World record averages, blistering performances, and upsets galore – that was all on the menu on night two of the World Grand Prix. By the time the curtain fell in Leicester, every course had been served piping hot on a silver platter.
Here’s how an extraordinary evening of action unfolded at the Mattioli Arena:
Damon Heta 1–2 Luke Woodhouse
Fans were treated to a thrilling opening contest – a Harrows derby that had drama baked in from the off. Walking out to “Dancing in the Dark”, Heta looked like he was playing in it too.
Woodhouse wasn’t seeing too well but clear enough to nick the opening set without concession. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective.After the break, though, a new Damo emerged. Sticking with his chosen Bruce Springsteen tune, he found his spark and started the fire, storming back to level the match in style.
Then came the decider: tense, nervy, and perfectly balanced. Four legs in, both players had held throw – advantage Woodhouse. But when the Worcestershire man took eight darts to get off, Heta raced into the distance looking like he was impossible to be caught.
So imagine how the Aussie felt when he was!
.If you’re looking for the perfect example of why this tournament is pure jeopardy, you just had it served to you in the very first game.
Ross Smith 0–2 Daryl Gurney
Former World Grand Prix champion, Daryl Gurney swept aside a below-par Ross Smith to book his spot in round two. It’s been a tough week for Smith following the sad passing of his mother – and to return to the oche so soon is a testament to his courage and character.
Just days earlier, he’d shown his quality by winning a second Players Championship of the year.Tonight, however, Smudger couldn’t quite find his feet. Even without hitting close to top gear, Superchin’s did enough to prevail and book his spot in the next round where a Dutchman awaits. Which one? We’d find out later. Spoiler: It’s Dirk.
Jonny Clayton 2–0 Andrew Gilding
The Welsh maestro finally ended his Gilding hoodoo, defeating the former UK Open champion in straight sets to set up a clash with Luke Woodhouse. The Ferret could have possibly had a chat with James Bond on just how to get the better of Goldfinger.
If he did, 007s advice worked a trick.The opening set was scrappy, full of broken throws, but Clayton’s superior finishing made the difference. Gilding briefly took the lead after the break, only for Clayton to channel the calm precision and clarity of mind attributed to a Jedi master to close out the match and keep his Grand Prix dream alive.
Gerwyn Price 2–1 Ryan Searle
The Iceman had to dig deep against an impressive Ryan Searle, coming from a set down to survive a Heavy Metal assault.It was a frosty start from Price, who struggled to find rhythm early on.
But once Searle drew first blood, the Welshman cranked up the temperature. Fired up and focused, he roared back to complete a fierce comeback worthy of a World Champion.
In Ryan’s defence, he didn’t do much wrong, just cracked like an egg under the Red Dragon dynamo’s constant pressure.
Luke Littler 2–0 Gian van Veen
The reigning World Champion produced a dazzling display in a titanic showdown between two prodigies destined for darting greatness. Van Veen may have lost, but his performance set a new World Grand Prix record average – the highest ever in the tournament’s history.
That tells you everything you need to know about how good he was… and just how superhuman Littler continues to be.Quite simply, this was darts perfection.
If anyone can point to a previous Grand Prix match of that quality, I’ll show you an ice-skating unicorn. For those lucky enough to be in the arena – congratulations. You just witnessed darting immortality.
Michael van Gerwen 0–2 Dirk van Duijvenbode
The six-time champion won’t be making it seven this year as Dirk van Duijvenbode, pulled off a statement win to defeat his more decorated compatriot and record his first televised victory against MVG.Just a few weeks ago, Van Gerwen looked back to his brilliant best, lifting the World Series of Darts Finals trophy on home soil in Amsterdam.
But tonight, the great man watched in anguish as doubles deserted him – both on the way in and on the way out. In this format, that’s fatal – and so it proved.
Peter Wright 1–2 Mike De Decker
Reigning champion Mike De Decker recovered from a shaky start to keep his title defence alive. To quote Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get.” The same could be said in the past couple of years about which version Peter Wright arrives on the oche.
The Scot remains a darting legend, but recent seasons have seen him swing wildly between sublime and subpar.After slugging through to grab the first set, Wright looked like he could take advantage of his opponent not clicking.
But once the Belgian found his range, the tide turned. De Decker grew stronger with every leg and stormed home to seal the win.
He’ll now face Luke Littler – and will need to raise his game considerably if he plans on keeping hold of that trophy.
Josh Rock 2-1 Ryan Joyce
Much fancied Josh Rock will meet Gerwyn Price in a mouth-watering round two clash after coming through against Ryan Joyce by the skin of his teeth.This time last year, Rocky bowed out at the hands of this evening’s opponent so a dollop of revenge was on the cards.
Relentless took the opening set, the Northern Irishman levelled up and after the pair exchanging punches, it all came down to one final leg.
Bizarrely, both chaps were left on 108 – Rock had first dibs and much to his delight, nailed it.That’s the first round done and dusted.
Half the field stay, the others are either already home, packing their bags or drowning their sorrows.
—–Ends——
Inages: PDC / Simon O’Connor
