October starts this week, and that means one thing, it’s World Grand Prix time. The double-in, double-out format is what makes this major the most unique in PDC darts, and often facilitates for upsets, such as Mike De Decker claiming the title two years ago. It favours players whose strong point is doubling, as getting into legs quickly is almost always the difference between winning and losing in Leicester.
My highlight for Night 1 is Michael van Gerwen taking on Ryan Joyce. Having won it six times in eleven years between 2012-2022, it is historically one of MvG’s favourite majors, but the last three years the story has been very different.
In 2023 he managed to see off a poor Josh Rock in the opening round but has gone on to lose his next three consecutive matches on the stage at the Mattioli Arena, starting with a round two deciding set loss to Chris Dobey. This was followed by a first-round exit in 2024 at the hands of Daryl Gurney, failing to win a single leg in the match, before once again losing 2-0 in 2025, this time in Dirk van Duijvenbode.
This poor recent record paired with a recent fall down the rankings to World #9 is exactly the reason why Michael van Gerwen will attempt to use the Grand Prix as a springboard for the rest of his season, moving into the big months at the end of the year.
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Joyce Seeks Grand Prix Darts Boost
Ryan Joyce on the other hand has really enjoyed this double-in format, which is no surprise given his incredible ability to hit double 16, known by many as the best double-hitter on the tour.
He reached one of his two major Semi-Finals in 2024, with wins over the likes of Josh Rock, Nathan Aspinall and Rob Cross, before falling short to the then World #1 Luke Humphries. This run came on his return to the Grand Prix, having failed to qualify before that since his debut in 2020, where he beat Peter Wright before losing to Dave Chisnall.
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Last year’s result would’ve been disappointing for Joyce, who lost to the man he beat in 2024 – Josh Rock – in the opening round, and he’ll be looking to return to winning ways tonight.
The head-to-head doesn’t make for pretty reading for Joyce, who has won just three of his thirteen meetings against van Gerwen, all three coming between 2023-2025, including at the Grand Slam. The Dutchman has won their last three meetings, two of which came on the European Tour, and one on the floor. Their only meeting in 2026 was in the Quarter-Finals in Antwerp in March, where van Gerwen moved through with a 6-4 win.
The double-in format will certainly level the playing field, potentially even favouring the lower-ranked Ryan Joyce, and promises for an intriguing encounter.
Images: PDC
