Overview
- Opening-session surprises saw Ricky Evans edge Gerwyn Price 5-4, Stefan Bellmont rally past James Wade 5-4, and debutant Cam Crabtree defeat Jonny Clayton 5-1.
- Danny Noppert survived seven match darts to beat Lukas Wenig 5-4, Gian van Veen overcame Lisa Ashton 5-4, Wessel Nijman pipped Josh Rock 5-4, and Chris Dobey and Damon Heta posted 5-1 wins.
- Defending champion Luke Littler faces Karel Sedlacek in Group E at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time, with Luke Humphries vs Alex Spellman and Michael van Gerwen vs Beau Greaves also slated this evening.
- The nine-day event starts with 32 players in eight groups, with best-of-9 group matches before a knockout phase that extends to best-of-19 in round two and best-of-31 from the quarter-finals.
- Sky Sports is carrying live UK coverage with streaming via Sky Go and NOW, while US viewers can watch on FanDuel TV with streams on Fubo, Peacock and PDC TV; the prize fund is £650,000 with £150,000 to the winner and a £3,500 bonus for each group winner.