THE 2025 Grand Slam of Darts knockout line-up will soon be complete. Eight names secured their places on Monday evening – now it’s almost time to find out who’ll make up the other half of the last 16.
Of the four groups wrapping up tonight, only Group F isn’t a straight shootout for qualification – and that’s because the current leader, Gian Van Veen isn’t yet guaranteed progression.
Group F – The Numbers Game
Sadly for Lisa Ashton fans (and indeed the Lancashire Rose herself), her race is run. Even a whitewash win over Wessel Nijman combined with Gian van Veen doing the same to Josh Rock would leave Ashton and Rocky level on two points with a –1 leg difference. In that unlikely scenario, Rock would still advance due to his head-to-head victory over the Bolton legend.
As it stands, Nijman and Rock both sit on two points, but the Northern Irishman holds a crucial five-leg advantage. Any kind of win for Josh over Van Veen will send him through. However, with the Dutchman playing first, Rocky will go on stage knowing exactly what’s required to reach the knockout stages.
Group E – Littler Looks Untouchable
In Luke Littler’s group, there’s no suspense at the top – the reigning World Champion is safely through and almost certain to finish first. That’s bad news for whoever finishes second in group F above, because that likely means a date with the teenager from Warrington.
Two-time PDC major winner Daryl Gurney is already out, meaning it all comes down to the clash between Conor Scutt and Karel Sedlacek for the runner-up spot.
Group G – The Group of Death (and Drama)
Despite two superb ton-plus displays against multiple-time World Champions, Beau Greaves is out. It feels brutal after taking both Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson to deciding legs, but the margins are razor thin at this level.
The surprise leader heading into the final round is Niko Springer, who takes on Beau later tonight. But the real headline is the mouthwatering showdown between two darting heavyweights – Anderson versus Van Gerwen. The Flying Scotsman has never failed to make it out of the groups in all seventeen attempts, while MVG has won this title multiple times. Something’s got to give. Tasty, eh?
Group H – Wenig’s Chance, Clayton’s Goodbye
In this section, Jonny Clayton is unfortunately already doomed. Losses to Lukas Wenig and Cam Crabtree ended his campaign early. The former UK Open champion Danny Noppert, however, is already through and can relax when he faces The Ferret later – though Jonny will still want to bow out with pride (and perhaps an extra £3,000 for finishing third).
That leaves a straight shootout between Crabtree and Wenig to decide who joins Noppert in the knockout stages.
The Final Push
There’s still plenty to play for across the board. Even for those already out, the difference between finishing last or third in your group is worth a tidy £3,000, which is more than enough motivation to stay sharp.
Expect drama, tension, and maybe even a few calculators working overtime before the final arrows land tonight.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
