The second night of the World Grand Prix delivered high drama and unexpected turns. While tournament favorite Luke Humphries cruised to victory, and darts legends James Wade and Gian van Veen also secured their spots, the night was defined by a stunning comeback from Gary Anderson and a shock early exit for world number seven Josh Rock. Read on for all the thrilling details from a memorable evening of darts!
Match Highlights: Drama, Dominance, and Disappointments
Humphries Dominates, Anderson Stages Great Escape
Luke Humphries, entering as a tournament favourite after Luke Littler’s earlier exit, delivered a composed performance against Dave Chisnall. Despite both players initially struggling with their rhythm, Humphries capitalized on Chisnall’s missed opportunities. He secured the first set comfortably and continued his steady play in the second, sealing a 2-0 victory without dropping a set. A highlight included a superb 109 checkout on D16 for a 12-dart leg.
The most nail-biting encounter of the night saw veteran Gary Anderson snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Damon Heta. Heta started strong, breaking Anderson with a 109 checkout under pressure and taking the first set 3-1. The second set was equally tense, with Heta hitting a spectacular 156 checkout. He even had a dart at D5 for the match, but missed. Anderson, seizing the lifeline, then produced a magnificent 115 checkout to level the match at one set all. The deciding set belonged to Anderson, who dominated with an 81 checkout on D13 and a brilliant 107 checkout for a 12-darter. Just minutes after facing match dart, Anderson sealed his dramatic 2-1 win.
Favorites Advance: Van Veen and Wade Secure Wins
In an all-Dutch affair, Gian van Veen started like a freight train against Dirk van Duijvenbode, taking the first set without much resistance and leading 2-0 in the second. Van Duijvenbode briefly rallied with a 101 checkout for a 12-darter and an 11-darter to draw level in legs, but he ultimately missed two set darts, allowing van Veen to close out a 2-0 victory.
James Wade showcased his renowned resilience against Joe Cullen. After a shaky start where Cullen punished Wade’s missed doubles to take the first set 3-1, “The Machine” found his rhythm. Wade broke Cullen early in the second set and remained solid on his own throw, levelling the match with a crucial bullseye finish under pressure. In the final set, Wade sprinted to a 2-0 lead. Despite missing six match darts, he composed himself and eventually secured the 2-1 win on his seventh attempt on D10.
Bunting Overcomes Gilding, Wattimena Best Dobey
Stephen Bunting edged out Andrew Gilding in another tight contest. Bunting took the first set despite missing several set darts. Gilding fought back in the second, hitting a 77 checkout on Tops and a 64 checkout to break, eventually winning the set to level the match. However, Bunting started the decider strongly, breaking in 13 darts and establishing a 2-0 lead. Despite missing a match dart on D11, he regrouped and sealed the 2-1 victory on D8.
Jermaine Wattimena had the crucial moments go his way against Chris Dobey. Dobey struggled with his doubles throughout, missing four break chances in the very first leg and a 170 checkout attempt on the bullseye. Wattimena capitalized, taking the first set 3-1. Though Dobey hit a 128 checkout on D10 under pressure in the second set, Wattimena pulled away in the decider to secure a 2-0 match win.
Searle’s Marathon Win, Rock’s Shock Exit
Ryan Searle emerged victorious from a gruelling battle against William O’Connor. Searle started with strong finishes, including a 103 checkout in the first set decider. O’Connor responded by taking the second set 3-0. The deciding set was a rollercoaster: O’Connor broke early and had three match darts, but missed. Searle fought back to level, only for O’Connor to miss another match dart on the bullseye for a 127 finish. Searle, showing incredible resolve, finally hit Tops to claim a dramatic 2-1 win.
Perhaps the biggest upset of the night saw world number seven Josh Rock crash out in his opening match against Niels Zonneveld. Rock struggled with his doubles, allowing Zonneveld to take the first set. While Rock showed glimpses of brilliance, including a 180 and a 151 checkout for a 12-darter to save himself from a quick defeat in the second set, Zonneveld proved to be the stronger player in the decider. Zonneveld sealed his impressive 2-1 victory with a series of high finishes: 103, 116, and 133.
World Grand Prix: Tournament Details
Format and Rules
The World Grand Prix is unique in the darts calendar, famous for its Double-In/Double-Out format. This means:
- Players must hit a double to start scoring in a leg.
- Players must also hit a double to finish a leg.
The tournament progresses through various stages with increasing set counts:
- First Round: Best of 3 Sets
- Second Round: Best of 5 Sets
- Quarter-Finals: Best of 5 Sets
- Semi-Finals: Best of 9 Sets
- Final: Best of 11 Sets
Each set is “Best of 5 Legs,” with no tie-break rules.
Prize Money Breakdown
The total prize fund for the World Grand Prix is £750,000, distributed as follows:
- Winner: £150,000
- Runner-Up: £80,000
- Semi-Finalists: £50,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £35,000
- Second Round: £20,000
- First Round: £7,500
Upcoming Matches: Round 2 Continues
The tournament continues with the second round, featuring more exciting matchups. Here are the scheduled games for Wednesday, September 30, 2026:
- Luke Woodhouse vs. Nathan Aspinall
- Danny Noppert vs. Ryan Joyce
- Gerwyn Price vs. Ross Smith
- Jonny Clayton vs. Wessel Nijman
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
