‘Michael van Gerwen does not have the identical concern issue anymore’, declares darts star

Ryan Joyce has admitted Michael van Gerwen doesn’t have the same fear factor anymore.

Joyce, 39, stunned Mighty Mike in the group stages of the Grand Slam of Darts on Tuesday evening. As a result of the 5-4 win, the Englishman has advanced to the knockout stages, while Van Gerwen has been left by the wayside in the group stage.

“It felt like we were both struggling a little bit,” the 39-year-old admitted in his post-match comments. “I think we were both nervous at certain times, but I’m just delighted to get through.”

Joyce topped the group that also featured Gary Anderson and Noa-Lynn van Leuven. “I thought it was a really tough group on paper but if I am being honest, Michael and Gary are nowhere near the players they used to be.

“Although Gary played like that when he played against me. But they won’t mind me saying, they know they’re not playing at their highest level so they don’t have that fear factor any more for me.”

Joyce will now clash with Gian van Veen in the last sixteen: “I’ve got to do better,” Joyce added. “He should go into the match favourite on form, but I’m a dangerous player and it’ll be hard to count me out of that game.”

Despite crashing out of the groups, Van Gerwen has moved up in the PDC Order of Merit. Michael Smith, who won the 2022 edition, sees his £150,000 prize pot disappear from his ranking after the tournament – meaning Van Gerwen has jumped him in the ranking.

Luke Littler is set for a huge jump – securing a position in the top 16 of the world rankings for the first time in his career after he went into the week in 18th spot.