The 2026 BoyleSports World Grand Prix has already delivered jaw-dropping drama in Leicester, with defending champion Luke Littler and six-time winner Michael van Gerwen both sensationally crashing out on Day 1. As the tournament moves into Day 2, expect more thrilling encounters and the unique double-start format to test the world’s best darts players to their limits. Read on for a full recap of the opening night’s upsets and a preview of tonight’s must-watch matches!
Day 1: A Night of Unforgettable Upsets
The opening session of the World Grand Prix proved to be nothing short of sensational, with several high-profile players experiencing early exits.
- Defending champion Luke Littler, the current world number one, saw his title defence abruptly ended. He was stunned 2-1 by Luke Woodhouse, who recovered from a set down to claim a remarkable victory.
- The shocks continued as six-time World Grand Prix champion Michael van Gerwen also surrendered a one-set lead, ultimately suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ryan Joyce.
While some fell, others advanced with impressive performances:
- Gerwyn Price, the 2020 champion, enjoyed a far more comfortable evening, sweeping aside Sebastian Bialecki 2-0 with a superb 101.61 average.
- Former winner Jonny Clayton battled past Krzysztof Ratajski in a tight 2-1 contest.
- Nathan Aspinall survived a scare, fending off three match darts before edging out Kevin Doets in a deciding leg.
- Danny Noppert and Ross Smith also navigated their way through challenging three-set encounters.
- Closing out the opening night, Wessel Nijman secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Rob Cross.
Day 2: The Battle Continues with More First-Round Action
Attention now shifts to the remaining eight first-round matches scheduled for tonight. Expect more high-stakes darts as players aim to avoid the same fate as the Day 1 casualties.
Key Matches and Players to Watch:
- Former World Grand Prix champion Luke Humphries begins his campaign to regain the title he won in 2023, facing a tough challenge from Dave Chisnall.
- The session kicks off with Chris Dobey taking on Jermaine Wattimena.
- Other exciting matchups include Ryan Searle vs William O’Connor and Josh Rock vs Niels Zonneveld.
- Two-time World Grand Prix champion James Wade will meet Joe Cullen.
- Darts legend Gary Anderson goes up against Damon Heta.
- Gian van Veen faces Dirk van Duijvenbode.
- Stephen Bunting and Andrew Gilding will bring the first round to a close.
Understanding the Unique Double-Start Format
Every match throughout the tournament is contested over the best of three sets, but with a crucial twist that makes the World Grand Prix unique in professional darts:
- Players are required to both begin and finish every single leg by hitting a double segment on the board or the bullseye.
This demanding format adds an immense layer of pressure and strategy. It means players can’t just start scoring immediately; they must first hit a double to activate their score. Similarly, they cannot finish a leg without hitting a double. This often leads to thrilling, high-tension moments and can punish even the slightest slip in precision, making for truly captivating darts.
Day 2 promises to build on the incredible start, with more high-stakes darts and the potential for further surprises as players battle through this challenging format.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
