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World No.1 Luke Humphries averts Nathan Aspinall test as Gary Anderson seals Raymond van Barneveld legends battle at World Grand Prix

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 8:41 PM ET

Gary Anderson came through a gripping first-round encounter at the World Grand Prix, defeating Raymond van Barneveld 2–1 in sets to book his place in round two. While Luke Humphries took down Nathan Aspinall in a banana skin opener.

It was a clash between two of the sport’s most experienced campaigners, and the pair went toe to toe throughout. Anderson began strongly, producing a 115 checkout on his way to taking the first set 3–1 after Van Barneveld had snatched the opening leg.

The Dutch legend responded superbly in the second, racing into a 2–0 lead and then sealing the set with a classy 109 finish to level the match. The decider went the distance, with both men holding throw to set up a tense last leg. Anderson, though, proved the steadier under pressure, pinning double 4 to close out the victory and end Van Barneveld’s campaign.

Humphries sweeps aside Aspinall

World number one Luke Humphries powered into the second round with a commanding straight-sets victory over Nathan Aspinall. The opening set saw both players trade huge finishes — Humphries taking out 117 before Aspinall replied with a stunning 170 checkout. “Cool Hand Luke” eventually claimed the deciding leg to edge the first set 3–2.

From there, Humphries turned on the style. He landed a 156 finish in the second set and punished Aspinall’s missed doubles to wrap up the contest 2–0, underlining his credentials as one of the tournament favourites.

Cross ends Nijman's debut

Wessel Nijman’s World Grand Prix debut ended in heartbreak as the young Dutchman was edged out 2–1 by Rob Cross in a nail-biting last-leg decider.

Cross took the opening set 3–2, despite Nijman’s spirited fightback from 2–0 down. The 24-year-old hit back in the second, taking it by the same scoreline courtesy of a tidy 76 finish.

Nijman looked poised for a memorable upset in the decider when he broke throw to lead 2–1, but after missing a dart at bull for a 127 checkout and the match, Cross capitalised with a clinical 88 finish to level and then sealed the victory on double 16.

Cullen stuns Wade as Bunting averts Springer shock

Joe Cullen produced one of the shocks of the opening night, dispatching James Wade 2–0 in a match where “The Rockstar” was in complete control.

Wade never found his rhythm as Cullen coasted through the first set 3–0. The second looked to be going Wade’s way as he moved 2–0 up, but Cullen responded with three straight legs to complete a stunning comeback and send the in-form left-hander crashing out.

Stephen Bunting also began his campaign with an assured 2–0 victory over Niko Springer. “The Bullet” punished the German’s missed doubles in the opening set to take it 3–0, and though Springer rallied in the second, Bunting held his nerve to wrap up the match in leg five.

Menzies marches past Dobey

Cameron Menzies ensured another Scottish success on the night, joining Anderson in the next round after a 2–0 win over Chris Dobey.

Menzies flew out of the blocks, taking the first set 3–0 as Dobey struggled to get going. The second set was far tighter, going the distance, but it was the Scot who again found the decisive finish to seal a straight-sets victory.

Krzysztof Ratajski produced a polished display to see off fellow continental star Martin Schindler 2–0. “The Polish Eagle” was clinical on the doubles and dominant in scoring, sweeping the opening set 3–0 before taking the second 3–1 to cruise into round two.

Danny Noppert also came through a dramatic all-Dutch clash with Jermaine Wattimena, surviving a final-leg decider to win 2–1 and move into the second round.

“The Freeze” made life difficult for himself early on, missing numerous opening doubles as Wattimena ran away with the first set 3–0. Noppert fought back in the second, finding his rhythm with some heavy scoring and levelling the match thanks to visits of 140 and 180 en route to a 3–1 set win.

Wattimena looked set to edge it after moving 2–0 ahead in the deciding set, but Noppert produced a superb comeback to level at 2–2 before sealing the match with a magnificent 158 checkout to complete the turnaround.

This article first appeared on Dartsnews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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