The 2024 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals got off to a stunning start on Friday evening as some of the sport’s biggest names bowed out dramatically. Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price, and Michael van Gerwen—all former champions—suffered early exits, leaving fans and pundits questioning their form ahead of the World Darts Championship.
Wright and Price Crash Out Amidst Struggles
Peter Wright’s recent darting woes continued as he faced a red-hot Daryl Gurney. The former two-time World Champion has been searching for answers after a poor Grand Slam of Darts campaign, and his struggles showed no signs of easing in Minehead.
In scintillating form, Gurney dismantled Wright 6-1, posting a 108.8 average, hitting five 180s, and converting 6 of 9 double attempts. It was a comprehensive display from ‘Superchin,’ who looks poised for a deep run in the tournament. For Wright, questions about his readiness for Ally Pally remain unanswered.
Gerwyn Price, who has struggled to recapture his best form, also fell victim to an upset. The 2019 runner-up faced France’s Thibault Tricole, who secured one of the biggest wins of his career. Despite a spirited comeback attempt from 5-1 down, Price fell 6-4 as Tricole held his nerve to finish with a 62 checkout.
“The Iceman” insists he’ll find his rhythm when it matters most, but his performance in Minehead suggests otherwise.
Littler’s Meteoric Rise Continues
While established stars faltered, Luke Littler stole the show with a jaw-dropping performance against Rob Cross. The 17-year-old sensation, fresh off his Grand Slam triumph, delivered a blistering 112.73 average (The second-highest one-match average) in a 6-0 whitewash of the former World Champion.
Nicknamed ‘The Nuke,’ Littler hit four 180s and converted 60% of his doubles, leaving Cross with no chance to respond. In just one year, Littler has gone from a World Youth runner-up to a top-five-ranked player and a genuine contender for major titles.
As other big names fall by the wayside, Littler’s dominance suggests he could be the one to watch in Minehead and beyond.
Van Gerwen’s Struggles Deepen
Michael van Gerwen’s woes continued as he suffered yet another early exit, this time at the hands of Ian White. The Dutchman, a seven-time champion in this event, was dismantled 6-1 by ‘Diamond,’ who rolled back the years with a 102+ average and a brilliant 170 checkout.
MVG has been far from his dominant self in recent months, with early exits at the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts raising concerns about his consistency. For White, who sits 57th in the rankings and faces the threat of Q-School in January, this victory serves as a reminder of his once-dominant Pro Tour form.
Van Gerwen’s inability to find top gear adds another layer of intrigue heading into Ally Pally. Will the former World Champion bounce back, or will he face yet another disappointing showing on the sport’s biggest stage?
Ben Evans is a passionate darts writer with a keen eye for statistics and news. With years of experience following the PDC scene, Ben brings in-depth coverage of tournaments, player performances, and emerging dart trends. Known for his detailed analysis and love for the game, he keeps fans updated with the latest stats, match insights, and memorable moments. When he’s not covering the action on the oche, Ben enjoys a game of darts, staying sharp on the sport he loves.