The opening day of the 2025 World Grand Prix delivered everything darts fans could hope for: tension, drama, and electric atmosphere. The unique “double-in, double-out” format once again proved why this tournament stands apart, unpredictability at its best.
Rob Cross – Wessel Nijman 2–1 (3–2, 2–3, 3–2)
The tournament began with a thriller. Rob Cross edged out Nijman after all three sets went the distance. Nijman missed the bull for victory before Cross punished him with the match-winning dart.
Martin Schindler – Krzysztof Ratajski 0–2 (0–3, 1–3)
Poland’s Ratajski looked rock-solid and barely missed a double, hitting 66% on his checkouts. Schindler never found his scoring rhythm.
Chris Dobey – Cameron Menzies 0–2 (0–3, 2–3)
The shock of the day came as Cameron Menzies swept past Chris Dobey in straight sets. Dobey never clicked into gear, while Menzies stayed composed from start to finish.
James Wade – Joe Cullen 0–2 (0–3, 2–3)
Joe Cullen continued his fine form with a strong win over Wade, who failed to find his summer touch. Wade led 2–0 in the final set but let the match slip away.
Danny Noppert – Jermaine Wattimena 2–1 (0–3, 3–1, 3–2)
After losing the first set 0–3, Noppert looked out of it — but rallied brilliantly. He upped his scoring and sealed victory with a stunning 158 checkout.
Luke Humphries – Nathan Aspinall 2–0 (3–2, 3–0)
Top seed Luke Humphries looked composed and efficient. Aspinall hit the moment of the match with a 170 finish, but Humphries was simply too strong.
Gary Anderson – Raymond van Barneveld 2–1 (3–1, 1–3, 3–2)
A clash of legends. Anderson took the opening set, Barney fought back, but the Scot held his nerve in the decider to take a hard-fought win.
Stephen Bunting – Niko Springer 2–0 (3–0, 3–2)
Bunting produced the performance of the night, dominating Springer with sharp finishing and consistent scoring.
Day 2 fixtures:
Damon Heta – Luke Woodhouse
Ross Smith – Daryl Gurney
Jonny Clayton – Andrew Gilding
Gerwyn Price – Ryan Searle
Luke Littler – Gian van Veen
Michael van Gerwen – Dirk van Duijvenbode
Peter Wright – Mike de Decker
Josh Rock – Ryan Joyce
