Five of the best moments from previous World Matchplay championships

By Sky Sports Darts

Blackpool's Winter Gardens has provided some spectacular seaside memories, so we cast our mind back to five of the best World Matchplay moments.

Order of play

All the details!

5. Harrington-Baxter Final - 1998

The 1998 final between Rod Harrington and Ronnie Baxter begins our World Matchplay countdown

The competition has served up memorable matches over the years and in 1998 Rod Harrington and Ronnie Baxter produced a classic final at the Winter Gardens.

With Baxter waiting on 40, Harrington took out a superb 125 checkout, and then sealed a 19-17 victory.

Harrington would repeat his title triumph the following year, defeating Peter Manley 19-17 in the final.

4. Lloyd's Winning 170 - 2005

Has anyone ever won a tournament better than Colin Lloyd's spectacular 170 finish?

We go back 12 years to Colin Lloyd's superb 170 checkout in the 2005 final to win the tournament.

Advertisement

'Jaws' entered the tournament as the world No 1 and would live up to his status, firing in 15 180s during the final against John Part.

But Lloyd would seal his victory with the highest possible finish, rattling off a spectacular 170 to spark wild scenes of celebration at the Winter Gardens.

Also See:

3. Freddie calls MVG nine-darter - 2012

Michael van Gerwen hit a perfect nine darts against Steve Beaton in the 2012 World Matchplay

A youthful MVG five years ago takes our third-placed moment - ably assisted by a England cricketing hero!

In a high-quality match against Steve Beaton, the pair were locked at 4-4 with Van Gerwen stepping up to pick off the perfect nine, starting with a pair of 180s, much to the delight of a certain Freddie Flintoff in the commentary box.

2. Lewis-MVG semi-final - 2013

Adrian Lewis and Michael van Gerwen played out a memorable semi-final

Michael van Gerwen had produced an impressive run in the 2013 tournament, defeating Colin Lloyd, Peter Wright and Dave Chisnall on his path to a last-four match with Lewis.

Both men continued to exchange legs to set up a tense finale and Van Gerwen was inches away from a 146 finish before 'Jackpot' picked out double seven to seal a 17-15 victory.

1. Power's nine-dart finish - 2002

Phil Taylor hits Blackpool's first nine-dart finish in 2002

Phil Taylor had to sit at number one, dominating the Winter Gardens with an incredible 15 Matchplay titles, but where to turn for a highlight when there are so many?

With titles already common place we turn to 2002 and Taylor breaking the mould with a nine-dart finish - the Matchplay's first.

Don't forget that you can see all the action from the World Matchplay Darts in Blackpool, live on Sky Sports. The arrows run from Saturday July 22 right through until the final on Sunday July 30.

Who will win the World Matchplay at the world famous Empress Ballroom? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting @SkySportsDarts or by using the comments box below - sign in with Facebook. Follow us on Twitter & use #LoveTheDarts

Outbrain