Stephen Bunting, Mike De Decker, Ryan Joyce and Dimitri Van den Bergh sealed their qualification in straight shoot-outs as Day Four of the 2024 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts came to a close.
Gian van Veen, Luke Littler, Jermaine Wattimena and Gary Anderson also enjoyed success as they made it three wins from three as the last 16 line-up was confirmed at the WV Active Aldersley in Wolverhampton.
With Anderson sealing top spot in Group G with his victory over Noa-Lynn van Leuven in the opening game of the night, Van Gerwen needed to beat Joyce to join him in the Last 16.
However, the three-time Grand Slam champion was left stunned as world number 35 Joyce raced into a 4-2 lead.
Van Gerwen dug deep in response and forced himself level, but with the darts in the decider his scoring power deserted him, and Joyce wrapped up a massive victory with an 80 finish in two darts to reach the last 16 for the second time in his career.
“It felt like we were both struggling a little bit,” said the 39-year-old following his victory.
“I think we were both nervous at certain times, but I’m just delighted to get through.”
With Joyce progressing in second place, he now faces Dutch youngster Van Veen in the knockout phase, after he came through an incredible tie with Wessel Nijman to win all three of his group games.
In one of the best group games ever seen at the Grand Slam, Van Veen came from 4-2 down to secure victory – with his compatriot Nijman averaging a staggering 111.1 in defeat.
It sets an unwanted record for the 24-year-old as he registered a new highest losing average in the tournament’s history, and crashes out with a tournament average of 107.70.
Labelled the ‘Group of Death’ by many, it was Bunting who joined Van Veen in progressing from Group H as he produced some scintillating darts to beat Josh Rock in a qualification shoot-out.
Rock flew out of the traps to lead 2-1, but Bunting put together a brilliant run of four straight legs to secure victory, averaging 106.66 in the process.
“It was always going to be difficult, and Josh played really well there,” said a relieved Bunting.
“Josh and Wessel have both been a massive part of this group. They’ve played fantastic darts throughout.
“I’m so happy with my form, and so happy to get through the group of death, so who knows how far I can go now?”
World Grand Prix champion De Decker continued his fine TV form as he blitzed Michael Smith 5-0 to charge into the last 16, after Wattimena had earlier secured top spot in Group E with a narrow 5-4 win over Mensur Suljovic.
De Decker averaged over 100 and hit a 107 finish on his way to victory, with Smith not afforded a single shot at double.
The defeat for 2022 Champion Smith, following Van Gerwen’s defeat and Luke Humphries earlier exit, meant that all former champions have now crashed out of the tournament.
“If I could bring 100% of my floor game on to the stage I would be a much more relaxed player,” said Belgian number two De Decker.
“I’m feeling more comfortable on stage though, and it showed again tonight.
“It’s going to be a great game against Luke [Littler]and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Compatriot Van den Bergh was also successful in his qualification shoot-out as he brushed aside Keane Barry 5-1 in Group F.
In another assured performance, the UK Open champion averaged 104.58 and landed 55% of his doubles as he ripped through a lacklustre Barry, and he will now face Wattimena in the next round.
Elsewhere, Littler maintained his 100% record in Group F with a 5-3 victory over Lourence Ilagan, despite missing double 12 for a spectacular nine-darter in the final leg.
The teenage sensation followed up averages of 112 and 108 with another three-figure average against the PDC Asian Champion, which sets up a tantalising showdown against De Decker for a place in the last eight.
Action at the 2024 Grand Slam continues on Wednesday with four last 16 ties, as Danny Noppert takes on Mickey Mansell, James Wade faces Scotland’s Cameron Menzies, Martin Lukeman clashes with Ross Smith and European Champion Ritchie Edhouse takes on Rob Cross.
The 2024 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
Click here for match stats & results.
2024 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts
Tuesday November 12
Groups E-H Final Matches
Gary Anderson 5-2 Noa-Lynn van Leuven (G)
Jermaine Wattimena 5-4 Mensur Suljovic (E)
Luke Littler 5-3 Lawrence Ilagan (F)
Gian van Veen 5-4 Wessel Nijman (H)
Dimitri Van den Bergh 5-1 Keane Barry (F)
Ryan Joyce 5-4 Michael van Gerwen (G)
Mike De Decker 5-0 Michael Smith (E)
Stephen Bunting 5-2 Josh Rock (H)
Wednesday November 13 (1900 GMT)
4x Second Round
Danny Noppert v Mickey Mansell
James Wade v Cameron Menzies
Martin Lukeman v Ross Smith
Ritchie Edhouse v Rob Cross
Thursday November 14 (1900 GMT)
4x Second Round
Jermaine Wattimena v Dimitri Van den Bergh
Gian van Veen v Ryan Joyce
Luke Littler v Mike De Decker
Gary Anderson v Stephen Bunting
