2024 US Darts Masters – Day 1 Report

The US Darts Masters begun at the iconic Madison Square Garden on Friday night which saw the third instalment of the 2024 World Series of Darts, with the eight Premier League players taking on some of the best talent from America and Canada.

Game 1: Michael van Gerwen vs Danny Lauby

Defending champion Michael van Gerwen won his encounter with Danny Lauby in comfortable fashion in his 6-1 thrashing. Lauby held throw with an 18-darter to kick off proceedings before Van Gerwen reeled off six legs in a row, all in under 18 darts. The final average was a below-par 89 for the Dutchman, but as always will rise to the occasion.

Game 2: Rob Cross vs Adam Sevada

Rob Cross repeated the scoreline in his opening round clash with Adam Sevada. Cross averaged 95 on route to victory, with his best in leg one with a comfortable 13 darter. In the seventh and final leg he checked out 122 to seal victory.

Game 3: Luke Humphries vs David Cameron

Reigning world champion Luke Humphries was unstoppable in his affair with David Cameron, reeling off six conceutive legs on route to victory. Though double trouble from both in the second leg occurred, Humphries won it with a 24-dart hold before reeling off the following four legs in 14 darts or less.

Game 4: Nathan Aspinall vs Stowe Buntz

Nathan Aspinall kicked off his tournament ambitions with a 6-2 victory over Stowe Buntz, but the game was all one-way traffic too. Aspinall hit four legs in a row with a 14 darter and three 15 darters despite consistent pressure from Buntz. The American had it all to do as a result, but was able to earn himself two legs before Aspinall rounded off victory.

Game 5: Luke Littler vs Matt Campbell

Recent Premier League champion Luke Littler produced the best performance of the night against Matt Campbell in a 6-0 whitewash win. Four 180’s and a strong showing on scoring gave him the eventual average of 103.66. Campbell was unable to display his best stuff, with the Canadian averaging 84.5.

Game 6: Michael Smith vs Jeff Smith

Michael Smith was the only elite PDC representative to lose his match against Jeff Smith, with the latter displaying a dominant 6-1 over the former champion. Smith struggled to get going during the match and although his only leg was a fantastic 11 darter, his trouble on doubles allowed the Canadian the opportunities to build up legs on the board. The former Lakeside finalist rounded off victory on D10.

Game 7: Gerwyn Price vs Jules van Dongen

Gerwyn Price’s 6-3 win over Jules van Dongen was closer than the Welshman would have liked. Despite averaging 97 to Van Dongen’s 86, while displaying a very good standard, Price struggled in leg three and four which reduced his average. These legs gave Van Dongen half a chance and hit 119 to put himself 3-5 down. Price was able to hold to win with a 15-darter.

Game 8: Peter Wright vs Alex Spellman

Peter Wright survived a scare to overcome Alex Spellman in a last leg deciding win, wrapping up the win with a 14 dart hold of throw. Wright sustained a 5-3 lead but a late fightback from Spellman forced the match into a last leg decider, but a game full of inconsistent legs from Wright allowed Spellman in. It is worth noting that Spellman checked out 150 and 167 in leg 6 and leg 9.

Quarter-Finals (Best of 11 legs)

Michael van Gerwen v Rob Cross

Luke Humphries v Nathan Aspinall

Luke Littler v Jeff Smith

Gerwyn Price v Peter Wright

Semi-Finals (Best of 13 legs)

Van Gerwen/Cross v Humphries/Aspinall

Littler/J Smith v Price/Wright

Final (Best of 15 legs)