at the most important moments.
And, with the 26-year-old Rydz playing brilliantly but missing darts to win three of the sets he actually lost, it was Van Gerwen who proved himself the ultimate competitor.
“He came at me with everything – he didn’t stop throwing trebles – at some point I thought I had broken him but he kept throwing 180s,” said Van Gerwen, the 2014, 2017 and 2019 champion.
After a difficult 12 months in which he has often been overshadowed by Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, Van Gerwen is now in his ninth world semi-final and believes that he is playing his best darts for several years.
“I’m so glad at my own performance,” said the 35-year-old Dutchman. “I need to make sure I keep maintaining this form – my game is in a good place. To be in games like this gives a lot of joy. It is probably one of my best performances in a long time – everyone knows I had a tough year, but I’m still here.”
The two players had earlier shared the first sets before Van Gerwen appeared to steal a crucial advantage by holding on his own throw before breaking with a brilliant 12-dart finish to set up a 4-2 lead.
The expectation was that Van Gerwen would then quickly close out victory, but Rydz upped his game with a further flurry of 180s to win an extraordinary seventh set in which both men had averaged close to 110. Rydz closed out the set with a roof-raising tops, tops finish to check out 99. Van Gerwen, however, simply responded with a near-perfect eighth set in which he hit four 180s and missed only one out of four darts at a double.
Van Gerwen will face Chris Dobey in the semi-final after the 15th seed confirmed what is already his best performance at Alexandra Palace with a 5-3 win against 2021 champion Gerwyn Price.
The quarter-finals will be complete later on New Year’s Day when Peter Wright plays Stephen Bunting and Littler takes on Nathan Aspinall.
World Championship quarter-finals results
Chris Dobey 5 Gerwyn Price 3
Michael van Gerwen 5 Callan Rydz 3
04:23 PM GMT
Watch: the moment Van Gerwen sealed his semi-final spot
IT'S ALL OVER!
MVG holds off Callan Rydz in an EPIC to reach the semi-finals! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/2NhGTOFkuR— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2025
04:22 PM GMT
Updated odds after the first two quarter-finals
Luke Littler 4/5
Michael Van Gerwen 13/5
Chris Dobey 8/1
Stephen Bunting 10/1
Peter Wright 14/1
Nathan Aspinall 28/1
Van Gerwen looks good at those odds after that performance. That said Rydz did have opportunities that he did not take, but the Dutchman played well and battled through some difficult moments and everything his opponent threw at him.
04:20 PM GMT
Hell of a couple of games, those
Later today we have Peter Wright against Stephen Bunting and then Luke Littler vs Nathan Aspinall. Another couple of cracking quarter-finals in the offing.
04:15 PM GMT
Match stats from MVG vs Rydz
Van Gerwen
103.1 average
18 140+
14 180s
44.7 checkout percentage
154 highest checkout
Rydz
103.88 average
29 140+
17 180s
46.2 checkout percentage
135 highest checkout
Rydz actually won more legs than Van Gerwen in the match (18 to 17) but that is the beauty of set play. It is about timing.
04:11 PM GMT
Van Gerwen reacts to his quarter-final victory
“He gave me everything, he didn’t stop throwing trebles. Callan Rydz is in good form, he never gave up. He kept throwing 180s and I was getting annoyed at a point. I am so glad with my own performance, I am so happy. I think my game is in a good place, but we only know in the semi-finals.
“It doesn’t mean anything yet. I think the crowd deserves it but more importantly I think I deserve it too. To be part of games like this always gives you a lot of joy. This was probably one of the best performances I did in a long time because he kept me under pressure.”
04:09 PM GMT
GAME SHOT, AND THE MATCH! Michael Van Gerwen beats Callan Rydz 5-3
It is Rydz’ throw, though. Van Gerwen’s 180 leaves him on 188... what can Rydz do? A 140 leaves him on 96. A 140 gets Van Gerwen down to 48. This is a crucial combo finish for Rydz. Treble 20 gives him two darts for the set but he misses them!
Van Gerwen on 48, a finish he must have done thousands of times before. Big 16 leaves double 16 which he misses first dart... by quite a way. But it’s in the next dart and Van Gerwen wins 5-3 and advances to the semi-finals!
Rydz played brilliantly but it was a match of moments. Van Gerwen took them when he needed to and Rydz perhaps left a few begging early on.
04:06 PM GMT
Set 8: Van Gerwen 2 Rydz 2 (Van Gerwen leads 4-3 in sets)
Rydz hits a maximum. Van Gerwen hits a maximum. Ridiculous darts throughout this match but especially recently. Van Gerwen on 127 but goes into the wrong treble with his second dart. Rydz on 137 goes into the wrong treble with his first dart. Van Gerwen gets 54 in two darts to take us to a deciding leg. Rydz needs to win it...
04:05 PM GMT
Set 8: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 2 (Van Gerwen leads 4-3 in sets)
Rydz in a bit of trouble on his own throw. He is down to a finish first but Van Gerwen can get down to a lower finish first. But he doesn’t hit a treble when he needed to. 130 left for Van Gerwen, 82 for Rydz...
No luck for MVG but leaves himself tops. 16, 16 and one dart at tops for Rydz does the job for a crucial hold of throw. Van Gerwen could have been throwing for the match otherwise.
04:03 PM GMT
Set 8: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 1 (Van Gerwen leads 4-3 in sets)
A 12-dart finish is the perfect response from Van Gerwen, finishing 82 in three darts.
04:02 PM GMT
Set 8: Van Gerwen 0 Rydz 1 (Van Gerwen leads 4-3 in sets)
Rydz’s throw in the first leg and he takes the leg efficiently with a 64 finish in two darts. Both players have been pushed and I think that will continue to be the case over the next one, two or three sets.
03:57 PM GMT
This is darts of the highest quality from both players
102.44 average from Van Gerwen plays 103.82 from Rydz. 26 180s in total and not too many missed doubles, certainly not from Rydz with a 45.7 per cent checkout percentage. 41.2 from Van Gerwen which is not too shabby. Van Gerwen averaged 111 in the last set... but lost.
Van Gerwen just one set away, Rydz needs both from here.
03:55 PM GMT
Rydz finishes with two tops to get a set back
This is better from Rydz. A 180 with his first three darts on his throw. His level just dropped a bit whilst Van Gerwen’s improved. Van Gerwen not going anywhere, though and throws a 180 of his own before Rydz responds with his second of the leg to get down to 99. Van Gerwen on 84 after a 140...
19, tops, tops for Rydz secures him the leg and the set!
Van Gerwen 4 Rydz 3
03:53 PM GMT
Set 7: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 2 (Van Gerwen leads 4-2 in sets)
Van Gerwen’s throw and it’s not a stellar leg from him. Rydz chucks in a 180, his 14th of the match, to nick the throw here. 70 plays 68... Rydz gets a dart at tops to break and go 2-1 up and he takes it!
He will throw for the set...
03:51 PM GMT
Set 7: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 1 (Van Gerwen leads 4-2 in sets)
Both players open with 180s in this leg on Rydz’ throw. 96 for Rydz to hold his throw now. He will get two darts at it but misses D18 and then D9. MVG misses and Rydz makes no mistake the second time.
The sustained standard - and perhaps also atmosphere - has been the best of any match so far at this year’s World Championship but Michael van Gerwen proving the worth of playing your best when it matters most here. A 12-darter to break Rydz and then a brilliant hold just when it looked like again going level at 3-3. Van Gerwen constantly also flirting with a nine-dart finish.
03:49 PM GMT
Set 7: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 0 (Van Gerwen leads 4-2 in sets)
Van Gerwen now operating at his best. Two 180s leave him on 141 for a nine dart finish but his first dart strays into the treble five segment. He is left on 49 but misses. He will come back with Rydz on 221. The Dutchman just has a bit to much for his opponent at the moment. And so it proves with another leg.
03:48 PM GMT
Van Gerwen goes 4-2 up!
Rydz hits a 180 first three darts on Van Gerwen’s throw but will it be enough? Van Gerwen is scoring superbly here and looks close to his best, even if he is having to battle. Van Gerwen will have 170 to win the set but Rydz is on 211. 134 leaves 36 for Van Gerwen and all Rydz can do is set it up, which he does to leave himself tops.
Van Gerwen makes no mistake on D18, takes it out first dart and goes 4-2 up in sets. One set away...
Van Gerwen 4 Rydz 2
03:46 PM GMT
Set 6: Van Gerwen 2 Rydz 1 (Van Gerwen leads 3-2 in sets)
Big first visit from Mighty Mike. 180 on Rydz throw gets him well in the leg. 137 puts him ahead and 45 from Rydz gives him another chance to get well ahead in the lake. He takes it with a 140. The Dutchman smelling a chance to get a 4-2 set lead here.
44 taken out with ease and MVG will throw for the set.
03:45 PM GMT
Set 6: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 1 (Van Gerwen leads 3-2 in sets)
100, 180 then 140 for Rydz puts some pressure on Van Gerwen’s throw. He’s on 81 with Van Gerwen on 52... Rydz misses a dart at double 13 to break throw. Van Gerwen does not fail on 52. 1-1 in the sixth set.
03:43 PM GMT
Set 6: Van Gerwen 0 Rydz 1 (Van Gerwen leads 3-2 in sets)
Rydz down to a double in no time and checks out 36 in one dart to hold his throw. That’s exactly what he needed.
03:38 PM GMT
Van Gerwen hits double one to take the fifth set!
An 85 from Rydz just gives Van Gerwen the chance to capitalise in this leg, on his throw. A 140 makes it 183 to 142 in Rydz’ favour. A 43 from Van Gerwen opens it up for Rydz, though!
He leaves himself 90 with his opponent on 130. Van Gerwen misses D5 for the set!
Will Rydz get a dart at the set. Surely? Yes. One dart at tops but he is just too high...
MVG goes inside the five but then big three for double one to take the leg and the set!
Van Gerwen 3 Rydz 2
03:35 PM GMT
Set 5: Van Gerwen 2 Rydz 2 (2-2 in sets)
Rydz gets five darts into a nine-dart finish attempt and then a 149 leaves him on 32 after nine. Van Gerwen back on 227. It’s an 11-darter from Rydz to take the fifth set into a deciding leg. Superb standard of darts at the moment.
03:33 PM GMT
Set 5: Van Gerwen 2 Rydz 1 (2-2 in sets)
Van Gerwen gets seven darts into a nine-dart finish but misses the treble 19. It’s on his throw... 52 left and does it in three. 2-1 to the Dutchman, Rydz needs to win the next leg to stay in the set.
03:32 PM GMT
Set 5: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 1 (2-2 in sets)
Both players averaging over 100 now. Van Gerwen has got his scoring boots on on 121 on Rydz throw with the Englishman not on a finish. 53 from MVG means Rydz has 90. He starts not on bullseye as is usual but 18 and then throws two double 18s to level the set! That’s one way to do it.
03:31 PM GMT
Set 5: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 0 (2-2 in sets)
A bit of bad luck of a bounceout disadvantages Rydz as Van Gerwen begins the leg 180, 100. Rydz hits his ninth 180 to keep himself in the leg but Van Gerwen’s 140 puts him on 81. He doesn’t get the treble so it’s 12 then bull but he misses the big number... Rydz fails on 101. Van Gerwen does not fail on tops.
03:25 PM GMT
Rydz takes the fourth set 3-1!
Van Gerwen’s throw but Rydz nicks the darts. 136 plays 112. Rydz leaves tops with a decent visit but MVG will have a dart at double for 112... but he misses D16. Rydz gets tops first dart and takes the fourth set to level!
What a game this is turning out to be. Doesn’t have quite the back-and-forth drama of the previous one but this is mightily close. Can’t call a winner from here. Both men taking and giving hits but refusing to go away.
Van Gerwen 2 Rydz 2
03:22 PM GMT
Set 4: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 2 (Van Gerwen leads 2-1 in sets)
Rydz throws a 162 to leave himself 140 with Van Gerwen back on 278. This should be an easy leg for Rydz. He is on tops with MVG on 86 and makes no mistake, a clean kill first dart. Six legs on throw in a row, now.
03:21 PM GMT
Set 4: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 1 (Van Gerwen leads 2-1 in sets)
Van Gerwen on 70, Rydz throws a 180 to make him think about it. He smashes the finish in two darts, though to level the set.
03:20 PM GMT
Set 4: Van Gerwen 0 Rydz 1 (Van Gerwen leads 2-1 in sets)
Van Gerwen is able to put Rydz’ throw under pressure with a big visit but Rydz coolly takes out 52 in two darts to go 1-0 up in the fourth set.
03:17 PM GMT
Van Gerwen takes the third set to go 2-1 up
Superb darts from Van Gerwen, who is on 182 after six darts. Rydz back on 267 and the Dutchman now a clear favourite for this set.
A 56 from Van Gerwen makes it six darts without a treble... an opening for Rydz? Maybe but he doesn’t take it. In any case Van Gerwen checks out 81 in three darts to take the set.
Van Gerwen 2 Rydz 1
03:15 PM GMT
Set 3: Van Gerwen 2 Rydz 2 (1-1 in sets)
Rydz has just gone off the top of his very best form. His throw but Van Gerwen has stolen the darts and will get a go at 79. He has a dart at tops but misses. 16 for Rydz... which he gets second dart.
It will be a deciding leg with MVG having the throw.
03:13 PM GMT
Set 3: Van Gerwen 2 Rydz 1 (1-1 in sets)
A 177 leaves Van Gerwen on 189 but Rydz can pressure it with a great visit. It was good, not great but Rydz is firmly in this leg. 112 for Van Gerwen with Rydz on 76. He gets a dart at tops but he was a couple of inches out. Rydz misses 76... MVG misses 40... chances going begging rom both men.
17 leaves D4 for Rydz. Outside the wire, inside the wire. MVG comes back. He seals the leg with double five.
03:11 PM GMT
Set 3: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 1 (1-1 in sets)
MVG there or thereabouts in this leg on Rydz’ throw. 72 for Rydz and he gets one dart at tops which he misses. 80 for Van Gerwen and he gets one dart but drops below his previous dart just under the bottom wire. Rydz makes a mess of 20 and busts. Van Gerwen breaks back... I don’t think he’s going away. He is hanging in there.
03:09 PM GMT
Set 3: Van Gerwen 0 Rydz 1 (1-1 in sets)
Van Gerwen’s throw in the first leg of the third set but back-to-back 180s from Rydz gets him to a finish first. Five 180s for him already...
111 to check out for Rydz and he does it! T19, 14 and tops!
03:03 PM GMT
109.98 average for Rydz in that set
That leaves him with a match average of 106.16 after eight legs. The kind of form that got him into this spot in the first place. Hard to believe he is ranked 43. Still just a set apiece, though.
03:02 PM GMT
Rydz takes the second set 3-0!
180 leaves Rydz on 44 with Van Gerwen back on 190 before a 136 leaves him tidy on 54. Rydz fails to check out 44 giving Van Gerwen a chance to break back... which he does not take.
Rydz has D4 left for the set and gets it second dart! That was a wonderful set from the Englishman.
Callan Rydz strikes back ⚡
He levels the match against MVG! pic.twitter.com/CP3lTC3WLx— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2025
Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 1
03:00 PM GMT
Set 2: Van Gerwen 0 Rydz 2 (Van Gerwen leads 1-0 in sets)
180, 140 for Rydz on Van Gerwen’s throw which is almost perfect. He has nicked the darts. A ton leaves him on 81.. MVG’s 96 leaves him on 109.
19, 36, D13 for Rydz for an 81 checkout and a break of throw! Wonderful darts.
02:59 PM GMT
Set 2: Van Gerwen 0 Rydz 1 (Van Gerwen leads 1-0 in sets)
Rydz with the throw in the first leg and he checks out 135 effortlessly... 25, T20, bull! Van Gerwen did not have a sniff.
02:55 PM GMT
A good standard in that first set
Despite just the one hold of throw. Van Gerwen with a 102.38 average and Rydz with 103.93. Three 180s from Rydz, one from MVG. A few missed darts at double, though.
02:53 PM GMT
Michael Van Gerwen takes the first set 3-2
Van Gerwen has a trebleless visit and it is punished with a 180 by Rydz. But Van Gerwen hits back with one of his own! 130 plays 238... 125 from Rydz gets him to 118.
The Dutchman hits T20s but misses D5 which would have secured the set. Rydz then misses a dart at tops to do the same!
Van Gerwen makes no mistake at D5 the next time to hold his throw and take the first set 3-2. The only leg that went with throw.
Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 0
02:51 PM GMT
Set 1: Van Gerwen 2 Rydz 2 (First to five sets)
Rydz hits a 140 when he really needs it but a 133 from MVG keeps him in the leg. Rydz will be the first to a finish, having a go at 115 but MVG has left himself tops. T20, big 15 leaves Rydz tops for the first set but he drops short!
Van Gerwen takes out 40 in two to break back. No leg has gone with throw so far. Van Gerwen has the throw in the deciding leg of the first set.
02:49 PM GMT
Set 1: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 2 (First to five sets)
Rydz misses a dart at D6 to go ahead. Van Gerwen then misses two at D16 giving Rydz another chance to break back. He makes no mistake the second time, first dart in double six and he leads 2-1.
02:47 PM GMT
Set 1: Van Gerwen 1 Rydz 1 (First to five sets)
Rydz leaves himself 170 with Van Gerwen on 250. 98 leaves him with 72. One dart at tops again but he dips below. 154 for MVG to break and he does! T20, T20, D17 to level the set! Superb stuff. Van Gerwen at his best.
02:45 PM GMT
Set 1: Van Gerwen 0 Rydz 1 (First to five sets)
It’s Van Gerwen with the darts and 104 from MVG plays 130-odd for Rydz. Van Gerwen misses tops which means Rydz comes back for 78 to break throw and he does it in three darts: 18, 20, tops.
02:44 PM GMT
We are under way in the second match
If Rydz wins it will set up an all Bedlington semi-final, both men coming from the small town in Northumberland.
02:43 PM GMT
Prediction for the second match
Hmmm. So close to call. MVG 5-4.
02:40 PM GMT
Up soon: Michael van Gerwen vs Callan Rydz
Rydz has been in good form this tournament, arguably the form of his life. Van Gerwen is up there with the best of all time and came to form with a 100+ average in his last match. He has been in this situation so many times before. His opponent less so.
02:38 PM GMT
Match stats: Dobey 5 Price 3
Dobey
95.38 average
12 140+
12 180
40.8 per cent on the doubles (20/49)
107 highest checkout
Price
92.74 average
19 140+
6 180
26.8 per cent on the doubles (15/56)
128 highest checkout
41 missed darts at doubles for Price was the key statistic there. Price was excellent for the first three sets but then started missing darts at doubles and his scoring fell off. He was 3/3 after the first set so was then 12/56 after it – just 21 per cent.
02:34 PM GMT
I did call it 5-3 for Dobey earlier...
I thought his scoring power would be too much. Not sure that it really worked out that way entirely but once he got his scoring boots on Price suffered. Really should have been 5-2 with him winning five sets in a row. Still, well done. Price let him in too many times.
02:31 PM GMT
Chris Dobey reacts after making the semi-finals
“It’s definitely at the top. Getting over that defeat last year and getting over the line this year it means a lot. I have never been so nervous throwing at a winning double as I have today. Honestly, it reminded us of exactly the same last year. I thought just keep going, you will get another chance. Honestly, I am overwhelmed. When I can get my first dart to sit I think I’ll be alright. He played brilliant, he didn’t give it as much as I thought he would. That might have helped me as well. I’m buzzing to get that win.”
02:28 PM GMT
CHRIS DOBEY BEATS GERWYN PRICE 5-3!
Astonishing second dart from Dobey goes into the D19... did it slip or is that the pressure? Or both? Dobey is looking tense now. Not just his face but his arm. Pressure on Price too needing to stay in the game. 40 from Dobey is followed by 43 from Price. Dobey giving Price chances to get in the leg but he cannot take them. Pub-standard darts here right now. Dobey will take a 25-dart leg win here, though...
Dobey on 92 but Price hits a 136 to leave tops...
Big 20 for Dobey... D18 leaves 36 and it’s another D18 to win the match! What a way to win it!
Chris Dobey is THROUGH to the World Darts Championship semi-finals for the first time! 💪 pic.twitter.com/ASocUsRObB
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2025
He is through to the world championship sem-finals for the first time!
Dobey 5 Price 3
02:25 PM GMT
Set 8: Dobey 2 Price 1 (Dobey leads 4-3 in sets)
This leg a bit of a free hit for Dobey, on Price’s throw. He’s in it and could be the first to a finish. But isn’t. A few tense darts from both players, not troubling the trebles and sometimes straying into the wrong segment.
Dobey on 156, Price on 75. A ton from Dobey helps. Price gets 75 in three to make Dobey throw for the match...
02:23 PM GMT
Set 8: Dobey 2 Price 0 (Dobey leads 4-3 in sets)
Dobey now only needs to hold on the two legs where he has the darts. Price not really there in this leg and a 180 from Dobey puts him on 86 with price on 301. Dobey misses D16 third dart but will come back at least once more, with Price on 141.
No mistake this time. D8 first dart at Dobey is again one leg away from the semi-final... Price must win three legs in a row to stay in the game.
02:21 PM GMT
Set 8: Dobey 1 Price 0 (Dobey leads 4-3 in sets)
That was a choke from Dobey. It happens in darts. Price’s throw in this set, though so he will need to break to win the match 5-3. Can Price turn that into something more substantial?
Dobey on 164 with Price on 26 and misses the bull! Price makes a bit of a mess of 26 so Dobey comes back on 42. He nearly misses big 10 but after a missed dart at D16, takes out D8 third dart to break and go 1-0 up in the eighth set...
02:15 PM GMT
Hitting the match-winning double is the toughest thing in darts
Your hands shake, the dart feels like a wet noodle in your hands and often you just throw it in the general direction of the double, more in hope than expectation. Dobey has to regroup here. Price needs to take advantage of the torturous nature of getting over the finishing line, which may be affecting his opponent.
02:13 PM GMT
Dobey misses match darts and Price gets a set back!
Dobey starts off perfectly, with a 180. Nine darts down and he is on 145 with Price back in the 300s. Dobey will get six from 145 and Price looks almost resigned to his fate. 125 leaves Dobey on 20... with match darts.
His first dart at D10 is closer to the treble! He splits 10 (with Price not on a finish) to leave D4 but he is wide of the mark. He will come back for D2 with Price now on 50.
Two leaves double one but he misses! Five match darts missed.
What can Price do? 10... misses tops... gets tops! Price gets a set back!
Chris Dobey misses FIVE match darts and Gerwyn Price survives! pic.twitter.com/i8D5yJNFMq
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2025
Dobey 4 Price 3
02:10 PM GMT
Set 7: Dobey 2 Price 2 (Dobey leads 4-2 in sets)
Dobey threatens to snatch the darts from Price in this leg as Price stutters further with some slack and stray darts. A 140 from Price certainly helps, getting him to a finish first – 150. Dobey’s ton leaves him on 130 which is gettable.
His first dart at T20 is low, so is his second. 58 leaves him on 72 with Price on 95. Price gets it! T7, T18, D10 is not the usual way to do it but it doesn’t matter!
Price gets a leg back...
02:07 PM GMT
Set 7: Dobey 2 Price 1 (Dobey leads 4-2 in sets)
Dobey leaves himself 40 on his own throw with Price back on 205, which then becomes 160. Tops in one dart puts him one leg away from the semi-finals. He will have to break Price’s throw to do that immediately but he has managed that a lot in the last few sets.
02:05 PM GMT
Set 7: Dobey 1 Price 1 (Dobey leads 4-2 in sets)
A long-awaited 180 from Price puts him as strong favourite for this leg, especially after Dobey hits 44. Mind you, given Price’s doubles Dobey might still be in it.
He has three clear at D12 but misses them all. Again, none of them were trouble the wires. He misses double six but finds, finally, double three to level the set. He must kick on now. Or just drag himself into a semblance of competitiveness. Dobey dropping down a level would probably help, too.
02:04 PM GMT
Set 7: Dobey 1 Price 0 (Dobey leads 4-2 in sets)
Price averaged 79 in that last set...
Dobey efficiently takes the first leg of the seventh set and you wonder what will be going through Price’s head right now.
02:02 PM GMT
Dobey takes the sixth set 3-0!
Price on 74 but a 180 for Dobey leaves him on 30. Price will have one dart at tops for the leg but he misses! Dobey does not miss D15 and takes the sixth set, his fourth in a row!
Dobey 4 Price 2
02:01 PM GMT
Set 7: Dobey 2 Price 0 (Dobey leads 3-2 in sets)
Dobey looking in good form here, missing bull on 167. Price’s attempt at 170 is not good. Dobey calmly takes out D8 to make it four straight legs and to go 2-0 up in the sixth set. This is a crisis for Price.
01:59 PM GMT
Set 6: Dobey 1 Price 0 (Dobey leads 3-2 in sets)
Price on 87 but Dobey on 206. An 84 does not really put Price under much pressure, mind you, he has been putting himself under pressure with all those missed doubles. Dobey can’t find the treble 18 to get a shot at double on his 122 but will he be coming back? Yes. Because Price misses three at D9 to make it five in this leg.
Dobey steps back after a wild dart at D16 and then misses two at D8. But Price misses another three at D9 and none of them were even troubling the outer wire.
Dobey finally takes advantage with a dart in the bottom corner of D2 to break throw in the sixth set... eight misses darts at double from Price in that leg.
01:55 PM GMT
We are still on throw, by the way
So Price is still in this. I’d rather be in Dobey’s position, though. He needs to win two of the next four, Price needs three.
01:52 PM GMT
Too many missed doubles from Price
Dobey has upped his power-scoring (nine 180s) and has been good on the doubles (12/27) but Price has given him far too many opportunities.
01:50 PM GMT
Dobey takes the fifth set 3-2 to lead the match!
A few darts just dropping short from the pair, you can feel the tension in such a crucial leg here. Dobey has made a tidy start to the leg, left on 100 after nine darts with Price floundering in the late-200s.
Dobey misses a dart at D10 to win the set but he will be coming back. Will he split it? No. He goes for it, misses... and then gets!
Dobey turns the game around and leads 3-2 after being 2-0 down!
01:48 PM GMT
Set 5: Dobey 2 Price 2 (2-2 in sets)
A 43 from Price gives Dobey a chance to break back, but plenty of work left to do. A ton is OK and leaves Dobey on 170 which Price then gets to.
T20 for Dobey, another T20 for Dobey... and outer bull! A narrow miss on the “big fish” for Dobey. Price leaves himself on 36 but Dobey tidies up 25 in two darts to level the set.
Now Dobey will throw for the set and a 3-2 lead in the match...
01:47 PM GMT
Set 5: Dobey 1 Price 2 (2-2 in sets)
29.4 per cent on the doubles for Price and 45.5 for Dobey. That is why Price has thrown away a two-set lead, simply. Dobey not at his best here but he is being given chances.
171 from Price leaves him 100 with a chance to break with Dobey a little further back after a few underwhelming visits. He does it in two darts! A break of throw for Price and he will throw for the fifth set.
01:45 PM GMT
Set 5: Dobey 1 Price 1 (2-2 in sets)
Some of Price’s hard work in breaking being undone here on his own throw. Mind you, Dobey doesn’t exactly put him under the biggest pressure with a visit of 60 when it could have been much more. Price again misses a couple of darts at double to allow Dobey an opening.
D10 for Dobey... and he gets it second dart to level the set.
01:42 PM GMT
Set 5: Dobey 0 Price 1 (2-2 in sets)
Price nicks the darts on Dobey’s throw, leaving himself on 40 with Dobey on 154. A good chance of a break there but Price’s doubling has been poor in recent legs. It continues with misses at tops, 10s and 5s. Dobey misses a dart at bull for 90 giving Price another go...
He gets D1 third dart, the finish of a true dart player, that. A break of throw for Price.
01:41 PM GMT
Not much in it in that last set
It came down to the final few darts in leg five. Price missed a score below 90, Dobey didn’t. If Price plays like he has been doing he should stay in contention. Dobey needs to keep up his scoring, which has given him the opportunities in the last two sets, which he has taken.
01:35 PM GMT
Chris Dobey levels the game with a nerveless 76 checkout!
Price will have six darts from 188 to go 3-1 up. Dobey has a chance to pressure his opponent and he does with a 137. Dobey on 76 plays Price on 88...
Price has a dart at D7 for the set but it is a long way away. A huge visit for Dobey coming up...
Big 20, big 16... one dart at tops for the set and it’s in! Dobey levels the match!
Dobey 2 Price 2
01:32 PM GMT
Set 4: Dobey 2 Price 2 (Price leads 2-1 in sets)
Price pressuring Dobey’s throw with a 136 but a 134 from Dobey should help. Dobey still has the darts, though so Price has some work to do. A 139 gets him to a finish first, though Dobey has a chance to make a big dent into 180-odd.
Dobey’s 86 plays Price’s 76. One dart at bull for Dobey after two big 18s and he nails it!
All down to the final leg and Price has the darts.
01:30 PM GMT
Set 4: Dobey 1 Price 2 (Price leads 2-1 in sets)
Dobey not really challenging Price on his throw, but he will need to break him to win this set. Price takes the third leg comfortably.
01:29 PM GMT
Set 4: Dobey 1 Price 1 (Price leads 2-1 in sets)
Dobey’s average has just risen about the 100 mark and is almost the same as Price’s now. He misses a dart at bull on 90 with Price on 130. Price gets a shot at the bull himself but misses by a fair margin. Dobey under pressure to hold his throw here and the pressure gets to him, failing to take it out. Price makes a mess of 41 too so Dobey comes back. A nervy leg, this.
Dobey gets double two to hold his throw. Crucial.
01:26 PM GMT
Set 4: Dobey 0 Price 1 (Price leads 2-1 in sets)
Dobey’s first dart is much better now and he is making darts two and three count as well. Dobey on 170 with Price on 112. T20 first dart but just drops below but leaves himself 30.
What can Price do with 112? He hits a treble to get one at tops but misses! Dobey has to split 15 after going inside and then misses a dart at D6. Would have been a great break but Price comes back on D10... he gets it third dart and gives it the big un.
Price holds but Dobey had a great chance to break twice in a row over two sets.
01:24 PM GMT
Dobey gets a set back, it’s 2-1
Another 180 for Dobey, followed by a 125 puts some pressure on Price on 85, which he failes to take out. 107 left for Dobey and he has one dart at D14 to take the set and he does it! Superb stuff at the moment he most needed it. 113 average in the set, by far the best darts we’ve seen from Dobey and Price nods his head in recognition of some good arrers.
GAME ON! 💥
Chris Dobey pulls a set back! 🍿 pic.twitter.com/T3s3dwgAjw— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2025
Dobey 1 Price 2
01:22 PM GMT
Set 3: Dobey 2 Price 1 (Price leads 2-0 in sets)
Dobey amping up his power scoring here with his sixth 180 of the match. He misses two D14s to check out 88 but Price is way back on 220 so he will be coming back. Dobey gets 28 at the third attempt to hold his throw and go 2-1 up in the third set. Dobey has just upped his average a little now to a tad over 97. Price on 101.73.
01:20 PM GMT
Set 3: Dobey 1 Price 1 (Price leads 2-0 in sets)
Dobey again slightly distant on Price’s throw, but he does at least exert some pressure, leaving 42 with Price on tops. Few worries for Price, though, with a crucial D5 third dart.
01:19 PM GMT
Set 3: Dobey 1 Price 0 (Price leads 2-0 in sets)
Price leaves himself handy with his opponent on 80. Dobey gets the 80 in three darts to hold his throw and take a 1-0 lead in the third set. It’s the first to five sets overall, by the way.
01:17 PM GMT
Five out of six legs for Price now in going 2-0 up
Obviously it is not a must-win set for Dobey in the actual sense (he could still win if he loses this) but he really needs this one.
01:12 PM GMT
Gerwyn Price takes the second set 3-1
Dobey’s power scoring is normally his strong point but it isn’t there today and he isn’t getting the shots at double. Dobey has four 180s, the same as price, but just one 140 compared to Price’s seven.
Price misses a dart at bull from 130 with Dobey on 110. He never looks like making it but does leave himself 12. Price on 38, splits it with a 14 and then hits D12 with his second dart to take a 2-0 lead in sets!
Gerwyn Price is in full control now! 🔥
He takes a two-set lead in the quarter-finals! pic.twitter.com/CoEEPv8s53— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2025
Chris Dobey 0 Gerwyn Price 2
01:10 PM GMT
Set 2: Dobey 1 Price 2 (Price leads 1-0 in sets)
Dobey just not at Price’s level and requiring his opponent to miss to give himself a chance. Don’t know if he looks a bit tense up there. Price is just starting to miss some shots at double, making it seven in a row. It’s not eight, though as he bangs in D10 to go 2-1 up in the second set.
01:08 PM GMT
Set 2: Dobey 1 Price 1 (Price leads 1-0 in sets)
Darts, especially in set format, is about timing and Gerwyn Price is nailing that right now. It’s a 180 on Dobey’s throw and again he snatches the darts from the north-Eastener.
Price leaves himself on 52, Dobey needs 160 to take the leg but scores just 44. Dobey does come back but 116 is a big ask under pressure. He leaves himself handy on 24.
Price makes a mess of his finish, though, straying a long way from the D5 and then missing D2 after hitting big one.
Dobey sneaks in and takes a leg that he had no right to win.
01:05 PM GMT
Set 2: Dobey 0 Price 1 (Price leads 1-0 in sets)
Price has the throw in this set (on legs one, three and five) so if he carries on where he left off he has a good chance to go 2-0 up. Dart doesn’t always work like that, though.
Dobey just losing his line and length a little bit here as Price presses on, leaving 40 with Dobey on 182. A 180 from Dobey does pressure the 40, though he has left himself on D1.
No worry for Price, he bags tops with his second dart.
01:02 PM GMT
103.51 average for Price in that first set
Over five legs and 96.53 for Dobey. Dobey just went missing when he couldn’t afford to. Price the opposite.
12:59 PM GMT
Gerwyn Price takes the first set 3-2!
Dobey’s throw but Price nicks the darts with a 180 with his first set. A slack visit from Dobey does not overturn Price’s advantage and Price gets in a vaulable 140 to get him to 82 after nine with Dobey back on 222...
Bull for Price leaves D16 and he gets it first dart! An 11-dart leg to break Dobey’s throw and he takes the first set!
Dobey 0 Price 1
12:57 PM GMT
Set 1: Dobey 2 Price 2
Again, Price ramps it up on his own throw, throwing a 180 which Dobey then matches. Price still has a fairly healthy lead, mind you. Can Dobey pressure price with the Welshman on 130? Not really, 164 plays 130. Price leaves himself on tops, Dobey fails to check out 164 before Price sends in the D20 first dart and roars to celebrate. All square... big leg coming up.
12:55 PM GMT
Set 1: Dobey 2 Price 1
Again Price goes a bit off the boil on Dobey’s throw. Dobey tidies up from 109 to leave 25. He goes fat nine and then D8 in two darts to go within a leg of the first set.
12:54 PM GMT
Set 1: Dobey 1 Price 1
A better leg from Price on his own throw gets him to 128 with Dobey still on 287. He then checks out 128, T20, T20 D4 to level the first set leg all.
12:53 PM GMT
Set 1: Dobey 1 Price 0
Dobey starts with a 180 which gets the crowd going and is down to 129 after nine darts. Price is way back on 235 with Dobey on 80. Dobey hits it in two darts to go ahead in the first set.
12:51 PM GMT
GAME ON!
We are under way in the first quarter-final of 2025.
12:49 PM GMT
Walk-ons done
Dobey and Price both on stage... and we are about to get going.
12:44 PM GMT
Gerwyn Price speaks before the game
“Half the game I’m playing pretty decent and then dropping off... I know I’ve got it in the tank but it’s just bringing it out. I think with Chris there’s no mind games, he plays a decent game. I know it’s going to be tough today.”
12:37 PM GMT
Prediction time for the first match
I think Dobey will just have a little bit too much for Price, advancing to the semi-finals for the first time. 5-3 to Dobey.
12:33 PM GMT
How they reached the quarter-finals
Dobey
R2: beat Alexander Merkx 4-2 (95.62 average)
R3: beat Josh rock 4-2 (97.29 average)
R4: beat Kevin Doets 4-3 (91.59 average)
Gerwyn Price
R2: beat Keane Barry 3-0 (91.32 average)
R3: beat Joe Cullen 4-3 (92.60 average)
R4: beat Jonny Clayton 4-2 (92.28 average)
12:27 PM GMT
Tournament averages of the remaining eight players
100.88 - Luke Littler
99.43 - Callan Rydz
98.26 - Michael van Gerwen
96.62 - Stephen Bunting
95.87 - Peter Wright
94.39 - Chris Dobey
92.29 - Gerwyn Price
91.22 - Nathan Aspinall
12:17 PM GMT
Match high averages so far this tournament
Callan Rydz 107.06 vs Romeo Grbavac
Callan Rydz 105.31 vs Dmitri Van den Berge
Luke Littler 103.14 vs Ryan Joyce
Michael van Gerwen 101.98 vs Jeffrey de Graaf
Conor Scutt 101.92 vs Ben Robb
Ryan Searle 100.97 vs Ryan Joyce
Peter Wright 100.93 vs Luke Humphries
Luke Littler 100.85 vs Ryan Meikle
Stephen Bunting 100.06 vs Madars Razma
12:10 PM GMT
MVG: Not a fan of Peter Wright’s chat
"He talks so much nonsense, no one takes him seriously" 👀
Michael van Gerwen hits out at Peter Wright! 😤pic.twitter.com/X8WCsUXPrB— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 31, 2024
11:58 AM GMT
Today’s schedule
Afternoon session
Chris Dobey (15) vs Gerwyn Price (10)
Michael van Gerwen (3) vs Callan Rydz
Evening session
Peter Wright (17) vs Stephen Bunting (8)
Luke Littler (4) vs Nathan Aspinall (12)
11:14 AM GMT
It’s quarter-finals day...
Welcome to our coverage for the afternoon session of the PDC World Darts Championship’s quarter-finals day. There are two quarter-finals in this session and then two later on this evening. For my money, it is the best day in the sporting calendar. And not just so far. First up, 2021 world champion Gerwyn Price takes on Chris Dobey.
You would probably not put either of those two down as big favourites among the eight players still remaining in the draw, but what has happened in the past is irrelevant, it is about what happens now. Dobey narrowly overcame Kevin Doets 4-3 in the last 16, having beaten Josh Rock and Alexander Merkx in the previous two rounds. The north-easterner certainly has it in him to take it up a level and the world No 15 is one of the best scorers in the game. This is the third year running that Dobey has reached the quarter-finals, so will be hoping to advance to the final four for the first time.
Price, meanwhile, had to battle through a sudden-death decider against Joe Cullen in his second match and then beat compatriot Jonny Clayton in his last 16 match on Sunday, 4-2 being the final result. He will openly admit he has not had the best year but he is used to being at these stages of the big tournaments. He will likely – as usual – have to overcome the challenges of the crowd, though.
In the second game, three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen takes on another north-easterner, Callan Rydz. Even as little as five years ago it seemed like the Dutchman would dominate the sport in a way that could rival Phil Taylor, picking up major titles with relentless regularity. Yet just three world championships feels like a poor return for someone with seven Premier League titles, six World Grand Prix championships and a host of other trophies.
2024 has not been the finest year for Van Gerwen but he is still ranked third and made two major finals – the Masters (losing to Stephen Bunting) and the World Matchplay (losing to Luke Humphries). His last final at Alexandra Palace was in 2023 when Michael Smith triumphed but he has not advanced beyond the quarter-finals any other time since 2020. Still, he could be coming into form at the right time with a 101.98 average against Jeffrey de Graaf in his most recent match.
Callan Rydz, ranked 43 in the world, is playing the darts of his life. He holds the two highest match averages of the tournament so far with a 107.36 against Romeo Grbavac in round one and then a 105.31 against Dmiri Van den Bergh in round three. His tournament average of 99.43 is second only to Luke Littler’s 100.88 of those still in the tournament. Rydz has been as far as this in the tournament before, reaching the quarters in 2022, but never with as promising form. Van Gerwen is the bookies favourite but if Rydz plays like he has been, then he could well upset those odds.
