Van Gerwen exits Grand Slam but Littler progresses

Michael van Gerwen won the Grand Slam of Darts three times from 2015 to 2017

Michael van Gerwen failed to make it through to the Grand Slam of Darts last 16 after a 5-4 defeat by Ryan Joyce.

The Dutchman twice battled back from two legs down in the Group G decider but failed to check out at 112 on his throw and Joyce nailed 80 to seal victory.

It is the first time since 2010 that three-time world champion Van Gerwen has not made it to the knockout stage of the tournament.

Luke Littler narrowly missed a nine-dart finish as he cruised through as the unbeaten winner of Group F with a 5-3 win over Lourence Ilagan.

The Wolverhampton crowd were on their feet when 17-year-old Littler nailed seven consecutive treble 20s and a treble 19, but he missed double 12.

Elsewhere, Dimitri van den Bergh finished runner-up to Littler after a 5-1 demolition of Keane Barry while Mike De Decker claimed a 5-0 whitewash over Michael Smith to secure second spot in Group E.

Stephen Bunting booked his place in the last 16 with a 5-2 win over Josh Rock in Group H.

Gary Anderson defeated Noa-Lynn van Leuven 5-2 to finished with three wins to top Group G.

Grand Slam of Darts last-16 draw

Top half:

James Wade v Cameron Menzies

Danny Noppert v Mickey Mansell

Martin Lukeman v Ross Smith

Ritchie Edhouse v Rob Cross

Bottom half:

Jermaine Wattimena v Dimitri van den Bergh

Luke Littler v Mike de Decker

Gary Anderson v Stephen Bunting

Gian van Veen v Ryan Joyce