Analyse de la demi-finale du Betfred World Matchplay 2023
2023 Betfred World Matchplay Semi Final Review
Nathan Aspinall punishes Joe Cullen to secure a place in the final
Nathan Aspinall delivered an impressive performance to defeat Joe Cullen and advance to the final of the Betfred World Matchplay.
The Walk On
The atmosphere was electric as both players made their way to the stage. Aspinall received a special reception from the Blackpool crowd, leading to an extended sing-along before the match began. The energy from the crowd seemed to inspire Aspinall, as he took an early lead with three holds of throw.
A Tight Battle
The first break of the game came from Aspinall, but Cullen responded with a stylish 148 checkout. The players exchanged holds of throw before Aspinall managed to steal a break with a 22-dart leg.
As the match progressed, Aspinall continued to punish Cullen’s mistakes. Aspinall secured a ton-plus checkout of 116 and quickly built a comfortable lead of 10-5.
Cullen managed to win the first and last legs of the fourth session, but missed several opportunities at a double in between. Aspinall maintained a comfortable buffer at 13-7.
Although Cullen showed some fight with a 124 checkout in leg 24, it was too little, too late. Aspinall thought he had won the game in the next leg, but upon realizing his mistake, he apologized to Cullen before sealing the victory in the following leg.
Clayton Will Meet Aspinall
In the other semi-final match, Jonny Clayton faced Luke Humphries in a closely contested battle.
The game started with two comfortable holds of throw before Clayton found a 15-dart leg and a 16-dart leg to take a 3-1 lead. Humphries responded with an 18-dart hold.
The match continued to swing back and forth, with Clayton initially taking the lead by winning the first two legs. However, Humphries found three consecutive legs, including a 12-darter with a 100 checkout, to regain the advantage.
The third session saw both players hold their throw for five consecutive legs, with little to separate them in terms of average and scores over 140+. Humphries maintained a slim lead of 11-9.
After the last break, both players continued to hold their throw until Clayton finally found a crucial break to level the game at 12-12. Clayton then took the lead for the first time with a 15-dart hold, and the comfortable holds of throw continued until leg 30, when Clayton had opportunities to break but couldn’t capitalize. The match was tied at 15-15.
In the end, Clayton managed to secure a 17-15 victory with a 14-dart leg and an 80 checkout. It was a shocking result for Clayton, who reached his first Betfred World Matchplay Final.
The stage is set for an exciting final between Nathan Aspinall and Jonny Clayton at the 2023 Betfred World Matchplay.
