2024 World Grand Prix Darts: Day Three Preview
After a fascinating first round which resulted in multiple shocks and surprises, eight of the last 16 are ready to get underway on day three. There is only a minor change heading into today with each match being best of five sets instead of the first rounds best of three.
Today’s lineup sees the winners of day one face each other, all with the same aim of progressing even further into the competition.
Here is everything you need to know about day three of the World Grand Prix Darts.
Will Ryan Joyce be relentless against The Asp?
Ryan Joyce opens the night once again however Nathan Aspinall will be hoping to be making it a more difficult experience than the Northern Irishman did on Monday night. Joyce, who averaged 85.93, produced a dominant performance against Josh Rock in the first round as he beat him two sets to nil – which was seen as an unexpected result for the World No.35.
However the 2023 Matchplay winner Nathan Aspinall is also coming off the back of a great performance against an in form Ryan Searle. In his opening night win, although The Asp looked strong in scoring averaging a 92.92, he will be looking to improve on that 28.57 checkout percentage that could cost him the further he goes in the competition.
The last time these two played Aspinall was victorious in a 6-3 win at the Players Championships back in 2022, however a lot has changed since then and an exciting affair is expected in Leicester.
Will Schindlers Euro Tour form continue against Cross?
The German pulled off a very convincing win against The Historymaker Brendan Dolan and he will be determined to continue his form from his win in Switzerland. The 28 year old in his post match interview on Monday night referenced himself as ‘one of the big guns right now’ after mentioning his recent success on the Euro Tour. Martin Schindler will be expected to follow up with another strong performance against The Voltage in the second match of the night.
Although Rob Cross hasn’t won a title since the US Darts Masters in June he is still seen as the favourite and the sensational 80% checkout percentage in the 2-1 win against Littler is very strong evidence as to why. It has been referenced that maybe this format isn’t seen as one of his favourites due to his poor form in the Grand Prix over the last few years however he seemed very comfortable on the double 18 against The Nuke.
Will it be back to back Grand Prix titles for Luke or will Pikachu sneak through?
Pietreczko will be looking to defy the odds by knocking out another World Champion in round two, however if form speaks for itself the current World No.1 will be expected to make it a lot more difficult for the German.
In their last six meetings Luke Humphries has beaten Pietreczko five times, although contrary to the dominance the Englishman’s only defeat was the most recent. His loss came in the Euro Tour only last month and the reigning Grand Prix champion will be hoping to get revenge in the last 16.
Clayton concludes the night
Claytons form over the last 18 months hasn’t been up to the standard that himself and the fans know the Ferret can produce. However in his Grand Prix opener against Ritchie Edhouse he was nothing short of exceptional, the Welshman averaged 93.71 followed up with a 60 checkout percentage. But as we know this competition is filled with incredible players and difficult challenges and his opponent Ross Smith is one of the most in form players this year.
Smith concluded Monday with the highest average of the night – 101.79. With the double in format it would take something very special to compete to that level again. The Smudger got the better of him earlier this year however the experienced World No.8 isn’t expected to let the Englishman walk away with this one too easily.
Tonight is filled with huge names, huge pressure and huge expectations. The Grand Prix is just getting started and day three is definitely not one to miss!
The BoyleSports World Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
Schedule of Play
Wednesday October 8th
4x Second round matches
Nathan Aspinall vs Ryan Joyce
Rob Cross vs Martin Schindler
Luke Humphries vs Ricardo Pietreczko
Jonny Clayton vs Ross Smith