Preview World Grand Prix Wednesday night including Humphries, Bunting and Cullen v Anderson

Across the street is former world champion Rob Cross, an established name at the top for many years. Cross is blowing hot and cold this year and in recent months especially the latter. For his status, it's all been mediocre this year anyway. Certainly at the majors, Cross hopes to make something of it this fall anyway. Still, the double-in format has not always been his favorite. And that might even be putting it mildly, after all, 'Voltage has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals at this tournament. Cross starts this match as the favorite given his status as a top player, yet there are certainly opportunities here for Menzies.

Player Details: Rob Cross

Stephen Bunting v Danny Noppert

A duel between two players who have refined their game to perfection in recent years. Stephen Bunting is putting on a top pair. The former Lakeside champion piled up wins at both the Players Championship, World Series of Darts and European Tour in recent months. Only the majors still lack a major win. His flowing throw and high scoring ability make him a joy to watch, but especially his improved finishing stands out. 'The Bullet' looks relaxed, and that translates into stable performances, even under pressure.

Danny Noppert, on the other hand, is the personification of sobriety. He speaks little, but his darts speak volumes. Since his victory at the UK Open, Noppert has established himself in the world's top-16. He is not easily upset, which of course is by no means a handicap in this double-in format. Where many players struggle with that first double, Noppert tends to excel precisely there. Purely in terms of scoring ability, Bunting is probably the better player of the two, but Noppert can bite into a match - as he proved in the first round against Jermaine Wattimena - and strike when he has to. An exciting match would not surprise us.

Player Details: Danny Noppert

Luke Humphries v Krzysztof Ratajski

On paper, Luke Humphries appears to be the towering favorite. The Englishman has already won two majors this year and - with numerous more majors on the schedule this fall - is once again growing into his best form. His combination of power scoring ability and ironclad focus makes him a nightmare for any opponent. Humphries has learned to channel his emotions - where he used to get frustrated at times, he now remains cool and methodical. Moreover, the format suits him well: he often starts strong, and his doubles are reliable. 'Cool Hand Luke' already won this tournament once in 2023 and also reached the final last year. Humphries is therefore aiming for another success at the World Grand Prix.

But Krzysztof Ratajski is not a man easily intimidated. The 48-year-old Pole is analytical, sometimes almost clinical in his approach. His game may not look flamboyant, but he is a master at keeping rhythm and exploiting mistakes. What makes Ratajski dangerous is his ability to unsettle opponents without doing anything special to do so - he simply plays his own game, unmoved, and waits for the other to snap. Still, Humphries has the upper hand when it comes to pure quality. His scoring ability - especially on the triple 20 - is world class.

Player Details: Luke Humphries

Joe Cullen v Gary Anderson

The final match of the evening is perhaps the most fraught duel of all. Joe Cullen against Gary Anderson - two players with flair, emotion and fluid style. Cullen had a volatile year with an early title at the Players Championship, then nothing for several months and recently another success at the Players Championship. On his day, he can beat anyone, but on a down night, that confidence sometimes disappears as quickly as it came. The question, then, is which Cullen we will get to see.

Gary Anderson, on the other hand, is a living legend. The two-time world champion may no longer have the intensity of his absolute best years, but his natural talent is still astounding. When the Scot gets into the flow, the arrows seem to fly naturally into the Triple 20. In recent years, Anderson did perform significantly less strongly at the majors than at floor tournaments. Can he change that this week? Moreover, the World Grand Prix is one of the few major tournaments he has never managed to win.

Player Details: Gary Anderson