World No 1 turns on the style in World Grand Prix

Luke Humphries began his bid for a second BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix title with victory over Nathan Aspinall on Monday’s opening night, as Gary Anderson edged out Raymond van Barneveld in a battle of the darting icons.

Humphries won through a blockbuster clash against 2022 runner-up Aspinall on day one of the double-start showpiece, as three seeded stars suffered early exits at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena.

The world number one defied a spectacular 170 checkout from Aspinall to win a hard-fought opening set, before powering in a magnificent 156 of his own en route to a straight-sets success.

“It was a big game tonight,” reflected 2023 champion Humphries, also the runner-up 12 months ago.

“Nathan is a fantastic player, but he let me in a couple of times, and that 156 was massive for myself.

“My starting doubles were good and they usually are here.

“My scoring wasn’t as strong, but hopefully I can come back on Wednesday and be better.”

Humphries will be joined in round two by 2016 runner-up Anderson, who edged out his old adversary Van Barneveld in a last-leg thriller to book his place in round two.

Van Barneveld withstood an early barrage from Anderson to force a deciding set, only for the Scot to produce a late flurry to create a showdown against 2023 semi-finalist Joe Cullen.