The 2023 Grand Slam of Darts got off to a thrilling start in Wolverhampton, delivering a mix of shock results, impressive performances, and a historic moment. Reigning champion Luke Humphries found himself on the receiving end of a stunning upset, losing to Rowby-John Rodriguez in Group A. Rodriguez, the underdog, played with confidence and precision, capitalizing on Humphries’ slow start to secure a significant victory. A sensational 141 checkout and a crucial break of throw proved pivotal in his win against the world champion.
Meanwhile, Luke Littler announced his arrival on the Grand Slam stage with a dominant 5-0 victory over Keane Barry in Group F. Littler, playing with incredible accuracy and hitting a remarkable 121 checkout on the bull, averaged over 112, completing his first opening-round win in a ranking tournament since the UK Open in March.
“I wanted to make a statement. I’m here to win,” declared Littler, visibly thrilled with his performance. “It’s like the Champions League football group stage. Leading up to it I was practising well and enjoying it, but I’m really glad tonight.”
The other major storyline of the night unfolded in Group G where Michael van Gerwen made a statement of his own, cruising to a 5-0 whitewash victory against Noa-Lynn van Leuven. This match held historical significance as van Leuven became the first transgender player to compete in a televised PDC tournament against men. Van Gerwen, despite early boos directed at van Leuven, dominated the match, his strong performance met with cheers from the Wolverhampton crowd.
The Grand Slam of Darts continues with more exciting matches and unexpected twists. This tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the best of the sport and capturing the attention of darts fans worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this year’s Grand Slam.
