2020 Betfred World Matchplay – Simon Whitlock vs Ryan Joyce Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Simon Whitlock vs Ryan Joyce taking place? Saturday 18th July, 2020 (session starts at 18:00 (UK))
Where is Simon Whitlock vs Ryan Joyce taking place? Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes
What channel is Simon Whitlock vs Ryan Joyce on? Sky Sports
Where can I stream Simon Whitlock vs Ryan Joyce? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Simon Whitlock vs Ryan Joyce? The 2020 Betfred World Matchplay will take place behind closed doors
What was the outcome in the last meeting? Simon Whitlock beat Ryan Joyce 6-4
THE LOWDOWN
SIMON WHITLOCK
- Simon Whitlock has been a World Matchplay ever-present since making his tournament debut all the way back in 2010. The Australian is a two-time semi-finalist but the latter of those last four appearances came in 2014 and he has made it through to only one quarter-final in the last five years.
- The Wizard has lost in round one on just two occasions at the Matchplay. He won 10-8 against John Henderson in the opening round 12 months ago before losing heavily against Peter Wright in round two.
- Whitlock’s place in the top 16 is in jeopardy as it has been over a year since he progressed through to the quarter-finals in a ranking tournament and his best performance in the recent Summer Series was a run to the last 32 on the opening day.
RYAN JOYCE
- Ryan Joyce is making his World Matchplay debut having secured his spot in the tournament last week when he impressively claimed the first PDC title of his career on day two of the PDC Summer Series.
- His path to glory at that tournament included consecutive wins in the quarter-finals and semi-finals against Glen Durrant and Gary Anderson before a thrilling 8-7 victory against Dave Chisnall in the final.
- A match against Whitlock might prove to be a good omen for Joyce as he defeated Whitlock on his way to reaching the quarter-finals at the 2018-19 PDC World Championship.
THE PREDICTION
Simon Whitlock could do with a good run at this tournament to halt his slide down the rankings but he faces a very tough quarter of the draw which contains Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and James Wade. A tricky challenge awaits even before potential matches against those aforementioned players though as Ryan Joyce is a very capable player who will be feeling very confident after winning a tour event last week. The Matchplay debutant has defeated Whitlock in a big tournament before and it would not be a huge shock if he repeats the feat in this contest so there could be some value in backing Joyce to make it through to round two.