Reigning Grand Slam champion Luke Humphries was knocked out of the 2024 version of the event after a 5-3 defeat to James Wade cemented his incapability to get out of Group A.
Within the crunch conflict with Wade, each gamers wanted victory to maintain their event hopes alive after the world champion misplaced to Rowby-John Rodriguez and Wade to Mickey Mansell on the opening evening.
At first, Wade was within the zone however Humphries discovered a sensational 130 checkout within the fifth leg for an important break and appeared to be on high.
Nevertheless, Wade battled arduous and an excellent break, adopted by a strain 76 checkout, gave him a 4-3 lead – his class on D10 serving to him seal a momentous victory.
It signifies that world no 1 Humphries won’t defend his title and has not gone back-to-back in both the World Grand Prix or Grand Slam.
“The best player in the world is out. Anyone now will be thinking why can’t they go and win this,” mentioned Sky Sports activities Darts’ Wayne Mardle.
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Wayne Mardle says the Grand Slam of Darts is huge open after Luke Humphries was knocked out within the Group Stage.
“We have got to that time in darts now the place nobody is untouchable. When the highest boys play effectively, they win, however once they play poorly, anybody can beat them.
“The last few months have proven that. The rest of the world will be thinking this might be their chance now the reigning champion is out.”
Elsewhere in Group A, Mickey Mansell stored his profitable run going with a 5-3 victory over Rowby-John Rodriguez to place himself high of Group A.
Rodriguez was firing in maximums however Mansell managed to drag his darts again, 114 and 118 checkouts serving to him safe one other massive win.
