The countdown to the BoyleSports World Grand Prix has officially begun, with reigning champion Luke Humphries and newcomer Luke Littler set to dominate the opening night in Leicester. Humphries, who clinched his first TV ranking title by defeating Gerwyn Price in last year’s tournament, begins his title defense against Masters champion Stephen Bunting. The world No. 1 aims to join darts legends Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen as the third player to successfully retain this prestigious title.
The opening night on Monday, October 7, at the Mattioli Arena will feature eight first-round matches, including teenage sensation Littler making his World Grand Prix debut against fourth seed Rob Cross.
Jonny Clayton, the 2021 champion, begins his quest for a second title against newcomer Ritchie Edhouse, while 2022 runner-up Nathan Aspinall returns to the big stage to face Ryan Searle. Former finalists Raymond van Barneveld and Brendan Dolan are also set for action, taking on German players Ricardo Pietreczko and Martin Schindler, respectively. The evening will conclude with Gian van Veen facing Ross Smith, and Josh Rock going head-to-head with Ryan Joyce to kick off the tournament.
Tuesday Night Showdown
On Tuesday, October 8, the first round of the Grand Prix will conclude with six-time champion Michael van Gerwen vying for a seventh title against 2017 winner Daryl Gurney. In another highlight, Michael Smith and Gary Anderson will reignite their rivalry in a repeat of their showdown from the World Matchplay. Gerwyn Price will also make his tournament debut against Dutch No. 2 Danny Noppert.
Additionally, two-time World Grand Prix winner James Wade faces 2018 runner-up Peter Wright, while Chris Dobey and Joe Cullen clash on the Grand Prix stage for the second consecutive year. UK Open champion Dimitri Van den Bergh will kick off his campaign against Luke Woodhouse, and fellow Belgian Mike De Decker meets Australia’s Damon Heta. The opening match on Tuesday features two-time runner-up Dave Chisnall against in-form debutant Cameron Menzies.
From Last 16 to Finals
After the initial round, the last 16 matches will unfold on October 9 and 10, followed by the quarter-finals on October 11.
This year marks a format change, with semi-finals set for October 12 contested over the best of nine sets, culminating in an exciting final over the best of 11 sets on October 13.
Schedule of Play
BoyleSports World Grand Prix Schedule:
Monday, October 7 (1800 BST)
8 First Round Matches
Josh Rock vs Ryan Joyce
Brendan Dolan vs Martin Schindler
Jonny Clayton vs Ritchie Edhouse
Nathan Aspinall vs Ryan Searle
Raymond van Barneveld vs Ricardo Pietreczko
Luke Humphries vs Stephen Bunting
Rob Cross vs Luke Littler
Gian van Veen vs Ross Smith
Tuesday, October 8 (1800 BST)
8 First Round Matches
Dave Chisnall vs Cameron Menzies
Luke Woodhouse vs Dimitri Van den Bergh
Mike De Decker vs Damon Heta
Peter Wright vs James Wade
Gerwyn Price vs Danny Noppert
Michael Smith vs Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen vs Daryl Gurney
Chris Dobey vs Joe Cullen
Wednesday, October 9 (1900 BST)
4 Second Round Matches
Humphries/Bunting vs Van Barneveld/Pietreczko
Clayton/Edhouse vs Van Veen/R Smith
Cross/Littler vs Dolan/Schindler
Aspinall/Searle vs Rock/Joyce
Thursday, October 10 (1900 BST)
4 Second Round Matches
M Smith/Anderson vs De Decker/Heta
Price/Noppert vs Wright/Wade
Van Gerwen/Gurney vs Dobey/Cullen
Chisnall/Menzies vs Woodhouse/Van den Bergh
Friday, October 11 (1900 BST)
Quarter-Finals
Saturday, October 12 (2030 BST)
Semi-Finals
Sunday, October 13 (2000 BST)
Final
Catch all the intense action from the BoyleSports World Grand Prix live from Leicester, where 32 of the world’s best compete for the coveted title. With exciting matches lined up, dart enthusiasts are in for a thrilling week of competition as they witness the best in the sport.
