De Decker and Joyce Shock Smith and Van Gerwen at Grand Slam of Darts

 

    Mike De Decker, Stephen Bunting, Ryan Joyce, and Dimitri Van den Bergh secured their spots in the
    next round with straight shoot-out victories as Day Four of the 2024 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts
    concluded.

Gian van Veen, Luke Littler, Jermaine Wattimena, and Gary Anderson all enjoyed success on Day Four, making it three wins from three as the Last 16 lineup was confirmed at the WV Active Aldersley in Wolverhampton.

Anderson clinched top spot in Group G with a win over Noa-Lynn van Leuven, which set up a must-win scenario for Van Gerwen to join him in the knockout stages. However, Van Gerwen was stunned by world number 35 Ryan Joyce, who raced to a 4-2 lead. Despite a determined comeback, Van Gerwen faltered in the decider, and Joyce sealed the win with an 80 finish in two darts, marking his second appearance in the Last 16.

“I think we were both nervous at certain times, but I’m just delighted to get through,” said Joyce after his win. He will now face Dutch teenager Van Veen, who also advanced with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Wessel Nijman, despite trailing 4-2. Nijman averaged an incredible 111.1, but still set a new record for the highest losing average in the tournament’s history.

Bunting also progressed from the 'Group of Death' in Group H, overcoming Josh Rock in a qualification shoot-out. After Rock led 2-1, Bunting rattled off four straight legs to win 5-2, averaging 106.66. “I’m so happy with my form, and so happy to get through the group of death," said Bunting.

World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker continued his strong TV form with a dominant 5-0 win over Michael Smith, who failed to get a shot at a double. The defeat meant that all former champions, including Smith, Van Gerwen, and Luke Humphries, were eliminated from the tournament. “If I could bring 100% of my floor game on to the stage, I would be a much more relaxed player,” De Decker reflected after his win.

Dimitri Van den Bergh also progressed, easing past Keane Barry 5-1 in Group F with an average of 104.58. Van den Bergh will face Wattimena in the Last 16. Meanwhile, Littler maintained his perfect record in Group F, defeating Lourence Ilagan 5-3, setting up a highly anticipated match with De Decker.

The action continues on Wednesday with four more Last 16 ties, including Danny Noppert vs. Mickey Mansell, James Wade vs. Cameron Menzies, Martin Lukeman vs. Ross Smith, and European Champion Ritchie Edhouse vs. Rob Cross.

The 2024 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, and worldwide via DAZN, Viaplay, and PDCTV (excluding the UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland).