The 2026 BoyleSports World Grand Prix kicked off with a seismic upset in Leicester as defending champion Luke Littler was sensationally knocked out in the first round by underdog Luke Woodhouse. Adding to the drama, six-time former winner Michael van Gerwen also suffered an early exit. However, past champions Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton showed their class, securing impressive victories as the double-start, double-finish tournament delivered immediate thrills and unexpected results.
Unprecedented Upsets Rock Opening Night
The Mattioli Arena in Leicester witnessed a dramatic start to the 2026 BoyleSports World Grand Prix, with two of darts’ biggest names falling at the first hurdle. The tournament, known for its challenging double-in, double-out format, immediately lived up to its reputation for producing surprises.
Defending Champion Littler Stunned by Woodhouse
Just over a week after his dominant run at the World Series of Darts Finals, Luke Littler, the reigning champion, faced an unexpected defeat against Luke Woodhouse. Despite taking the first set with a strong 106 checkout, Littler couldn’t maintain his momentum. Woodhouse fought back valiantly, leveling the match and then taking a crucial two-leg lead in the deciding set. Displaying nerves of steel, the Bewdley man sealed his famous victory with a clinical 75 finish, advancing to the last 16 and sending shockwaves through the darting world.
Van Gerwen Also Falls Victim to Early Exit
The upsets continued as another former champion, Michael van Gerwen, a six-time winner of the Grand Prix, also crashed out. Similar to Littler, Van Gerwen managed to win the first set but ultimately succumbed to a strong performance from Ryan Joyce. Joyce’s consistent finishing on his doubles proved too much for the Dutch superstar, securing a significant win and eliminating one of the tournament favorites.
Former Champions Show Their Mettle
While some big names faltered, other past Grand Prix winners demonstrated why they are considered elite. Their performances offered a stark contrast to the early exits.
Price and Clayton Power Through
- Gerwyn Price, the 2020 champion, delivered a dominant display. He powered past debutant Sebastian Bialecki, losing only a single leg in a commanding victory. Price averaged over 101 and showcased his scoring prowess with two impressive 120 checkouts, marking himself as a strong contender.
- Jonny Clayton, the 2021 champion and fellow Welshman, also secured his place in the last 16. ‘The Ferret’ faced a tougher challenge, battling through a tight 2-1 contest against Krzysztof Ratajski, but ultimately showed his resilience to advance.
Other Thrilling Encounters and Notable Victories
The opening night was packed with other memorable matches, showcasing the depth of talent in the PDC.
- Ross Smith, fresh off his World Series of Darts Finals victory, overcame a tough start against Cameron Menzies. Menzies raced into an early lead, including a stunning 158 finish. However, Smith, who revealed he had spent time in hospital with a virus last week, fought back with incredible determination to secure the win.
- Nathan Aspinall displayed his trademark fighting spirit against Kevin Doets. ‘The Asp’ was pushed to the absolute limit, surviving match darts in both the second and third sets before finding double nine to clinch a hard-fought 2-1 victory. He now faces Luke Woodhouse in what promises to be a fascinating second-round clash.
- Wessel Nijman secured his first win in Leicester, defeating Rob Cross in straight sets. The Dutchman navigated a challenging match to progress.
- Danny Noppert, a four-time TV tournament semi-finalist in 2025, began his campaign with a 2-1 win over Niko Springer. After winning the first five legs, Noppert had to withstand a strong comeback from the German before prevailing in the deciding set.
Looking Ahead: Humphries Takes Center Stage
The action at the BoyleSports World Grand Prix continues on Tuesday, with new tournament betting favourite Luke Humphries set to make his much-anticipated entrance. Darts fans can expect more high-stakes drama as the battle for the prestigious title intensifies.
Opening Night Results At A Glance:
- Luke Woodhouse 2-1 Luke Littler
- Ryan Joyce 2-1 Michael van Gerwen
- Gerwyn Price 2-0 Sebastian Bialecki
- Jonny Clayton 2-1 Krzysztof Ratajski
- Ross Smith 2-1 Cameron Menzies
- Nathan Aspinall 2-1 Kevin Doets
- Wessel Nijman 2-0 Rob Cross
- Danny Noppert 2-1 Niko Springer
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
