Where to Watch Danny Noppert vs Rob Cross: Sky Sports Darts Coverage with Emma Paton at World Matchplay 2026
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Where to Watch Danny Noppert vs Rob Cross: Sky Sports Darts Coverage with Emma Paton at World Matchplay 2026
British darts fans can watch the World Matchplay 2026 clash between Danny Noppert and Rob Cross live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event from 22:15 UK time on Monday, 20 July 2026, with Emma Paton presenting the coverage.
The Betfred World Matchplay, one of the PDC's most prestigious events, is running from 18 to 26 July 2026 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, with all nine days broadcast live across Sky Sports' darts channels, including Sky Sports+ for the opening session from 7pm [1][2]. For viewers without a Sky subscription, instant access is available through NOW, the streaming service that carries Sky Sports content [2].
The Match: Noppert vs Cross
In this high-stakes World Matchplay encounter, Dutch player Danny Noppert, known for his pinpoint accuracy and powerful 180s, faces England's Rob Cross, the 2018 World Darts Champion and a former World Matchplay finalist. The match is scheduled to begin at 22:15 BST, following earlier sessions that include top-ranked players such as Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Michael van Gerwen [2][6].
Rob Cross, who has consistently remained in the world's top 10, returns to Blackpool seeking to add another major title to his collection, while Noppert aims to build on his strong performances in recent PDC tournaments. With both players capable of delivering high averages and explosive finishing, this match is expected to be a compelling contest for fans of technical precision and aggressive play [6].
Presenter Profile: Emma Paton
The evening's coverage will be presented by Emma Paton, a well-established host for Sky Sports and Sky Sports News who has become synonymous with darts broadcasting in the UK. Paton originally joined Sky Sports in 2012 as a journalist and transitioned into presenting in 2019, bringing enthusiasm and deep knowledge to her role [7].
She regularly provides predictions and analysis for major tournaments, including the World Matchplay and the World Darts Championship, and is best known for presenting darts championships across the Sky Sports network [7]. Her experience covering Premier League Darts and other PDC events has made her a trusted voice for British darts audiences, blending professional insight with accessible commentary.
Broadcast Details and Commentary
The match will be shown on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event in the UK, with subtitles available for accessibility [4]. While Sky Sports provides the primary television coverage, talkSPORT2 will also broadcast full commentary from the event, featuring commentators Ian Danter, Mark Wilson, Paul Nicholson, and Chris Mason, along with reporting from Abigail Davies [8]. This dual coverage ensures fans can follow the action through both visual and audio platforms.
For international viewers, the World feed is available without regional restrictions, allowing global audiences to watch the match live alongside the UK broadcast. The event's prestige and the presence of world-class players like Noppert and Cross make it a key fixture in the 2026 PDC calendar.
Why This Match Matters
The World Matchplay has historically been a turning point for many players' careers, with past winners including Phil Taylor, Peter Wright, and Gary Anderson. Both Noppert and Cross have shown they can perform under pressure in major tournaments, and this matchup represents a critical opportunity for each to advance toward the final [2].
With the dramatic atmosphere of Blackpool's Winter Gardens and the high-calibre competition, fans can expect a thrilling night of darts. The full schedule, including all World Matchplay 2026 fixtures, is available on Sky Sports, ensuring viewers can track every session from the opening day through to the finals [2].
For more information on Sky Sports darts coverage and presenter details, visit Sky Sports Darts.
Article generated: 20 July 2026, 22:16 GMT