The World Masters kicked off with a mix of exhilarating triumphs and shocking upsets! Young Dutch talent Gian van Veen showcased incredible composure to defeat Ryan Joyce 3-1, securing his spot in the next round. However, five-time champion Michael van Gerwen faced a surprising early exit, losing 3-1 to Damon Heta after struggling significantly with his finishing doubles. This sets a dramatic tone for the start of the 2026 darts season.
Gian van Veen Shines in World Masters Debut
Young Dutch sensation Gian van Veen made a memorable debut at the World Masters, overcoming a shaky start to defeat England’s Ryan Joyce 3-1 in sets. This impressive victory sets up an exciting clash with Nathan Aspinall in the next round.
Match Breakdown: Van Veen’s Comeback
The match began with a tense first set. Despite missing six set darts, Van Veen surprisingly lost the opening set 1-2 to Joyce. However, ‘The Giant’ quickly found his rhythm, leveling the match in the second set with two clinical 17-dart legs.
From there, Van Veen took control. He broke Joyce at the start of the third set with a magnificent 121 checkout for a 12-darter. Although he missed a dart for a stunning 160 finish, he secured the set with double 10. His momentum continued into the fourth set, winning his fifth consecutive leg with another 12-darter, putting him on the brink of victory.
Joyce managed to hold his throw once more, but Van Veen sealed his impressive debut win with a 14-darter, advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
Key Statistics:
- Gian van Veen: Average 96.75, Doubles 43.75%
- Ryan Joyce: Average 90.50, Doubles 30%
Michael van Gerwen’s Shock Exit
In a major upset, five-time World Masters champion Michael van Gerwen was eliminated in the early rounds, falling 1-3 to Australia’s Damon Heta. ‘Mighty Mike’s’ usually reliable finishing game let him down, costing him crucial opportunities.
Match Breakdown: Missed Opportunities Plague Van Gerwen
Heta started strong, holding his throw and then breaking Van Gerwen with a 124 checkout to claim the first set 2-0. This immediately put pressure on Van Gerwen in the best-of-three legs set format, where every dart counts.
The second set saw both players hold their throws with 13-darters, leading to a decisive leg. Here, Van Gerwen’s struggles began in earnest, as he missed six set darts. Despite Heta also missing a set dart, Van Gerwen eventually managed to level the match at 1-1 sets.
The pattern of missed doubles continued into the third set. Van Gerwen missed another crucial dart on double 13, allowing Heta to secure the set with a brilliant 118 finish. Heta then capitalized further, breaking Van Gerwen in the first leg of the fourth set after another missed double from the Dutchman.
Although Van Gerwen managed to break back, forcing a deciding leg in the fourth set, he missed two more set darts. Heta seized the opportunity, closing out the match with a 101 finish to send the Dutch favourite home.
Key Statistics:
- Michael van Gerwen: Average 88.36, Doubles 23.53%
- Damon Heta: Average 86.46, Doubles 63.64%
Other Key Results from Milton Keynes
While Gian van Veen carried the Dutch hopes forward, other Dutch players faced early exits. Jermaine Wattimena, Niels Zonneveld, and Wessel Nijman all lost their respective matches earlier in the evening.
Notable Results:
- Chris Dobey 3-0 Jermaine Wattimena
- Gary Anderson 3-2 Niels Zonneveld
- James Wade 3-2 Madars Razma
- Nathan Aspinall 3-1 Shane McGuirk
- Jonny Clayton 3-1 Wessel Nijman
- Gerwyn Price 3-0 James Hurrell
- Michael van Gerwen 1-3 Damon Heta
- Gian van Veen 3-1 Ryan Joyce
These early matches have certainly set the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling World Masters tournament, with established stars and rising talents battling for supremacy.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
