Upsets galore as Van Gerwen and Smith make early exits at World Grand Prix

Brad Ferguson

Daryl Gurney whitewashed six-time champion Michael van Gerwen in straight setsKieran Cleeves/PDC

Day two of the BoyleSports World Grand Prix in Leicester saw several upsets as some of the tournament's biggest names were sent packing.

Daryl Gurney delivered a stunning performance, whitewashing six-time champion Michael van Gerwen in straight sets.

The Northern Irishman's clinical finishing and composure proved too much for the Dutchman – one of the tournament favourites – who was left stunned by the defeat.

"There's not many players that will beat Michael van Gerwen 6-0, but I won't get carried away," Gurney, who won the tournament in 2017, told the PDC website afterwards.

"I'm playing well, and I have been for the last couple of months.

"I have been beating players on the stage that I haven't beaten for a couple of years – Dave Chisnall, Nathan Aspinall, Gerwyn Price and now Michael, so that gives me a bit more belief."

Michael Smith and Peter Wright also suffered early exits.

World number two-ranked Smith was narrowly defeated by Gary Anderson in a thrilling match that went down to the wire. Wright, meanwhile, fell to James Wade 2-1 in a hard-fought contest.

Other notable results included Joe Cullen's comeback win over Chris Dobey and Gerwyn Price's dramatic victory over Danny Noppert.

The likes of reigning world champion Luke Humphries, Jonny Clayton, and Luke Littler-defeating Rob Cross step up onto the oche on day three on Wednesday, each looking to make a deep run in the tournament after positive starts.