Defending champion falls in first round as tournament kicks off in Amsterdam
Category: Sports
Daryl Gurney delivered a shocking upset at the 2026 World Series of Darts Finals, defeating defending champion Michael van Gerwen 6-5 in a thrilling first-round match held at AFAS Live in Amsterdam. Gurney, who was a late replacement for Lourence Ilagan, showcased remarkable resilience, overcoming a 5-3 deficit to claim victory.
The match began with Gurney racing to a 3-0 lead, displaying impressive darts that included legs of 11 and 13 darts, as well as a spectacular 170 checkout. Van Gerwen, the world number one and a six-time champion of this event, responded by winning five consecutive legs, putting him on the brink of victory at 5-3. Yet, in a dramatic turn of events, Van Gerwen missed six match darts, allowing Gurney to level the score at 5-5 before winning the decider, much to the dismay of the home crowd.
This loss marks only the second time in Van Gerwen's career that he has exited the tournament in the first round, highlighting the struggles he has faced during the 2026 season. Gurney expressed his elation after the match, stating, "I cannot recall the last time I won a game like that on the big stage, so I’m very pleased with myself." He acknowledged the pressure of competing in front of a hostile crowd, saying, "I was very lucky to even go 5-5, and I had the throw, I was like 'please I need trebles.'" Gurney's victory boosts his confidence and signals a potential resurgence after a challenging period in his career.
Gurney's next challenge will come against England's Ross Smith, who advanced past Kevin Doets with a 6-3 victory. Smith’s strong performance places him as a formidable opponent for Gurney, who will need to maintain his momentum to progress in the tournament.
In addition to Gurney's stunning win, several other players made their mark on the opening night of the tournament. Gian van Veen delighted the home crowd with a convincing 6-2 win over Chris Dobey, stating, "There is always going to be pressure playing in front of your home crowd. As a Dutchman, we don’t experience that often, so to do it here in Amsterdam is fantastic."
Luke Humphries, ranked second in the world, also progressed after a hard-fought 6-4 victory against Jermaine Wattimena. Humphries showcased his skill with a remarkable 132 checkout, which was instrumental in breaking Wattimena's throw. "I really enjoyed that. It was a great atmosphere and the crowd were amazing," Humphries remarked after the match.
Other notable matches included Dirk van Duijvenbode's comeback from 4-1 down to defeat Viktor Tingstrom 6-4 and Ryan Searle's impressive 6-2 win over former world champion Rob Cross. Searle’s performance was marked by four 180s, demonstrating his scoring prowess.
The 2026 World Series of Darts Finals continues through September 20, featuring a total of 32 players in a knockout format. The tournament's structure includes first-round matches played as best of 11 legs, with subsequent rounds extending to best of 19 and best of 21 legs for the semi-finals and finals.
World number one Luke Littler is set to begin his campaign on Friday against Danny Noppert. Littler, who has already achieved a remarkable feat by winning every major title this year, is viewed as a strong contender to claim the title once again. He is currently favored to win the tournament with odds of 4-6.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect to see more intense matches and potential upsets, particularly as players like Gurney look to build on their early successes. The atmosphere in Amsterdam is expected to remain electric, with local fans eager to support their favorites.
With Gurney's victory over Van Gerwen, the dynamics of the tournament have shifted dramatically, leaving the door open for new contenders to emerge. As the competition heats up, players will need to capitalize on their opportunities to advance and challenge for the coveted title.
The first round concludes on Friday evening, with several high-profile matches scheduled, including those featuring Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and James Wade, all of whom will aim to make their mark in this prestigious event.