Van Gerwen's title defence ends with first-round loss to Gurney
Michael van Gerwen was beaten 6-5 by Daryl Gurney in the opening round of the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. Gurney recovered from 5-3 down after Van Gerwen missed six match darts. Gurney will next play Ross Smith.
Van Gerwen’s defeat in Amsterdam marks a stunning early exit for the five-time world champion, who had won this event six times previously. Gurney, a late addition to the field, capitalized on Van Gerwen’s missed opportunities, turning a 5-3 deficit into victory. The match featured a dramatic swing, with Gurney taking the final three legs after Van Gerwen squandered six match darts. Elsewhere, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries advanced, while Ryan Searle’s four 180s helped him eliminate Rob Cross.
This result could reshape the early narrative of the World Series of Darts Finals, as a marquee name exits before the weekend. Fans and broadcasters may see reduced draw power for later rounds, though emerging stars like Littler and Humphries could offset that. For Gurney, the win may boost his confidence and visibility, potentially influencing his seeding in future events. The upset also underscores how thin margins—missed darts—can define outcomes in elite darts.