In a surprising turn of events at the World Masters, three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen was defeated by Damon Heta. This match marked an unexpected opening night in Milton Keynes, where Heta emerged victorious with a score of 3-1.
Michael van Gerwen’s Exit
The renowned Dutch player, aged 36, has a remarkable history in this tournament, having won the Masters five consecutive times from 2015 to 2019. However, his journey this year ended abruptly due to Heta’s impressive performance. Heta secured the win with a checkout of 101, showcasing his exceptional skill.
Other Notable Matches
- Gian van Veen: The World Championship runner-up made a strong debut, defeating Ryan Joyce 3-1 despite losing the first set.
- Gerwyn Price: The former world champion achieved a remarkable three-dart average of 108.51, which allowed him to triumph over James Hurrell.
- Jonny Clayton: Last year’s defeated finalist won his match against Wessel Nijman with a score of 3-1.
- Nathan Aspinall: He also secured a victory over Shane McGuirk, finishing the match 3-1.
Upcoming Matches
Defending Masters champion Luke Humphries and current world champion Luke Littler, who holds the title of world number one, are set to enter the tournament on Friday. Expectations are high as they make their debut in this prestigious event.
