Overview
- Ricky Evans stunned three-time winner Gerwyn Price, Stefan Bellmont rallied past James Wade, and debutant Cam Crabtree swept Jonny Clayton in a turbulent opening afternoon.
- Reigning champion Luke Littler began his title defence with a 5-1 win over Karel Sedlacek as he chases a rise to world No. 1.
- Michael van Gerwen edged Beau Greaves 5-4 in a last-leg decider despite Greaves averaging 101.47, while Niko Springer beat Gary Anderson 5-3 to lead their group.
- World No. 1 Luke Humphries whitewashed Alex Spellman 5-0, Michael Smith punished Nathan Aspinall’s missed doubles in a 5-3 victory, and Alexis Toylo upset Stephen Bunting in a decider.
- Group play continues through November 11 with the top two in each pool advancing to knockouts from November 12, and the £650,000 event pays £150,000 to the champion.