2020 Betfred World Matchplay – Rob Cross vs Gabriel Clemens Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Rob Cross vs Gabriel Clemens taking place? Sunday 19th July, 2020 (session starts at 18:00 (UK))
Where is Rob Cross vs Gabriel Clemens taking place? Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes
What channel is Rob Cross vs Gabriel Clemens on? Sky Sports
Where can I stream Rob Cross vs Gabriel Clemens? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Rob Cross vs Gabriel Clemens? The 2020 Betfred World Matchplay will take place behind closed doors
What was the outcome in the last meeting? Gabriel Clemens beat Rob Cross 8-5
THE LOWDOWN
ROB CROSS
- The reigning World Matchplay champion Rob Cross starts the defence of his title with a very tricky opening round match against Gabriel Clemens in very different playing conditions to the atmospheric Winter Gardens where he lifted the trophy last year.
- The 2019 edition of the Matchplay was only his third appearance at the prestigious tournament and was the first time he had progressed further than round two..
- Cross has been in inconsistent form over the last 12 months and the ups and downs in his game were pretty much summed up at the Summer Series last week where he hit a nine-darter on his way to reaching a final but then suffered a first round exit on the very next day.
GABRIEL CLEMENS
- Gabriel Clemens is making his World Matchplay debut and, although there will be some disappointment that the tournament is being played behind closed doors, the financial rewards are still the same.
- Clemens has shown his ability on numerous occasions since winning his tour card and it seems only a matter of time before he reaches the quarter-finals on a major ranking event. He lost 10-9 against Glen Durrant in the last 16 at the 2019 Grand Slam and also missed out in a last-leg decider against Gerwyn Price in the last 16 at the 2020 UK Open.
- The German star returned to action in good form on day one at the Summer Series with a semi-final appearance but his results thereafter were disappointing by his usual standards.
THE PREDICTION
Rob Cross will be disappointed at being unable to defend his Matchplay crown at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool and he may also think that he may have had more luck in the draw as Gabriel Clemens is one of the most dangerous non-seeded players in the field. Cross certainly has the ability to claim the title again but his form is just not consistent enough for one to be confident he is capable of doing so on this occasion. Clemens has plenty of talent and belief and won’t be phased by facing the defending champion. He defeated Cross in each of their two previous meetings and there does look to be some value in siding with the German to edge through in a close contest.
