2024 World Grand Prix Darts: Day Two Results, Michael van Gerwen Dumped OUT

Day two of the 2024 World Grand Prix Darts saw the final eight first-round matches play out, wrapping up the opening round in Leicester. As with day one, players were locked in intense battles, racing to two sets under the tournament’s signature ‘double in, double out’ format.

Following an eventful first night that saw former world champion Rob Cross eliminate teenage prodigy Luke Littler and reigning world champion Luke Humphries stage a dramatic comeback against Stephen Bunting, expectations were high for night two. 

The action didn’t disappoint, with six-time Grand Prix winner Michael van Gerwen facing off against 2017 champion Daryl Gurney, while heavyweights Michael Smith, Peter Wright, and Gerwyn Price also kicked off their campaigns.

Two-time World Grand Prix finalist Dave Chisnall opened his campaign with a dominant performance against tournament debutant Cameron Menzies. 

The inexperienced Scot had opportunities to make his mark in the second leg, but couldn't convert, as Chisnall swept the first set with a 3-0 whitewash. 

Menzies struggled to find any rhythm and ultimately failed to win a single leg, as 'Chizzy' cruised to a comprehensive victory.

Reigning UK Open champion Dimitri Van den Bergh faced Luke Woodhouse, who was making his second consecutive appearance at the World Grand Prix.

Both players showcased exceptional scoring in the opening set, but Van den Bergh faltered on his doubles, failing to get started. This opened the door for Woodhouse to take the first set 3-1, with both players averaging nearly 96.

Van den Bergh’s double trouble was short-lived. He swiftly levelled the match by taking the second set, highlighted by a brilliant 110 three-dart checkout. 

The Belgian's form only improved as he kicked off the final set with a stunning 132 checkout. From there, Van den Bergh never relinquished control, winning two of the next three legs to claim a 2-1 victory and advance to the next round.

Image credit: PDC

Van den Bergh’s former roommate and fellow Belgian, Mike De Decker, took on Australia’s top player, Damon Heta, in another thrilling contest. 

The first set was fiercely competitive, going the distance in legs, but it was De Decker who edged it 3-2, thanks to two impressive ton-plus finishes of 150 and 116.

Heta responded strongly in the second set, lifting his three-dart average towards the 100 mark, and levelling the match at one set apiece. 

The third and final set was packed with drama, with the score tied at two legs each. Both players were within striking distance of the second round, but Heta’s missed match dart in the fourth leg proved costly. De Decker capitalised on the opportunity, sealing his place in the next round by hitting double nine in the decisive leg.

Two seasoned veterans clashed as two-time World Grand Prix champion James Wade faced off against two-time world champion Peter Wright. 

Wade got off to a strong start, winning the first two legs. Although, 'Snakebite,' responded with three consecutive legs to claim the opening set.

Despite this early momentum, Wright’s inconsistency, mirroring his struggles throughout the 2024 Premier League season, became apparent. 

Wade, in his trademark gritty style, battled back to take the next two sets and eliminate the Scottish legend, securing his place in the next round.

Gerwyn Price, typically one of the best in the world at this format, struggled with his opening doubles, particularly on double 20, which has been more forgiving for him in the past. 

Fortunately for Price, his opponent, Danny Noppert, was not capitalising on his slow start.

Despite his difficulties, Price managed to scrape through the first set, taking a narrow lead. However, his fortunes took a turn in the next set, where he squandered a two-leg advantage, allowing the dutchman to claw his way back into the match.

Ultimately, Price found a way to win, even when it seemed he might falter. He remained composed in the final set, surviving a match dart from Noppert to secure his place in the next round.

Image credit: PDC

The PDC Order of Merit may rank Michael Smith as world number two and Gary Anderson at 24, but those numbers didn’t reflect the true form of both players heading into this match. 

'The Flying Scotsman,' has been in outstanding form on the Pro Tour and across Europe, while Smith has struggled on the PDC stage this year, with only flashes of brilliance in the Premier League and World Cup of Darts.

Anderson’s scoring power was immense in the first set, but his finishing let him down as he missed seven of his eight darts at doubles, allowing Smith to take an early lead. 

The two-time PDC world champion quickly found his rhythm, winning the second set in style, including a spectacular 80 finish with back-to-back tops.

The drama escalated in the final set, where Smith missed two match darts at double 20. Anderson jumped at the opportunity, sealing the victory, and eliminating the world number two in a thrilling finish.

Six-time champion Michael van Gerwen faced off against Northern Ireland’s Daryl Gurney, a former winner at the World Grand Prix. 

Van Gerwen, far from his dominant best, struggled throughout the match as Gurney delivered a commanding performance.

The first set saw Gurney whitewash van Gerwen 3-0, with the Dutchman missing two crucial darts at doubles. 

The second set followed the same script, with Gurney completing the demolition job by again winning three legs to nil, knocking out one of the tournament favourites and sending 'The Green Machine' crashing out of the competition.