Van Gerwen exits Grand Slam but Littler progresses
Michael van Gerwen won the Grand Slam of Darts three times from 2015 to 2017
- Published
Michael van Gerwen failed to make it through to the Grand Slam of Darts last 16 after a 5-4 defeat by Ryan Joyce.
The Dutchman twice battled back from two legs down in the Group G decider but failed to check out at 112 on his throw and Joyce nailed 80 to seal victory.
It is the first time since 2010 that three-time world champion Van Gerwen has not made it to the knockout stage of the tournament.
Luke Littler narrowly missed a nine-dart finish as he cruised through as the unbeaten winner of Group F with a 5-3 win over Lourence Ilagan.
The Wolverhampton crowd were on their feet when 17-year-old Littler nailed seven consecutive treble 20s and a treble 19, but he missed double 12.
Elsewhere, Dimitri van den Bergh finished runner-up to Littler after a 5-1 demolition of Keane Barry while Mike De Decker claimed a 5-0 whitewash over Michael Smith to secure second spot in Group E.
Stephen Bunting booked his place in the last 16 with a 5-2 win over Josh Rock in Group H.
Gary Anderson defeated Noa-Lynn van Leuven 5-2 to finished with three wins to top Group G.
Grand Slam of Darts last-16 draw
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