Humphries Opens World Grand Prix Title Bid with Confident Win as Anderson Edges Van Barneveld

Luke Humphries began his charge for a second BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix crown with a statement victory over Nathan Aspinall on an electrifying opening night in Leicester — a night that also saw Gary Anderson edge old rival Raymond van Barneveld in a thriller between two darting greats.

The world number one, runner-up last year and champion in 2023, looked composed and clinical on the Mattioli Arena stage, taking out 156 and surviving a trademark Aspinall flourish to begin his campaign in style.

Cool Hand Luke Back in Business

It was billed as the blockbuster tie of the night — and it didn’t disappoint. Humphries, so often serene under pressure, shrugged off a barrage of early scoring from Aspinall, who delighted the crowd with a dazzling 170 finish in the first set. But it was the world champion who found the extra gear when it mattered, taking the set and following up with a blistering 156 checkout in the second to close out a straight-sets victory.

“It was a big game tonight,” Humphries admitted afterwards. “Nathan is a fantastic player but he gave me a few chances, and that 156 was massive for me. My doubles at the start were solid, which they usually are here. The scoring could be better — but that will come on Wednesday.”

It was a performance that blended patience with precision — the mark of a player who knows how to win on this stage. He now faces Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski in round two after the Pole cruised past Martin Schindler with an impressive 95.94 average, dropping just one leg in the process.

Anderson Edges Epic Battle of the Legends

Two titans of the sport produced a timeless encounter as Gary Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld met in a match that oozed nostalgia. Anderson flew out of the blocks, winning the first set in quickfire fashion, before Van Barneveld — cheered loudly by a partisan crowd — forced a decider.

In the final-leg shootout, Anderson’s experience and power-scoring saw him over the line. The Scotsman, a 2016 finalist, now advances to face Joe Cullen, who looked sharp in dispatching James Wade 2–0, hitting six doubles from 11 attempts to oust the two-time champion.

Bunting’s Brilliance Lights Up Leicester

If Humphries delivered the authority and Anderson the drama, Stephen Bunting supplied the fireworks. The “Bullet” produced the performance of the night with a blistering display against Niko Springer. Averaging 97 and smashing in five 180s, Bunting fired checkouts of 116 and 130 to breeze into round two, where he’ll face Danny Noppert.

The Dutchman showed trademark steel to overturn a deficit against Jermaine Wattimena, sealing victory with a superb 158 checkout that left the crowd in awe.

Cross Survives Scare; Menzies Makes His Mark

The night opened with a nervy affair as Rob Cross was forced to dig deep against debutant Wessel Nijman. The young Dutchman outscored the 2018 world champion but faltered on the doubles — missing a dart at bull for the match — as Cross held his nerve to progress. He’ll next meet Cameron Menzies, who claimed his first-ever win on the World Grand Prix stage with a straight-sets success over Chris Dobey.

Tuesday Preview: Titans Take the Stage

Round one concludes on Tuesday with another mouthwatering lineup. Defending champion Mike De Decker opens his campaign against Peter Wright, while teenage prodigy Luke Littler faces Gian van Veen in what could be the tie of the round.

Elsewhere, six-time winner Michael van Gerwen meets fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, and former champions Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and Daryl Gurney also take to the stage against Ryan Searle, Andrew Gilding, and Ross Smith respectively.

With shocks already brewing and legends colliding early, this year’s Grand Prix already has the feel of something special — and Luke Humphries has made it clear he intends to be right in the middle of it.

Humphries Opens World Grand Prix Title Bid with Confident Win as Anderson Edges Van Barneveld

2025 BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix

Schedule of Play

Monday October 6

8x Round One matches

Rob Cross 2-1 Wessel Nijman

Krzysztof Ratajski 2-0 Martin Schindler

Cameron Menzies 2-0 Chris Dobey

Joe Cullen 2-0 James Wade

Danny Noppert 2-1 Jermaine Wattimena

Luke Humphries 2-0 Nathan Aspinall

Gary Anderson 2-1 Raymond van Barneveld

Stephen Bunting 2-0 Niko Springer

Tuesday October 7 (1800 BST)

8x Round One matches

Damon Heta v Luke Woodhouse

Ross Smith v Daryl Gurney

Jonny Clayton v Andrew Gilding

Gerwyn Price v Ryan Searle

Luke Littler v Gian van Veen

Michael van Gerwen v Dirk van Duijvenbode

Peter Wright v Mike De Decker

Josh Rock v Ryan Joyce