Van Veen Advances To World Matchplay Semi-Finals

Saturday, 25 July 2026 12:30

By Mark Hanbidge

Gian van Veen is through to the last four of the World Matchplay after overcoming James Wade in a dramatic quarter-final in Blackpool.

Gian van Veen has booked his place in the World Matchplay semi-finals after seeing off a spirited comeback from James Wade at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

The Dutchman looked to be in complete control after opening up an 11-7 lead, but Wade battled back to level the match at 11 legs apiece.

Van Veen responded with some clinical finishing at key moments to pull clear again and eventually sealed a 16-13 victory.

Van Veen will now face Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals after the Welshman defeated Ross Smith.

Price recovered from Smith's late rally to secure his place in the last four with a 16-12 win.

More from Sports News

New Celtic Striker Høgh Hits Hat-Trick As Celtic Power To 5-1 Win

Kasper Høgh scored a first-half hat-trick as Celtic thrashed Kilmarnock 5-11 to move top of the Scottish Premiership on goal difference.
Armagh Crowned All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Champions

Armagh have won the All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Championship after a two-point victory over Cavan at Croke Park.
Monaghan's Aaron McKenna Crowned World Champion In Dublin

Mckenna has become IBF world middleweight champion after defeating Italian Etinosa Oliha at Dublin's 3Arena.
Manchester United Return To Kildare For Pre-Season Training Camp

United are expected to stay at Carton House in Maynooth, where they previously held a training camp in April.
Kildare Girls Crowned Galway Cup Champions After Outstanding Unbeaten Run

They beat Cavan-Monaghan 2-0 in the final, securing the trophy and maintaining a perfect defensive record in the competition.
Sunday Morning Sports Update

Keeping you up to date on GAA, soccer, golf, boxing and racing.
FC & JFC Results So Far; Sunday fixtures

Two IFC games today (Live updates on Kfm); 3 JFC games. We'll have score updates of those. All details on our hourly Sport bulletins and on More Music Sportsbeat with Robbie Irwin from 2pm. Kfm's Club football coverage this season is in association with FJS Plant, Osbertstown Business Park, Naas.
Shamrock Rovers Extend Lead After Five-Goal Thriller Against Dundalk

Shamrock Rovers are 10 points at the top of the Premier Division following a dramatic 3-2 victory over Dundalk.