Ryan Searle requires new hotel after shocking Peter Wright in Blackpool
The world number two was not at his best as he became the latest big name to slip out of the competition.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ryan Searle was left looking for a new hotel after dumping Peter Wright out of the Betfred World Matchplay.
The Englishman was only booked into his accommodation in Blackpool until Friday, but now needs to find somewhere to stay after beating world number two Wright 11-8 to set up a quarter-final with Wales’ Jonny Clayton that night.
Searle told Sky Sports: “I’m going to have to try to book a hotel now because I’m meant to be leaving on Friday. I have to try to find somewhere to stay.”
The first five legs went with the darts, but it was Searle who landed the first break to lead the twice world champion 4-2, and as an out-of-sorts Wright struggled to find his best form, it was an advantage he never relinquished.
He took four legs on the trot, culminating in a 107 checkout and although missed doubles cost him the next two and gave the Scot hope, he eventually saw out the win with a 112 finish to claim a place in the last eight for the first time.
Searle said: “That’s unbelievable, really. That was such a scrappy game compared to Monday. We both gave each other chances and in the end, I was lucky enough to take mine.
“I didn’t expect an easy game, obviously. He’s not been in the best form, but you never know when he’s going to just turn a switch and turn it around. It was quite nervy at the end there, but I’m just happy to get over the line.”
Clayton produced a finishing masterclass as he eased past Belgium’s former Matchplay champion Dimitri Van den Bergh.
Clayton hit checkouts of 170, 156 and 126 as he surged from 4-4 to win four successive legs before eventually securing an 11-6 victory.
Speaking afterwards, he told Sky Sports: “I knew I had to play well here tonight. Thank God, my darts went good.
“Dimitri gave me a few chances and a few shots, but listen, the ton-pluses always look good and they always feel good, so I’m glad to get over that line.”
Luke Humphries will face Damon Heta in the quarter-finals after seeing off Dirk van Duijvenbode in sudden death.
The Dutchman raced into a 3-0 lead, but found himself level at 5-5 as both players scored heavily, but missed doubles.
Humphries had to scrap his way back once again and produced an 11-dart leg to reduce the deficit to 9-7, only for his opponent to produce a 10-darter in the next.
However, he held his nerve to level at 10-10 to set up a tense conclusion before going on to win 14-12 in a classic.
Heta had earlier secured his progression with an 11-1 demolition of Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan.
Dolan, who dispensed with reigning champion Michael van Gerwen in the previous round, was overwhelmed as the Australian, whose passage was secured with the help of a 150 checkout in the seventh leg, cruised to victory.