It's time for the second round of the World Grand Prix. Wednesday night, the first four duels from the second round will be played. The format goes up slightly, to best of five sets.
Andrew Gilding prevented a clash between two former world champions in the evening's opening match. Instead, it will be a tie between the reigning UK Open champion and the 2018 UK Open champion, namely Gary Anderson.
Anderson traveled to Leicester in top form, having played rock solid at the Players Championship tournament in Barnsley last week and even managed to win one. Also in the first round against Jose de Sousa, 'The Flying Scotsman convinced. The Portuguese, who also played excellently himself, was defeated 2-1 in sets. Gilding surprised Rob Cross 2-1 in sets.
In the second match, Stephen Bunting faces Martin Schindler after his victory over Nathan Aspinall. The German eliminated Raymond van Barneveld in the first round. It was Schindler's first ever victory at the World Grand Prix, while Bunting managed to reach the semifinals in 2014 and 2021.
Gerwyn Price faces off with Krzysztof Ratajski in the third match. Price was responsible for the elimination of Danny Noppert in the first round. Ratajski prevailed after a comeback against James Wade.
Dessert of the evening will be accounted for by Michael Smith and Brendan Dolan. Smith played a rock-solid first round against compatriot Callan Rydz and effortlessly beat 'The Riot' 2-0 in sets. Dolan dumped out Dirk van Duijvenbode, allowing 'The History Maker' to take on the reigning world champion.
How can I watch the World Grand Prix on TV?
The event will be broadcast in its entirety by Sky Sports. The first two tournament days start at 6 p.m.. Then there are three tournament days starting at 19:00 before the sessions on the final weekend start at 20:00.
How much prize money is there to earn?
The prize fund includes £600,000 in prize money. This makes the prize pool now almost sixteen times larger than when the tournament started in 1998. Back then, "only" £38,000 was made available by the PDC.
All participants will receive 7,500 pounds of prize money credited to their ranking anyway. This amount can eventually add up to a grand prize of £120,000 for the winner of the tournament.
Wednesday, Oct. 4 (from 7 p.m.)
Second round
Andrew Gilding v Gary Anderson
Stephen Bunting v Martin Schindler
Gerwyn Price v Krzysztof Ratajski
Michael Smith v Brendan Dolan