The 2026 Jack’s Casino World Series of Darts Finals opened under the bright lights of AFAS Live with the kind of drama this event has come to deliver.
Eight first-round ties produced two deciders, a clutch of heavy averages and the biggest early shock of the tournament: defending champion Michael van Gerwen is already on his way home.
Northern Ireland’s Daryl Gurney, a late addition after visa problems removed two Philippine players from the field, produced a classic Superchin performance to edge Van Gerwen 6-5. Gurney raced into a 3-0 lead, lost the next three, then watched the Dutchman miss five match darts in the tenth leg.
When the opportunity returned, Gurney found double 16 to complete the upset and send the home crowd into stunned silence. The three-time world champion exits at the first hurdle of his title defence.
Moments earlier, another Northern Irishman had survived an equally tight scrap. Josh Rock and Stephen Bunting served up one of the purest quality contests of the night, both averaging over 101.
Rock held his nerve in the final leg, pinning double 12 to win 6-5 and book a last-16 meeting with Ryan Searle.
Luke Humphries made relatively light work of local favourite Jermaine Wattimena, closing out a 6-4 victory after a few wayward match darts. Cool Hand looked solid rather than spectacular, but the job was done.
Elsewhere the favourites largely held firm. Dirk van Duijvenbode opened the evening with a controlled 6-4 win over Viktor Tingström. Ryan Searle was clinical against Rob Cross, winning 6-2. Karel Sedláček impressed with a 100-plus average in a 6-4 success over Ben Robb.
Ross Smith continued his strong European Tour form by beating Kevin Doets 6-3, and Gian van Veen rounded off the night in style, easing past Chris Dobey 6-2.The result leaves the top half of the draw looking far more open than it did twenty-four hours ago.
Gurney now faces Smith, Rock meets Searle, Humphries takes on Van Duijvenbode, and Van Veen plays Sedláček on Saturday.Friday night brings the remaining first-round ties, with Luke Littler beginning his campaign against Danny Noppert, Gerwyn Price facing Brody Klinge, and James Wade lining up against Damon Heta.
The World Series drama is only just beginning.
Images: PDC Europe
