Once again, Wolverhampton delivered chaos, class, and just the right amount of carnage as the 2025 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts group stage wrapped up – leaving sixteen players still standing in the hunt for glory.
After Monday’s mayhem had cleared, attention turned alphabetically to Groups E through H. Only Luke Littler, Niko Springer, and Danny Noppert were safely through. The other five places? Up for grabs, and fiercely contested. And it didn’t take long for fireworks.
Michael van Gerwen stormed through his showdown with long-time nemesis Gary Anderson to claim top spot in Group G – averaging a lazy 108.45 in the process. The Green Machine was in full demolition mode, sending the two-time world champion crashing out of the Grand Slam’s group stage for the first time in eighteen appearances.
“I’m very glad to go through and top the table, but there’s still a lot of work to do in this tournament,” said the three-time winner. “You always need to try and find the right balance and mentality, and I felt comfortable tonight. I’m looking forward to playing Danny. He’s a fantastic player and he’s playing really well at the moment, but I know I can step up when it matters.”
Elsewhere, Beau Greaves finished her campaign in style, rattling off five consecutive legs to beat Niko Springer 5-3 – proof, if any was needed, that the Women’s Series winner isn’t just making up the numbers. Springer still advances, but only just, after surrendering top spot.
In Group F, Josh Rock and Wessel Nijman emerged from what looked like a PDC Pro Tour reunion, leaving European Champion Gian van Veen and Lisa Ashton out in the cold. Rock’s 5-2 victory over Van Veen was ruthless, his doubling neat and tidy – five out of ten on the outer ring.
“Obviously Gian beat me here last year, so it was good to put that right,” said Rock. “I put myself under so much pressure because I knew I had to win, and I think Gian did exactly the same thing, but thankfully I got over the line.”
Conor Scutt joined the last 16 for only the second time in his career after a tight 5-3 win over Karel Sedlacek – a small milestone that felt like a big one. Meanwhile, Luke Littler did what Luke Littler does: smashed through another opponent with all the menace of a wrecking ball in flight. Daryl Gurney’s campaign ended with zero points and one final wallop – a 5-1 defeat.
“I knew I needed a few legs to finish top, so I’m really happy to make it three wins from three,” said the teenage superstar. “Daryl was there and thereabouts tonight, but now it’s down to the business end. I always enjoy the longer format, and hopefully I can produce my best darts on Thursday.”
The final twist of the night came from Lukas Wenig, who continued his fairytale debut by topping Group H after a commanding 5-1 victory over Cam Crabtree – which included a cheeky 167 checkout for good measure. His reward? A showdown with fellow German Niko Springer.
Wenig’s rise to top spot in the group came at Noppert’s expense. The Dutchman, despite averaging 107, was stunned 5-4 by Jonny Clayton in a match that reminded everyone why The Ferret remains one of the sport’s most entertaining battlers.
So, after four days of tungsten-fuelled theatre, the scene is set. The knockout stages now begin over two evenings – it would have been three had Martin Schindler not ended the run of Alexis Toylo.
Tonight sees the of half of the draw commence. Luke Humphries facing Jurjen van der Velde, Gerwyn Price squaring off against Martin Schindler, Michael Smith locking horns with Chris Dobey in a Northern English clash, and Luke Woodhouse and Ricky Evans kicking off the night’s fireworks. It’s the Grand Slam – and now, the real darts begin.
2025 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts
Tuesday November 11
Groups E-H Final Matches
Jonny Clayton 5-4 Danny Noppert (H)
Beau Greaves 5-3 Niko Springer (G)
Luke Littler 5-1 Daryl Gurney (E)
Lukas Wenig 5-1 Cam Crabtree (H)
Connor Scutt 5-3 Karel Sedlacek (E)
Michael van Gerwen 5-2 Gary Anderson (G)
Wessel Nijman 5-0 Lisa Ashton (F)
Josh Rock 5-2 Gian van Veen (F)
Wednesday November 12 (1900 GMT)
Second Round
Luke Woodhouse v Ricky Evans
Gerwyn Price v Martin Schindler
Luke Humphries v Jurjen van der Velde
Chris Dobey v Michael Smith
Thursday November 13 (1900 GMT)
Second Round
Lukas Wenig v Niko Springer
Josh Rock v Connor Scutt
Luke Littler v Wessel Nijman
Michael van Gerwen v Danny Noppert
—–ENDS—–
