Gian van Veen and Gerwyn Price Triumph, Michael van Gerwen Exits Winmau World Masters
In an unexpected turn of events, Michael van Gerwen faced a surprising exit from the Winmau World Masters held in Milton Keynes. The five-time champion was outperformed by Australia’s Damon Heta, losing 1-3 in the first round. This shocking loss marked him as the highest-ranked player eliminated on opening night.
Key Matches and Performances
Heta showcased an impressive performance, achieving a 124 finish in the opening set and later sealing his victory with a 101 checkout. Despite Van Gerwen’s struggle with an average of 88.36, Heta remained composed, calmly finishing the match with a 118 in the third set.
Standout Players
- Gian van Veen: Making his tournament debut, Van Veen bounced back after losing the first set to defeat Ryan Joyce 3-1. He expressed relief at his performance, particularly praising his finishing skills, which improved throughout the match.
- Gerwyn Price: Price opened his campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over James Hurrell, averaging an impressive 108.5. He emphasized his focus, stating, “I had to perform well as James played fantastic.”
- Nathan Aspinall: Aspinall recorded a solid performance with a 3-1 victory over Shane McGuirk. He averaged over 105, showcasing his finishing capabilities.
Round One Results Summary
| Player | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Dobey | Jermaine Wattimena | 3-0 |
| Gary Anderson | Niels Zonneveld | 3-2 |
| James Wade | Madars Razma | 3-2 |
| Nathan Aspinall | Shane McGuirk | 3-1 |
| Jonny Clayton | Wessel Nijman | 3-1 |
| Gerwyn Price | James Hurrell | 3-0 |
| Michael van Gerwen | Damon Heta | 1-3 |
| Gian van Veen | Ryan Joyce | 3-1 |
The Winmau World Masters continues to be an intense competition, with the second round matches scheduled to take place soon. Players like defending champion Luke Humphries and rising star Luke Littler will be among those looking to secure their spots in the tournament’s later stages.
