1, 2, 3 OUT! Early Exits Shock the Grand Slam of Darts as Top 3 Fall Short of Last 16

In a stunning turn of events at the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts, the tournament bid farewell to the world’s top three seeds as Luke Humphries, Michael Smith, and Michael van Gerwen crashed out before reaching the knockout stages. As the first three days of intense group play wrapped up, the Grand Slam has already proven one of the most unpredictable tournaments in recent history.

Here’s how it all unfolded and a closer look at who did make it through to the last 16.

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The Unthinkable Exits of the Top Three Players

The Grand Slam of Darts is known for thrilling moments and major upsets, but losing the world’s top three players in the group stages is nearly unprecedented. Here’s a closer look at how each of these powerhouse players failed to cut.

1. Luke Humphries – World No. 1

The world’s top-ranked player, Luke Humphries, came into this tournament as one of the favorites. Known for his consistent scoring and razor-sharp accuracy on doubles, Humphries was expected to breeze through his group. But things went south quickly. Humphries faced fierce competition in a group that didn’t allow him any room for error. Despite his efforts, Humphries found himself outclassed by his opponents, unable to capture the form that had him reigning as the world’s best this year.

His exit sent shockwaves through the crowd as fans were left wondering what went wrong. Some point to his recent grueling schedule as a factor, while others believe he may have simply struggled to find his rhythm. Whatever the case, his early exit marked one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.

2. Michael Smith – World No. 2

Michael Smith, known for his explosive scoring power and nickname “Bully Boy,” also fell short of expectations. The world’s second-ranked player couldn’t find his usual finishing prowess and struggled to convert key doubles during his group-stage matches. In his final group match, he didn’t even get a dart at a double, losing 5-0 to Mike De Decker in a surprisingly one-sided contest.

Despite starting his campaign with promise, Smith found himself unable to mount a comeback, sealing his fate and eliminating him from the tournament. The loss was particularly disappointing as Smith was seen as one of the strongest contenders for the title. For fans and pundits alike, the early exit of the “Bully Boy” was as unexpected as it was unfortunate.

3. Michael van Gerwen – World No. 3

Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen also found himself on the wrong side of the knockout line. Van Gerwen came out strong in his first match, defeating Noa-Lynn van Leuven in a dominant 5-0 performance. But after a narrow 5-4 loss to Gary Anderson, van Gerwen faced a must-win situation in his final group match against Joyce.

The two battled back and forth, each finding moments of brilliance but neither was able to fully control the match. With the score tied at 4-4, the match headed into a deciding leg. Van Gerwen had his chance but couldn’t finish, and Joyce capitalized on an 80 checkout to take the match and secure his place in the last 16. Van Gerwen’s elimination left fans reeling, as many expected him to be a strong contender well into the latter stages.

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Rising Stars and Seasoned Pros Who Secured Their Spots

With three of the biggest names in darts unexpectedly exiting, the tournament has opened up for other players to make their mark. Here’s a breakdown of some of the notable players who have advanced to the last 16 and are now eyeing a deep run.

Luke Littler – Group F Leader

At just 17 years old, Luke Littler has been the breakout star of the tournament so far. The teenage sensation, nicknamed “The Nuke,” stormed through his group with commanding wins over Keane Barry, Dimitri van den Bergh, and Lourence Ilagan. Littler nearly capped off his group stage performance with a perfect nine-darter but narrowly missed double 12 after eight flawless arrows.

Littler’s consistency and confidence make him one of the most exciting prospects in the knockout stages. His success has caught the attention of darts fans worldwide, who are eager to see if he can continue his impressive run.

Gary Anderson – Group G Leader

Gary Anderson, the two-time world champion, continued his dominant form, securing a top spot in Group G with an undefeated record. Anderson’s impeccable performance throughout the group stage ensured his smooth passage to the last sixteen, showcasing the form that won him the Masters title earlier in the year.

In the second round, Anderson will face off against Stephen Bunting, who also fought his way into the knockout stage. Bunting’s win over Josh Rock, marked by two 11-darters and a 12-darter, demonstrated his precision under pressure and set up an exciting matchup against Anderson.

With Anderson’s consistent play and Bunting’s aggressive scoring, this clash promises to be one of the highlights on the road to the Grand Slam title.

Gian van Veen – The Giant of Group H

Dubbed “GVV The Giant,” Gian van Veen was part of what many called the “group of death” but managed to emerge as the leader. Van Veen’s impressive form saw him defeat Josh Rock and Stephen Bunting, securing his place at the top of Group H. His final group match against Wessel Nijman was a breathtaking showdown, with Nijman starting strong, hitting two 180s and a 10-darter. Despite Nijman’s efforts, van Veen came back and eventually clinched the win.

Van Veen’s performances have solidified his reputation as one of the tournament’s toughest competitors, and he enters the knockout stage with significant momentum.

Dimitri van den Bergh – Group F Survivor

Belgium’s Dimitri van den Bergh, also known as “The Dreammaker,” faced a must-win situation against Keane Barry in his final group game and delivered under pressure, winning 5-1. Van den Bergh’s ability to stay focused and perform in high-stakes situations has often been his strength, and he now moves into the last 16 with confidence.

Van den Bergh has a history of deep runs in major tournaments, and with some of the top contenders out, his chances of reaching the final have never looked better.

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What’s Next in the Knockout Stages?

With the group stage shocks behind us, the last 16 promises to be even more thrilling. Fans are already buzzing with excitement to see how the remaining players will capitalize on the absence of the top three seeds. Will we see more surprise victories, or will experienced players like Gary Anderson and Dimitri van den Bergh rise to the occasion?

The stage is set for an unpredictable and intense knockout phase as these players battle it out for Grand Slam glory. The absence of Luke Humphries, Michael Smith, and Michael van Gerwen has left a void at the top, but it also opens the door for new stars to shine. All eyes will be on Luke Littler and Gian van Veen, who are emerging as potential champions in their own right.

In a tournament already filled with drama, the final rounds of the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts are bound to be unforgettable.

2024 Grand Slam of Darts Last 16

13 Nov

Player A	Time (GMT +1)	Player B
Danny Noppert	20:15	Mickey Mansell
James Wade	21:15	Cameron Menzies
Martin Lukeman	22:15	Ross Smith
Ritchie Edhouse	23:15	Rob Cross

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14 Nov

Player A	Time (GMT +1)	Player B
Jermaine Wattimena	20:15	D. Van den Bergh
Gian van Veen	21:15	Ryan Joyce
Luke Littler	22:15	Mike de Decker
Gary Anderson	23:15	Stephen Bunting

Where to Watch the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts

Fans across the globe won’t have to miss a moment of the 2024 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts, with live coverage available on Sky Sports in the UK. International audiences can tune in through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners, including DAZN, Viaplay, and PDCTV (excluding the UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).