Michael van Gerwen may be the defending champion, but he will face a tough test with Gerwyn Price and Michael Smith in the mix We’re back for the double in, double out World Grand Prix Darts at the Morningside Arena in Leicester from October 2 to 8 – live on Sky Sports
Last updated: 09/27/23 6:44 PM
Michael van Gerwen will focus on an unprecedented seventh World Grand Prix draw
Matthew Edgar and Michael Bridge join Love The Darts podcast host Emma Paton to discuss the key questions ahead of the World Grand Prix as Michael van Gerwen looks to defend his title.
Van Gerwen begins his title defense against Josh Rock in a mouthwatering first-round battle, with world champion Michael Smith, 2020 champion Gerwyn Price and third seed Peter Wright all in the mix.
Can 2016 World Grand Prix runner-up Gary Anderson turn back the clock? Edgar and Bridge sit down in the studio to discuss the most important questions…
Get ready for the MVG-Price show
Van Gerwen and Price may meet again in the coming months
Edgar is confident we will see another Van Gerwen-Gerwyn Price show at the end of the season, with the Dutchman his clear favorite to win another Grand Prix title.
“We go into next year with Michael van Gerwen as world number 1 and as we head into the busy season I only see Van Gerwen and Price as winners of this tournament,” he said.
“I can’t see who’s going to be an outsider, who’s going to win which match, let alone the tournament and then you throw in the double starts and it’s going to be very tricky to pick things apart.”
With MVG facing Josh Rock first, Bridge believes an upset is looming.
He said: “This is probably a tournament where you can get to the top seeds very early, but Van Gerwen knows Rock very well. It would be a big statement if Rock won this match and this is the tournament where you see seeds crash early on. It’s a great tournament and a very open tournament.
“You could toss a coin at so many of these games, which is great for darts. It’s turned into golf where you can pick up to 14 players and make a really good case for why he would win it.”
Does Michael Smith need a good run?
Michael Smith doesn’t have the best record at the World Grand Prix
“Smith has played in this event 10 times and he has only won two matches. He has a terrible record,” said ‘Prime Time’ Edgar.
“But his opponent Callan Rydz will probably just really enjoy the experience. He’s playing someone with a huge scalp and a big story to beat the world No. 1 and world champion, and Smith is someone who clearly hates this format.”
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Watch how Wayne Mardle and Stuart Pyke reacted to the sensational leg between MVG and Smith in the World Cup final which culminated in a nine-darter for Bully Boy
Can Danny Noppert even test Price?
Gerwyn Price will be favorite to get past Dutchman Danny Noppert
“That’s possible, but his form has fallen dramatically in recent years,” says Edgar. “He’s down about two points from his average since his peak a few years ago.
“Noppert has been on an upward trend, but it is also very alarming how quickly he comes back on the other side. I see nothing more than a victory for Gerwyn Price in this.”
Are there any more shocks?
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Enjoy the best moments of the World Grand Prix, from the first 9-darter, Andy Callaby beating Phil Taylor and MVG’s first TV title win
“I don’t know what it is. Is it that if you start badly the non-seeds smell blood? I’m really not shocked to see big names going out in such a brutal format in terms of the first round, Bridge said. “But are there any shocks in the first round? I don’t know.”
“I think we’ve seen the days of shock gone when Phil Taylor lost to Andy Callaby all those years ago and when Kevin Painter first came on the scene he beat Taylor too,” said Edgar. “We have seen it in recent years with Van Gerwen and Smith.
“We’re looking at Dave Chisnall, who made the final in this event. He’s either going deep or he’s going out in the first round. That’s probably going to be the case for a lot of the seeds.”
Where is Peter Wright?
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In the latest episode of Love The Darts, Michael Bridge and Matthew Edgar give their predictions for the World Grand Prix
“I don’t even know that Wright knows where he is,” Edgar joked. “I’ve always supported Peter Wright, but we’ve seen him change his throw, we’ve seen him change his darts between games and shots and I think it’s become a bit too common.
“When I say that, this is still Peter Wright and I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins the tournament. This is the kind of tournament that suits him because you don’t have to rely on rhythm but say his form is not there .” .”
What about Gary Anderson’s chances?
Gary Anderson ticks all the boxes to deliver a surprise or two in Leicester
“He is playing more darts than ever and has the best winning percentage since 2018, when he won the World Matchplay, the UK Open and the World Cup, so he could be a really serious contender here,” says Edgar. “The numbers and the statistics certainly support a case for Anderson.
“He’s reached the final here before so the format isn’t a problem. He ticks all the boxes as a surprise package.”
We’re back for the double in, double out World Grand Prix Darts at the Morningside Arena in Leicester from October 2 to 8 – live on Sky Sports. Stream all your favorite sports with NOW