Top five most memorable matches at the World Grand Prix (1998-2019)
PDCFriday, 02 October 2020 at 17:42
The 23rd edition of the World Grand Prix is set for 6-12 October with some memorable moments being provided over the years.
Only three players have managed to throw a nine-darter at the World Grand Prix with the added caveat of the double start making it even more difficult. Also two players won their first-ever PDC major at this event. As a result of the World Grand Prix starting next week, we take a look back at five memorable moments.
1. Alan Warriner hits highest average ever in World Grand Prix history
In the first round of the World Grand Prix in 2001, Alan Warriner threw the highest average in World Grand Prix history with the match ending in a 2-0 win over Andy Jenkins.
Warriner threw an average of 106.45 which is impressive in the double start format. He had a poor start to the match but immediately opened the leg with a double in every leg that followed.
Only in the last part of the match did he need two darts to start. Despite the high standard on display since then, he still holds this record 18 years later.
2. Dolan throws the first double-in-double-out nine-darter on TV
Brendan Dolan is known as 'The History Maker' but how did he get that moniker. It was back at the 2011 World Grand Prix when he became the first player to throw a nine-dart finish in the double in double out format.
He started the leg on double 20 then hit 160 followed by a maximum to leave himself on 161 which he pinned. Even now he still wears the date of the final on his collar.
3. Van Gerwen has major breakthrough and takes first major PDC title at World Grand Prix 2012
A big moment that would be a precursor to years of brilliance followed in 2012 with Michael van Gerwen claiming his first big breakthrough at the 2012 World Grand Prix.
He eliminated Colin Lloyd in the first round and reached the final by seeing off Adrian Lewis, Andy Hamilton and Wes Newton along the way.
He faced Mervyn King in the final and it nearly didn't happen for the Green Machine. The former went into a 3-0 lead and also led 4-1 in a race to six.
Van Gerwen fought back and brought the game to parity with three sets in a row. In the ninth set, King was on the verge at 2-0 but he let it slip and Van Gerwen went 5-4 up before sweeping the final set to claim a first major.
What could have potentially been for MVG if King had took his chances on the Emerald Isle?
4. Wade and Thornton both throw double start nine-darter in the same game
James Wade has often been a player who has seen nine-darters thrown against him including against Dolan where the latter produced the first in double start.
Similar happened here but after 'The Machine' claimed his own slice of history. He hit a second ever double start nine-darter.
Only for Robert Thornton to do the same with two nine-darters in the same match both the 160, 180 and a 161 finish. A special tie at the World Grand Prix.
5. Gurney takes first major title in Dublin
Daryl Gurney's maiden major success came in Dublin back in 2017 in an eventful final against Simon Whitlock which he claimed 5-4.
It was a final with everything with both players having a bit of needle at times including when came back from 2-0 down to draw at 2-2 where he walked past Whitlock dodging his shoulder.
Despite that though, 'The Wizard' took defeat after a brilliant tie and it saw the emergence of 'Superchin' to the darting masses.
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