In a surprising turn of events, defending champion Luke Humphries faced an early setback at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, succumbing to a 5-3 defeat against Austria’s Rowby-John Rodriguez in his opening Group A match. Humphries, who holds the world number one ranking and entered the tournament with high expectations, was unable to overcome Rodriguez’s precision and determination, leaving him with a challenging path forward to retain his title. With this result, Humphries now needs strong performances in his upcoming group matches against Northern Ireland’s Mickey Mansell and England’s James Wade to secure a place in the knockout stages.
Mansell, meanwhile, claimed a 5-3 victory over Wade in their Group A encounter, intensifying the competition in the group. As it stands, Rodriguez’s win has shaken up the group dynamics, making Humphries’ next matches all the more critical. Only the top two players from each group advance to the knockout rounds, putting pressure on Humphries to bounce back swiftly.
In another thrilling development, 16-year-old Luke Littler made a powerful statement in his Grand Slam debut with a 5-0 win over Keane Barry in Group F. Littler, one of the youngest players in the tournament, showcased incredible skill and poise as he finished the match in just over six minutes, averaging a phenomenal 112.16. This performance equaled the record for the highest average in the tournament’s history, previously set by darts legend Phil Taylor. Speaking to *Sky Sports*, Littler expressed his ambition: “I wanted to make a statement. I’m here to win. I want to top the group. Everyone wants to. There’s a little bonus for finishing top, so get out of the group stage and then focus on the first-to-10 legs and hopefully go on and on.”
Littler’s remarkable performance has not only raised his profile but also made him one to watch as the tournament progresses. His skillful accuracy, composure under pressure, and ambition have captivated fans and analysts alike, sparking discussions about whether he could be this year’s dark horse.
Elsewhere in the tournament, three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen delivered an authoritative performance in his Group G match, sweeping aside fellow Dutch player Noa-Lynn van Leuven with a 5-0 victory. Van Gerwen’s dominant start reflects his continued high level of play and his determination to reclaim his status as one of the top players in the world. He remains a strong contender in the tournament and, if his form holds, could make a deep run.
Scotland’s Gary Anderson also kicked off his Grand Slam campaign in Group G with a commanding 4-1 win over Ryan Joyce. Known for his consistent performances and experience in major tournaments, Anderson demonstrated the accuracy and tactical approach that have been key to his long-standing success on the professional circuit. The victory places him in a favorable position to progress from the group stage, and his experience could prove invaluable in the knockout rounds.
Group play continued to produce compelling matchups, with 2023 world champion Michael Smith securing a solid 5-2 victory over Austria’s Mensur Suljovic in Group B. Smith, often praised for his high-scoring abilities and relentless focus, delivered a composed performance to claim his first win. The victory puts him in a strong position within the group, and fans eagerly await his next performances as he seeks to add another title to his impressive career.
In other close encounters, Stephen Bunting edged out Wessel Nijman 5-4 in a tightly contested Group C match. Bunting’s win required patience and precision, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s tournament. Matches like these underscore the depth of talent in the field and the unpredictable nature of the group stage, where one slip can make all the difference.
However, not all top players managed to find their rhythm in the opening rounds. Dave Chisnall and former world champion Peter Wright both suffered surprising 5-0 defeats, with Chisnall falling to Connor Scutt and Wright losing to Martin Lukeman. Both results were unexpected, as Chisnall and Wright were considered contenders to progress from their respective groups. For Wright, who has struggled to find consistency in recent months, the loss marks a challenging start to his campaign, and he’ll need to regroup quickly to avoid an early exit.
As the group stage unfolds, players will continue to battle for the top two spots in each group to advance to the knockout rounds. With competition heating up, Sunday’s matches are anticipated to deliver more drama as players vie to strengthen their positions. The last-16 rounds will begin on Wednesday, followed by the semi-finals and finals on Sunday, November 17.
This year’s Grand Slam of Darts has already showcased emerging talents, resilient veterans, and stunning upsets, making it one of the most thrilling editions yet. Fans are eagerly following every match, and with players like Humphries, Van Gerwen, Littler, and Smith all in action, the tournament promises to deliver high-stakes drama. As the tension mounts, the journey toward the final becomes an increasingly unpredictable spectacle, with established stars and young upstarts alike eyeing the coveted title.
In particular, the spotlight will remain on Luke Littler as he aims to build on his impressive debut. The teenage sensation has captivated the audience with his skill and maturity, and his bold ambition to top the group could set the stage for a remarkable run. Meanwhile, for the defending champion Humphries, the stakes couldn’t be higher; his response to the early setback will reveal his resilience and ability to handle pressure as he seeks to remain in contention.
As darts fans know well, the Grand Slam is full of surprises, and each day brings fresh excitement and potential for upsets. With some of the sport’s biggest names in action, alongside promising newcomers, the tournament’s remaining rounds are set to captivate fans around the globe, adding another chapter to the rich history of the Grand Slam of Darts.