Michael van Gerwen weakness called out by rival as Dutchman exits Grand Slam of Darts

was branded 'nervous' by opponent Ryan Joyce after being knocked out of the Grand Slam of Darts. For the first time since 2010, the three-time world champion failed to make it out of the group stages, beaten 5-4 after twice fighting back from two legs down.

Trailing 2-0 and then 4-2, 'MVG' rallied on both occasions and then appeared to be in control of the final leg.

However, after failing to take out 112, Joyce was then left needing 80 to spring a major shock.

And he needed just two darts to do it, following up treble 20 by nailing double 10 to book a place in the last-16. But afterwards, the 39-year-old suggested that neither man had been at their best.

"I'm happy to win obviously," said Joyce. "That didn't feel like a battle, it felt like we were both struggling a little bit. I don't know, it's a funny old game, I think both players were nervous at certain times.

"I felt like sometimes I could hit the treble 20, and sometimes I couldn't. So I'm just delighted go get through, it was a big surprise because I really didn't play very well."

Van Gerwen had begun his campaign . But he was then edged out 5-4 in a thrilling match with Gary Anderson, leaving him having to beat Joyce to progess.

The early exit compounds what has been a difficult 2024 season for the 35-year-old, who has failed to land a major television title. His only wins have , and the Hungarian Darts Trophy, a European Tour event.

But he's not been the only high-profile casualty in Wolverhampton. Reigning world No.1 was already out, after to Rowby John-Rodriguez and James Wade.

And immediately after Van Gerwen's defeat, Michael Smith took to the oche in a bid to become the only former tournament champion to book a place in the last-16. However, he was duly hammered 5-0 by Belgian player Mike de Decker, who instead went through at the Englishman's expense.

Joyce meanwhile, who has never played in a major final, will now face Gian van Veen for a place in the quarter-finals. Asked about his improved form this season, he remained modest, saying: "I think I've just been lucky. I don't feel like I'm playing any better than normal."