Overview
- Debutant Niko Springer beat Michael van Gerwen 5–4 after a 5–3 win over Gary Anderson to secure early qualification from Group G.
- Martin Schindler defeated Alexis Toylo 5–2, following a 5–4 thriller over Stephen Bunting, to advance from the groups for the first time.
- AFP reports Schindler’s progression is worth £12,500 in prize money, with £150,000 to the eventual winner in Wolverhampton.
- Lukas Wenig upset Jonny Clayton 5–3 and will face Cam Crabtree in a winner-goes-through match that could complete a German trio in the last 16.
- World No. 1 Luke Humphries hit a nine-darter in a 5–3 victory over Michael Smith, with a public back-and-forth between Michael van Gerwen and Schindler adding off-stage tension.