James Wade and Gary Anderson record comeback wins to reach World Grand Prix second round

James Wade and Gary Anderson both recovered from a set down to secure a spot in the second round of the 2026 World Grand Prix in Leicester on Tuesday.

Day Two of the prestigious double-start tournament saw the final eight first round matches take place at the Mattioli Arena, with a host of star names surviving an early scare.

Two-time champion Wade dug deep to deny Joe Cullen in a deciding set despite missing 18 darts at finishing doubles.

Wade marked his 22nd consecutive World Grand Prix appearance by recovering from an erratic start to win six of the last eight legs and set up a showdown with Stephen Bunting.

Wade and Bunting will meet in a televised major for the first time since the 2021 World Grand Prix, with the former Masters champion sealing a 2-1 victory over Andrew Gilding in the final match of the night.

Former finalist Anderson, meanwhile, hit back from a set behind to extend Damon Heta’s winless record at the World Grand Prix.

The Scottish number one  survived a match dart from Heta, landing a skin-saving 115 checkout to level the contest at one set apiece before reeling three more consecutive legs to inflict a sixth consecutive first round exit on the Aussie in the double-start event.

“I was panicking, but that 115 saved me!” confessed Anderson, who will face debutant Niels Zonneveld on Thursday.

“I was kicking off well and I think I outscored him throughout the whole game, but it when it went to 2-2 in that second set, I thought ‘oh here we go!’

“I’m at the stage now where I do love a game of darts, but there’s no pressure on me whatsoever.”

Zonneveld produced an inspired display to see off Northern Irish number one Josh Rock, producing finishes of 103, 116 and 133 in the deciding set to prevail 2-1.

Luke Humphries, the 2023 champion, safely saw off two-time finalist Dave Chisnall in straight sets despite an average of just 80.4 and 27 per cent on finishing doubles.

“It was arguably one of my worst performances on the World Grand Prix stage,” admitted Humphries, whose average was his lowest in the tournament since 2022.

“I didn’t feel comfortable throughout the whole game, and I felt like Dave wasn’t at his best there.

“When I won the title the first time, I had games where I didn’t really play very well, but I made the final and I played really well, so I don’t care how I win, as long as I do!”

Jermaine Wattimena – Humphries’ opponent in round two – also sealed a straight-sets win, condemning Chris Dobey to a third consecutive first round exit in Leicester.

Gian van Veen registered his first win on the World Grand Prix stage, dispatching Dirk van Duijvenbode in successive sets after a dominant start to the contest.

The Dutch number one took the opening five legs to storm within one leg of a rampant victory, but had to withstand two set darts and a valiant fightback from Van Duijvenbode before closing out the win with a 69 finish.

“A couple of months ago I would have lost that game,” reflected Van Veen, who had an outstanding 80 per cent success rate with his double-in attempts.

“I think that dart at double 16 [for the match] showed how much confidence I have in my own game.

“I would have probably missed that a couple of months ago because I was doubting myself, and I think this is a big step for myself.

“That’s why that 69 finish meant so much to me, because I knew if I missed that it would have probably been 1-1, and I would have been in big trouble.”

Ryan Searle awaits Van Veen in the Last 16, after the World Championship semi-finalist was forced to survive four match darts against William O’Connor.

The Irish number one’s misery will be exacerbated by the fact he won more legs than Searle across the set-play contest, while averaging six points more than his opponent.

World Grand Prix 2026 Day Two Results

Tuesday September 29

First Round

Chris Dobey 0-2 Jermaine Wattimena
Ryan Searle 2-1 William O’Connor
Josh Rock 1-2 Niels Zonneveld
James Wade 2-1 Joe Cullen
Gary Anderson 2-1 Damon Heta
Gian van Veen 2-0 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Luke Humphries 2-0 Dave Chisnall
Stephen Bunting 2-1 Andrew Gilding