Matchplay Heat: Price Powers On, Wade’s Ice, Van Veen’s Dark Horse Charge

The World Matchplay settled into its relentless rhythm as Gerwyn Price, James Wade and Van Veen took the stage under Blackpool’s unforgiving lights. Price stamped his authority with heavy scoring and clinical timing, refusing to let the occasion dictate his rhythm; when he finds the treble 20, opponents feel the pressure before they even step up.

James Wade offered the counterpoint — experience over fireworks — threading finishes in frames where others sought spectacle. His tactical nous, slower build and composed doubling robbed opponents of momentum; Wade is not the loudest fighter on the board but he is one of the most dangerous across a long match.

Van Veen arrived as the tournament’s intriguing variable, a player with polish and an appetite for upsets. He mixed high visits with nerveless checkouts, asking questions of big names and reminding the field that grit and timing can topple raw power; in Matchplay, form is important but temperament wins the day.

The contours of the event are clear: Price is the headline threat, Wade the steadying veteran and Van Veen the live outsider capable of cracking the draw. Back Price for deep progress if you want a confident play, but hedge with Wade in speculative acca legs and keep an eye on Van Veen — he’s the value pick if you like momentum over reputation.