2018 World Matchplay Darts Odds
The World Matchplay Darts tournament is one of the most anticipated annual events in the world of darts. Since its start in 1994 the tournament has been played in the Empress Ballroom, at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, England, attracting legions of enthusiasts. The 2018 World Matchplay will be the 25th annual staging of the World Matchplay, organised by the Professional Darts Corporation. The tournament takes place at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, at the end of July. Official dates of the event are yet to be releaved.
The tournament is played at the famous Winter Gardens in Blackpool and is competed for over five rounds between the 64 top ranked players in the world. In previous stagings of the event all games had to be won by two clear legs with no sudden-death legs. However, in 2013 after consulting the host broadcaster Sky Sports, the PDC decided that games will now only proceed for a maximum of six extra legs before a tie-break leg is required. For example, in a best of 19 legs first round match, if the score reaches 12–12 then the 25th leg will be the decider.
The prize money for the 2017 edition of the event was £500,000, £50,000 bigger than in 2016. Even it was not confirmed as of the moment, it is likely that the prizes for the upcoming edition to rise or even to exceed £600,000.
Phil Taylor in his retirement year (2017) has made history yet again by winning the BetVictor World Matchplay for the sixteenth time. He previously won the tournament back in 1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Record breaking Taylor reordered his sixteenth title at the Blackpool Winter Gardens on 31st July. On his way to his sixteenth title, Taylor, had to beat some notable players. In the first round. He beat the up and coming Gerwyn Price, which set up a match with his friend and rival the five-time World Champion, Raymond van Barneveld. In the semi-finals Taylor face his prodigy, Adrian Lewis before dismissing the colourful Peter Wright in the final. Phil has matched his World title tally of sixteen victories by winning the World Matchplay tonight. Although Phil will automatically be invited to defend his Matchplay title in 2018, his said this was his last time he would be competing on the World Matchplay stage. His last event before his retirement will be the World Championships at the Alexandra Palace in London in December and January. Before then Phil will be part of the World Series tour.