Overview

• First-round play in Antwerp concluded with several home-nation wins for Mike De Decker, Kim Huybrechts and Mario Vandenbogaerde.
• Former world champion Michael Smith suffered a 6-5 defeat to Belgium’s Vandenbogaerde to bow out in round one.
• Raymond van Barneveld rallied from 2-0 down to beat Xanti Van den Bergh 6-3 and will face Ryan Searle next.
• Ryan Joyce edged Ricardo Pietreczko 6-5 before receiving a bye due to Gerwyn Price’s infected hand, confirming his place on Sunday’s finals day.
• The second-round lineup is set, highlighted by Luke Littler vs Dylan Slevin and Michael van Gerwen vs Gian van Veen, with defending champion Dave Chisnall meeting Leon Weber as Littler returns following an emergency dental procedure.