Debut delight for Woodhouse, dumps out in-form Chisnall as Cullen impressive in De Decker win at World Grand Prix

Luke Woodhouse only just snuck into the field for the 2023 World Grand Prix in the final tournament and made good on his debut chance by taking down one of the most in-form players in world darts, Dave Chisnall.

The winner of four tournaments including two in the past few weeks, Chisnall was fancied by some as an outsider. But it was 'The Shed' who found his way through and could now set up a tie with Luke Humphries who will be one man pleased he won't be facing the St Helens ace next.

After being talked up heavily, Woodhouse made those doubting him eat their words. He began with a 117 checkout for a 12-darter. It was less glamorous next time out but Woodhouse bookended a 2-0 lead on double five.

Chisnall found his way into the set but Woodhouse sealed it. The second set was all about missed chances for Woodhouse. He began with a 108 checkout for a 1-0 lead, but he missed chances to make it 2-0 and watched as Chisnall led 2-1 with a 109 checkout after missing a perfect opportunity to again take the leg.

Chisnall broke as a result and was throwing for the set. A 128 set-up shot left double 20 for Chisnall, but he missed three darts for the set and Woodhouse hit a 69 checkout to make it 2-2.

A bounceout saw Woodhouse getting chance to set up for the match but he missed three only to finally claim it on double two.

While Joe Cullen was slightly overshadowed but produced a superb display to down Mike de Decker in a clinical display to start the night.

Cullen drew first blood in the tie, but De Decker came back to send it all the way in a mini fightback.

Only for the edgy conclusion to the opener to go the way of Cullen with ‘The Rockstar’ pinning double eight to gain the first advantage. This after De Decker had missed a set chance himself.

De Decker led the second set but a clinical 78 checkout from ‘The Rockstar’ saw him level up and despite initially missing two, it was a clinical last dart double 10 for Cullen to make it 2-1.

He completed the feat from there after De Decker missed the chance to send it to a decider. In that leg, Cullen also produced back-to-back 180's en route to setting up the win.