Michael van Gerwen had an exciting quarter-final clash with Andrew Gilding at the World Matchplay, while Michael Smith and Rob Cross also recorded wins in Blackpool on Wednesday.
Van Gerwen fought back tenaciously to win 11-8 over Joe Cullen as he sought a fourth title at the Winter Garden.
The Dutchman will face Andrew Gilding in the quarter-finals after a memorable run in the 2023 UK Open final, while 'Goldfinger' also reached new heights with a stunning win over Krzysztof Ratajski.
Rob Cross put in an impressive performance against Ryan Seall, while Michael Smith had to fend off a brave counterattack from Chris Dobie in a fiercely contested match.
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Van Gerwen suffered an unfortunate rebound against Cullen.
Van Gerwen is coming off a win over Luke Littler in their first-round heavyweight clash and got off to a strong start against Cullen, posting a stunning 151 checkout to take a 4-1 lead.
Cullen, a 2023 semi-finalist, threatened an unexpected upset by reeling off three straight wins from 9-5 down, but his late onslaught was dashed as Van Gerwen held on for a narrow victory.
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Michael van Gerwen admitted he felt good after beating Joe Cullen in Blackpool and is looking forward to the next game.
“I'm looking forward to the next game. I'm excited,” said Van Gerwen, who will face Gilding in the last eight on Friday.
“Andrew is probably one of the most underrated players on tour. When he's on tour, he can be really dangerous.
“Of course I lost to him in an important final at the UK Open, but I won't let him beat me in the next match.
“This is one of the biggest tournaments of the year. Everyone wants to win, and I'm confident. It feels good.”
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MVG put up a spectacular 151 points against Cullen.
Guilding qualified for his first World Matchplay quarter-final with a win over Poland's Ratajski.
The former UK Open champion combined for scores of 110 and 127 to take a 7-2 lead, but Ratajski looked to turn the tables with a superb checkout of 128 in the 10th game.
The 'Polish Eagles' at one point cut the gap to 7-5, but Guilding thwarted any chance of a comeback by winning the next four games without a fight back, averaging 98 points.
“I'm really happy,” admitted the Suffolk star, who is relishing his first televised match against Van Gerwen since beating the Dutchman at last year's UK Open.
“I'm starting to believe now. I've already gone further than before, and that's always my goal. To go one step further than before!
“The experience is invaluable, and I am starting to feel more and more comfortable on this stage.”
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Andrew Gilding had a superb bullseye of 127 in his win over Krzysztof Ratajski.
Cross prepares for exciting quarterfinal showdown with Smith
Cross and Smith met in the 2019 final at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, having beaten Ryan Sheall and Chris Doby in their respective second rounds, and will resume their rivalry at the Empress Ballroom on Friday.
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Searle looked disappointing against Cross, even taking a dart off the board at one point during the match!
Cross had a stunning performance to seal his place in the quarter-finals, averaging 106.99 points in his 11-6 win over Seale.
'Voltage' was in top form against the Somerset star, sinking two 10-dart holes in his first six games.
The 2019 champion unleashed a two-legged cushion that he would never give up before clinching a majestic 11-dart finish.
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Rob Cross says he's enjoying life and admits he likes to stay 'under the radar'.
Despite posting the highest batting average on the Winter Garden stage, Cross insisted, “I think there's still more left.”
“I'm enjoying the game. It's not complicated for me right now, I'm playing freely, and if I keep going, who knows where it'll lead?
“I love this tournament. I've loved this tournament ever since I came into this building eight years ago.
“I'm sure the memory of winning (the title) in 2019 will stay with me forever, but now I want to win it again.”
Meanwhile, Smith had to fend off a brave fightback from Dobbie despite going 4-0 up early.
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Chris Dobey catches 'The Big Fish' in his match against Michael Smith.
Newcastle hurler Dobbie defeated 'Bully Boy' at the same stage in last year's World Match Play and World Championship and he was looking to repeat his heroics by scoring 170 and 140 respectively in the middle of the match.
The former Masters champion fired a stunning 135 to tie the match at 9-9, but Smith held on under pressure in a tense final round to keep his title hopes alive.
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Michael Smith said he was nowhere near his best but was relieved to cross the finish line.
What happens at the World Matchplay on Thursday?
Luke Humphries returns to action at Winter Gardens on Thursday.
The 2024 Betfred World Matchplay continues at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens with the first and second quarter-finals taking place on Thursday 18 July from 8pm on Sky Sports Action and 9pm on Sky Sports Main Event. Get instant access to World Matchplay for just £26.
Former European champion Ross Smith takes on 2007 winner James Wade, while favourite Luke Humphries takes on 2020 champion Dimitri van den Berg. The extension of this year’s UK Open in March sees the world’s biggest stars vying for the Phil Taylor Trophy and £800,000 in prize money.
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