Michael van Gerwen Eliminated from Grand Slam as Luke Littler Advances Unbeaten

Michael van Gerwen, who secured the Grand Slam of Darts title three times between 2015 and 2017, has been knocked out of the tournament, failing to reach the last 16 following a 5-4 defeat by Ryan Joyce. The Dutchman twice recovered from a two-leg deficit in the Group G decider. However, he was unable to complete a 112 checkout on his throw, allowing Joyce to secure his victory by hitting 80. This marks the first occasion since 2010 that Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, has not advanced to the knockout stage of this competition. Meanwhile, Luke Littler secured his progression as the undefeated winner of Group F, achieving a 5-3 victory over Lourence Ilagan, despite narrowly missing a nine-dart finish. The Wolverhampton audience rose to their feet as the 17-year-old Littler landed seven consecutive treble 20s and a treble 19, only to miss the double 12. Elsewhere in the tournament, Dimitri van den Bergh finished as runner-up to Littler after defeating Keane Barry 5-1. Mike De Decker also secured second position in Group E with a 5-0 whitewash win against Michael Smith. Stephen Bunting secured his spot in the last 16 by defeating Josh Rock 5-2 in Group H. Gary Anderson also topped Group G, finishing with three wins after overcoming Noa-Lynn van Leuven 5-2. The upcoming matches are scheduled as follows: Top half: James Wade v Cameron Menzies Danny Noppert v Mickey Mansell Martin Lukeman v Ross Smith Ritchie Edhouse v Rob Cross Bottom half: Jermaine Wattimena v Dimitri van den Bergh Luke Littler v Mike de Decker Gary Anderson v Stephen Bunting Gian van Veen v Ryan Joyce