Lauby Lashes Defending Champion Cross

Reigning US Masters champion Rob Cross was sensationally whitewashed on opening night in the Big Apple – with Indiana’s own Danny Lauby delivering a dazzling 6–0 demolition that gave Voltage a power-cut.

Lauby lit up Madison Square Garden with arguably the performance of his life, taking a huge scalp and grabbing his first ever World Series win – and what a way to do it.

After a tough outing at the World Cup, this was the perfect home redemption for the American sharpshooter.

And he wasn’t the only one flying the flag. Just moments later, US qualifier Jason Brandon stunned top seed Stephen Bunting 6–4, proving The Bullet can, in fact, be dodged.

Despite outscoring his opponent and landing a monster big fish checkout, Bunting was pipped by Brandon’s better timing and nerve in the closing stages.

The evening’s opener saw Damon Heta make his American World Series debut in style, brushing aside Canada’s Jim Long with a dominant display. If the Aussie was feeling any nerves under the MSG lights, he buried them quickly – firing in a near-ton average and landing half his doubles like a man born on this stage.

Elsewhere, darts’ teenage sensation with the tag – reigning PDC World Champion – Luke Littler cruised through his match against a visibly struggling Jules van Dongen, dropping just a single leg. It’s been a tough time for the Dutch-born American, who’s been battling dartitis – and despite a spirited effort, Littler closed out with a triple tops 120 finish that screamed José de Sousa meets youthful exuberance and sublime showmanship.

Not to be outdone, Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall both delivered clinical 6–2 wins over Adam Sevada and Matt Campbell respectively, each putting up the kind of numbers that you’d ordinarily expect from them.World number one Luke Humphries also made a successful start – though not without a scare.

Stowe Buntz briefly led 4–3, but Cool Hand lived up to the nickname, reeling off the final three legs to safely book his spot in the next round.And closing the show, the returning Michael van Gerwen wasted no time shaking off any ring rust.

The two-time US Masters champ put in a vintage display, averaging just shy of the ton to dismiss Texan fan-favourite Leonard Gates 6–1.

A smooth landing for MVG – and a warning shot to the rest of the field.