Luke Humphries escaped the penalty of a series of missed finishing doubles by overcoming a sub‑par Dave Chisnall to secure a place in the second round of the World Grand Prix in Leicester. Humphries, who has reached the final of this tournament three consecutive times – winning the 2023 edition and finishing runner‑up twice since – now looks the front‑runner after defending champion Luke Littler suffered a surprise loss to Luke Woodhouse on opening night.
The "Cool Hand" player, who sported a small scab on his forehead that he blamed on an allergic reaction, dispatched Chisnall 2‑0 despite posting a modest average of 80.41 and converting just 26 % of his doubles. The victory sets up a second‑round clash with Jermaine Wattimena, the man who eliminated Chris Dobey earlier in the day. Chisnall had a fleeting opportunity to break Humphries’ rhythm and force a deciding set, but he blew his chance by busting his score.
Humphries then wrapped up the match by hitting double four and, in a moment of quiet confidence, appeared to hush a heckler in the audience. Two seeded players fell on Tuesday evening.
In addition to Humphries’ progress, Josh Rock was knocked out by Dutch newcomer Niels Zonneveld, who produced three finishes of 100 or more in the third set to earn a last‑16 meeting with Gary Anderson. Rock, who at one stage attempted an audacious 101 finish (bullseye, 1, bullseye), had thrilled the crowd by following a perfect 180 with a towering 151 to level the match and force a decider.
Zonneveld’s composure in the final leg secured his win, while Rock’s flamboyant style was left unanswered. The tournament’s video streams advise viewers to use Chrome for the most accessible player experience. Chris Dobey, another seed, suffered a first‑round exit for the third consecutive year. His opponent, "Hollywood" Wade, burned four darts to break Wattimena in the opening leg, but his overall average fell below 80 and he struggled to hit the required starting double in many legs.
Wade’s only flash of brilliance came with a dazzling 128 checkout at the start of the second set, yet he still fell 2‑0. James Wade, however, mounted a comeback from a set down, shrugging off six missed match darts across two visits to defeat Joe Cullen 2‑1 and keep his hopes alive for a third Grand Prix crown – his first in sixteen years.
A pivotal moment arrived in the fourth leg of the second set when Wade hit the bull for an 81 checkout just as Cullen was poised to break and move into a winning position. Wade hesitated briefly, missed double top and double ten in the third leg of the deciding set, but ultimately clinched the match by landing double ten on his next attempt.
Wade’s reward is a quarter‑final showdown with Stephen Bunting, who edged past Andrew Gilding 2‑1 in the final match of the round. The day also brought further disappointment for Damon Heta, who endured his sixth straight first‑round loss at the Grand Prix – he has yet to register a victory at this venue. Heta surrendered a one‑set lead and missed a match dart at double five in the second set against Anderson. Gary Anderson, the 2016 runner‑up to Michael van Gerwen, dominated the third set 3‑0, posting a lofty average of 110.
Meanwhile, Dutch hopeful Gian van Veen finally tasted success on this stage, beating compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode in straight sets for his inaugural win after first‑round defeats in 2024 and 2025 to Ross Smith and Luke Littler respectively. Van Duijvenbode, after a disastrous start that saw him lose the first five legs, finally found his scoring touch but missed two attempts at double sixteen, forcing a deciding leg. Van Veen will now face Ryan Searle after "Heavy Metal" Searle punished William O'Connor’s four missed match darts, snatching the final three legs to complete a comeback from a five‑leg deficit.
O'Connor’s electrifying run began with a 95 checkout using consecutive double‑19s, but the Irishman – appearing at the Grand Prix for the first time in over a decade – eventually lost his momentum. The action continues from 7 p.m., with matches played to the best of three sets. Fans can watch day three live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage running daily through the final on Sunday. Those seeking streaming options can explore the latest Sky Sports packages or opt for a contract‑free subscription on NOW.