Quarter-Finalists Emerge in Dominant Style
The World Grand Prix 2026 has ignited with a flurry of decisive second-round matches, seeing top contenders Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, Nathan Aspinall, and Ryan Joyce secure their spots in the quarter-finals. Price, Aspinall, and Joyce delivered dominant 3-0 victories, showcasing their formidable form, while Clayton navigated a high-quality encounter to win 3-1. These results underscore the intensity of this unique double-in, double-out tournament and set the stage for an electrifying next round.
Gerwyn Price Crushes Ross Smith 3-0
“The Iceman” Gerwyn Price made a powerful statement, sweeping aside Ross Smith with a commanding 3-0 victory. Price left no doubt about his title ambitions, demonstrating near-untouchable timing throughout the match. After an initial break by Smith, Price quickly leveled on Double 8 and then secured the first set with a 13-dart leg. Smith missed crucial checkouts, allowing Price to capitalize with an 86 finish to go 2-0 up in sets. Price continued his relentless pace, forcing a lead in the third set with two 18-darters. Despite a spirited 116 finish from Smith, it wasn’t enough to halt Price, who sealed the match on Double 18 with his first match dart.
Jonny Clayton Overcomes Wessel Nijman in a High-Quality Battle (3-1)
The encounter between Jonny “The Ferret” Clayton and Wessel Nijman was a display of high-level darts, with Clayton ultimately prevailing 3-1. Clayton started explosively, hitting three consecutive high finishes of 112, 116, and 125 points to claim the first set with a remarkable 100+ average. Nijman fought back heroically in the second set, forcing a decider and leveling the match at 1-1 in sets with a superb 12-dart leg. However, Clayton regained control, checking out 126 points to lead 2-1 and then securing the set on Double 12. In the fourth set, Nijman’s crucial doubles deserted him, both on the check-in and check-out, allowing Clayton to capitalize and hit Double 2 for the match.
Nathan Aspinall Dispatches Luke Woodhouse with Ease (3-0)
Nathan “The Asp” Aspinall delivered a flawless performance, comfortably defeating Luke Woodhouse 3-0. Woodhouse, who had previously knocked out Luke Littler, struggled to find his rhythm. Aspinall took an early lead with legs in 18 and 13 darts, quickly securing the first set on Double 16. Although Woodhouse managed a magnificent 135 checkout to break throw in the second set, Aspinall immediately responded with a 104 finish to clinch the set. Woodhouse showed signs of a comeback in the third set, but Aspinall maintained his composure, shutting down Woodhouse’s scoring and closing out the match for a comprehensive victory.
Ryan Joyce’s Clinical Doubles Secure 3-0 Win Against Danny Noppert
Ryan “Relentless” Joyce lived up to his nickname, securing a dominant 3-0 win against Danny Noppert. Joyce’s performance was highlighted by his exceptional accuracy on the doubles, boasting an impressive 69% checkout rate. After trading holds in the opening set, Joyce took control with two 18-dart legs to win it 3-1. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Joyce again winning 3-1 as Noppert struggled with his scoring and, more critically, his doubles, only hitting 30%. In the third set, Joyce sealed his victory with clinical legs in 14 and 15 darts, finishing the match with a decisive 96 checkout.
Understanding the World Grand Prix: The Unique Double-In/Double-Out Format
The World Grand Prix stands out as the only major darts tournament played under the Double-In/Double-Out format. This means that for a player to start scoring in a leg, they must first hit a double. Similarly, to win a leg, the final dart must also land on a double. This unique rule adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement, testing players’ precision from the very first dart.
Tournament Structure and Prize Money
The World Grand Prix 2026 is played across various stages, each with its own format:
- First Round: Best of 3 Sets
- Second Round (Current Stage): Best of 5 Sets
- Quarter-Finals: Best of 5 Sets
- Semi-Finals: Best of 9 Sets
- Final: Best of 11 Sets
Each set is played as ‘Best of 5 Legs,’ meaning the first player to win three legs takes the set, with no tie-break rule. The tournament offers substantial prize money:
- Winner: £150,000
- Runner-Up: £80,000
- Semi-Finalists: £50,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £35,000
- Last 16: £20,000
- First Round: £7,500
The total prize fund for the World Grand Prix is an impressive £750,000.
Upcoming Matches: Round of 16 Continues
The excitement continues with the remaining four second-round matches scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, starting at 8:00 PM CEST:
- Niels Zonneveld vs. Gary Anderson
- James Wade vs. Stephen Bunting
- Luke Humphries vs. Jermaine Wattimena
- Gian van Veen vs. Ryan Searle
Fans eagerly await to see which players will complete the quarter-final lineup and continue their quest for the coveted World Grand Prix title.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
