Ryan Joyce subjects Michael van Gerwen to Group Stage exit at the Grand Slam of Darts

Jamie Shaw in Grand Slam of Darts 13 Nov 2024

Ryan Joyce sends home MVG (Photo by PDC)

Ryan Joyce dumped Michael van Gerwen out of the Grand Slam of Darts with a dramatic deciding-leg win in their Group G shootout on Tuesday.

Joyce held his nerve to narrowly edge out the three-time champion – who suffered his first Group Stage exit in the prestigious major since 2010.

The Tynesider was one of four players to come through straight shootouts on Day Four, with Stephen Bunting, Mike De Decker and Dimitri Van den Bergh also reaching the knockout phase in Wolverhampton.

With Gary Anderson sealing top spot in Group G with his victory over Noa-Lynn van Leuven in the opening game of the night, Van Gerwen needed to beat Joyce to join him in the Last 16.

However, the Dutch sensation was left stunned as world number 35 Joyce raced into a 4-2 lead, punishing his opponent’s costly missed doubles.

Van Gerwen dug deep to forced himself level, but with the darts in the decider his scoring power deserted him, and Joyce wrapped up victory with an 80 finish in two darts to reach the knockout phase for the second time.

“It felt like we were both struggling a little bit,” admitted Joyce.

“I think we were both nervous at certain times, but I’m just delighted to get through.

“I’m just trying to find the form I know I’m capable of. Michael struggled in that game and I just took advantage really.”

With Joyce progressing in second place, he now faces Van Veen in the Last 16, after the Dutch star came through an incredible contest with Wessel Nijman to make it three group wins on the bounce.

In one of the best group games ever seen at the Grand Slam, Van Veen came from 4-2 down to snatch a 5-4 victory, with Nijman averaging a staggering 111 in defeat and missing four match darts.

It sets an unwanted record for the 24-year-old as he registered a new highest losing average in the tournament’s history, and crashes out with a tournament average of 107.7.

Labelled the ‘Group of Death’ by many, it was Bunting who joined Van Veen in progressing from Group H as he produced some scintillating darts to beat Josh Rock in a qualification shoot-out.

Rock flew out of the traps to lead 2-1, but Bunting put together a brilliant run of four straight legs to secure victory, averaging 106.6 in the process.

“It was always going to be difficult, and Josh played really well there,” said a relieved Bunting.

“Josh and Wessel have both been a massive part of this group. They’ve played fantastic darts throughout.

“I’m so happy with my form, and so happy to get through the group of death, so who knows how far I can go now?”

World Grand Prix champion De Decker continued his fine TV form as he brutally whitewashed Michael Smith to charge into the Last 16, after Wattimena had earlier secured top spot in Group E with a narrow deciding leg win over Mensur Suljovic.

De Decker averaged 100.2 and landed a 107 checkout on his way to victory, with Smith not afforded a single shot at double.

Defeat for 2022 champion Smith, following Van Gerwen’s defeat and Luke Humphries earlier exit, meant that all former champions have now crashed out of the tournament.

“If I could bring 100% of my floor game on to the stage I would be a much more relaxed player,” said De Decker.

“I’m feeling more comfortable on stage though, and it showed again tonight.

“It’s going to be a great game against Luke [Littler], and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Van den Bergh was also successful in his qualification shoot-out as he brushed aside Keane Barry 5-1 in Group F.

The reigning UK Open champion averaged 104.5 and landed 55 per cent of his attempts at doubles as he eliminated Barry, and will now face Wattimena in the next round.

Meanwhile, Luke Littler maintained his 100 per cent record in Group F with a 5-3 victory over Lourence Ilagan, despite missing double 12 for a spectacular nine-darter in the final leg.

The teenage sensation followed up averages of 112 and 108 with another three-figure average against the PDC Asian Champion, which sets up a mouth-watering showdown against De Decker on Thursday.

Grand Slam of Darts 2024 Day Four Results

Tuesday November 12

Groups E-H Final Matches

Gary Anderson 5-2 Noa-Lynn van Leuven (G)
Jermaine Wattimena 5-4 Mensur Suljovic (E)
Luke Littler 5-3 Lourence Ilagan (F)
Gian van Veen 5-4 Wessel Nijman (H)
Dimitri Van den Bergh 5-1 Keane Barry (F)
Michael van Gerwen 4-5 Ryan Joyce (G)
Michael Smith 0-5 Mike de Decker (E)
Stephen Bunting 5-2 Josh Rock (H)