The final leg of the qualification race for the World Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports at the end of September, takes place this weekend at the Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp. This event marks the thirteenth stop on the European Tour calendar for the season and offers a valuable opportunity for a wide array of top‑flight players to claim a title, especially since the two highest‑ranked PDC competitors, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, are not participating. Among the headline names slated to compete at the Antwerp Expo are Dutch star Gian van Veen, the charismatic Welshman Gerwyn Price, the legendary Michael van Gerwen, and England’s seasoned campaigner James Wade.
Their presence guarantees a high‑octane showcase of skill, experience, and the occasional surprise upset that darts fans have come to expect from a European Tour event. One of the most talked‑about stories heading into the tournament was the involvement of Beau Greaves. Fresh off a historic achievement in Prague the previous week—where she became the first woman ever to win a match on the Euro Tour—Greaves entered Antwerp with considerable momentum and a growing fan base. However, her run was cut short on Friday when she faced Australian competitor Damon Heta.
In a tightly contested match, Heta edged out Greaves, ending her campaign before the weekend’s decisive rounds. This result set up an intriguing clash for Heta on Saturday, as he was drawn against Michael van Gerwen, a match that promises to be a highlight of the event. The schedule is split into multiple sessions across three days, each featuring a blend of established stars and emerging talents.
On Friday, September 11, the first round began with an afternoon session that saw Niels Zonneveld dispatch Petr Tous 6‑3, while Bradley Brooks overcame Mickey Mansell 6‑4. Other notable results included Chris Landman’s narrow 6‑5 victory over Andrew Gilding, Kevin Doets’ dominant 6‑1 win against James Hurrell, and a 6‑2 triumph for Karel Sedlacek over Michael Hansen. The evening session continued the action with Rob Cross beating Cristo Reyes 6‑3, Joe Cullen falling 3‑6 to Andy Baetens, and Raymond van Barneveld succumbing 2‑6 to Jim Long.
The most dramatic moment of the night came when Damon Heta survived a 6‑5 thriller against Beau Greaves, securing his place in the next round. Saturday, September 12, featured the second round. The afternoon session opened with Kevin Doets edging out Krzysztof Ratajski 6‑5, while Jermaine Wattimena dispatched Karel Sedlacek 6‑3. Rob Cross continued his strong form with a 6‑4 win over Martin Schindler, and Danny Noppert recorded a comfortable 6‑2 victory against Chris Landman.
The evening session promised several marquee matchups: Josh Rock versus Ryan Joyce, Gerwyn Price against Bradley Brooks, James Wade taking on Jim Long, and a blockbuster showdown between Michael van Gerwen and Damon Heta. Additional pairings included Gian van Veen versus Gabriel Clemens, Nathan Aspinall versus Nico Springer, and Stephen Bunting versus Brendan Dolan, each offering a blend of power, precision, and strategic play. Sunday, September 13, will host the third round in the afternoon, followed by the quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, and the final in the evening session. While the exact match‑ups for the later stages will be determined by the outcomes of Saturday’s contests, the tournament’s structure ensures that the remaining competitors will have to navigate a demanding schedule, often playing multiple high‑stakes matches in a single day.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the Flanders Darts Trophy, the event serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the season’s biggest televised tournaments. Sky Sports continues to be the primary broadcaster for darts, delivering live coverage of the World Grand Prix (scheduled for September 28‑October 4), the Grand Slam of Darts (November 14‑22), and the World Darts Championship (December 10‑January 3). Fans can also stream all darts action, along with a broader range of sports content, via the NOW platform without being tied to a long‑term contract. The Antwerp venue itself adds a vibrant backdrop to the competition.
The Expo’s modern facilities provide ample space for both players and spectators, and the city’s rich cultural heritage offers visitors a chance to explore beyond the oche. Local fans have embraced the tournament, creating a lively atmosphere that fuels the competitors’ performances.
In summary, the Flanders Darts Trophy promises a packed weekend of high‑quality darts, featuring a mixture of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and historic moments such as Beau Greaves’ pioneering participation. With the World Grand Prix qualification on the line, each match carries significant weight, and the outcomes will shape the narrative heading into the autumn’s marquee events. Whether you are a casual viewer or a die‑hard darts enthusiast, the tournament offers compelling storylines, intense rivalries, and the chance to witness potential new legends in the making.