Can former World Grand Prix finalist Gary Anderson turn back the clock and win the tournament twice, twice in Leicester? Prediction time with our very own Emma Paton.
Is there life in old dogs yet? Anderson has been in undeniable form of late, so can ‘The Flying Scotsman’ transfer his form off the floor to the big stage at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester?
Luke Humphries aimed for a second success as he returned to the stage for his first televised victory, followed by teenage debutant Luke Littler and sixth-place finisher Michael van Gerwen.
here Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton with predictions for the unique tournament …
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A look back at most of the action from the thrilling World Grand Prix in Leicester last year
Life before Luke Humphries was a major champion decades ago!
But 12 months on, we’re back in Leicester and back where it all started for Luke ‘Cool Hand’. After taking the first major title that went on a winning rampage, add another four big trophies – including the World Championship and World Matchplay, and some say that he is not done yet.
Humphries arrived in the East Midlands in good form – winning the latest Pro Tour event and beating his first-round opponent in the final. Read what you like!
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Watch Luke Littler’s nine-darter from all angles as ‘The Nuke’ hits perfection on Premier League Final night 2024
One Luke, then the other? Yes, Luke Littler in the round, yes it is unseeded, and yes it is definitely one of the favorites!
What a 2024 he has been so far – Premier League winner, World Series Finals winner, two World Series titles, two on the Euro Tour, three on the Pro Tour. That’s some list.
The 17-year-old is playing in this event for the first time but has made a real habit of winning in his tournament debut so I’m not sure the doubles format of the start or another will ruffle feathers.
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Highlights from the 2022 World Grand Prix final which saw Michael van Gerwen win his sixth title.
Then to the question we ask ahead of every major tournament: What about Michael van Gerwen?
The world No. 3 has won the event six times and is one of only two players – along with Phil Taylor – to defend the title, so it’s understandable that he has mastered the format.
But what about the shape then? After spending the first nine months of the year watching others take the title, Van Gerwen made it two in four days at the end of September with wins in Hungary and Wigan. Are there more to come?
Outsiders..
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Speaking of Love The Darts, Laura Turner and Michael Bridge look at Gary Anderson’s performance ahead of his first round match against Michael Smith at the World Grand Prix.
Yes, I call two-time world champion Gary Anderson an outsider!
Ando’s stats were just ridiculous at the Pro Tour last week. There are nine-darter, 110+ times average, plus the third title of the campaign, and if you throw in a relaxed approach, maybe this is the end of time.
The World Grand Prix is ​​the only major trophy Anderson has yet to lift in his illustrious career. So in his own words, maybe there is life in an old dog.
Sticking with the shape theme, I’ll throw Chris Dobey into the mix.
The 2023 Masters champion has won three Pro Tour titles this year – one of which came last week.
He said he liked the double-start format, regularly played in Northumberland where he grew up, so it was a real benefit.
And having reached so many quarter-finals in the last 12 months, maybe it’s time for Hollywood to take a deep dive and see what better things to do.
Is Stephen Bunting an outsider to win the World Grand Prix?
I know I have named Humphries as one of the favorites, and rightly so, but I will also put the opponent of the first round Stephen Bunting down as an outsider (which is completely allowed).
The current Masters champion is playing some great stuff – making three consecutive Pro Tour finals last week with a massive ton-plus average along the way. He also has a good record at the World Grand Prix, where he reached the semi-finals twice and also avoided a first-round exit in his last four appearances.
Must watch!
Can Rob Cross cause a shock and beat teenage sensation Luke Littler on Monday?
For me, there was no question of a tie on opening night.
Luke Littler made his tournament debut against 2018 world champion Rob Cross. You don’t want to miss it! While the standout on Tuesday has to be the clash of the two world champions Michael Smith and Gary Anderson.
Play on Monday…
Is live darts next on Sky Sports?
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Enjoy the best moments of the World Grand Prix, from the first 9 darters, Andy Callaby beats Phil Taylor and wins MVG’s first TV title
Darts live back to Sky Sports with BoyleSports World Grand Prix in Leicester from 7-13 October, featuring some of the sport’s biggest stars.
The annual £600,000 tournament will take place at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester from October 7-13, as 32 of the world’s top stars compete for the coveted title won by Luke Humphries.
Then in November, the The Grand Slam of Darts will be hosted in Wolverhampton as Luke Humphries looks to defend his title.
Attention then becomes the turn of the year and 2025 PDC World Darts Championshipfrom 15 December, as the darts calendar continues to offer year-round excitement – and you can enjoy the best of it here live at Sky Sports.
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