Michael van Gerwen vs Ryan Joyce Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Grand Prix | First Round
by Trystan Pugh ·
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Out-of form Michael van Gerwen must navigate his way past the dangerous Ryan Joyce in the first round at the 2026 World Grand Prix in Leicester.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – PDCTV
Who will make the second round?
Open poll and resultsMichael van Gerwen vs Ryan Joyce prediction
There has been plenty of talk lately about how far down the rankings the once-dominant Michael van Gerwen has fallen, with the Dutchman - a six-time World Grand Prix champion - currently at number nine on the PDC ladder.
Not including floor events, the only final MVG has made this year was at the World Cup of Darts alongside PDC World Darts Championship runner-up Gian van Veen, so he really needs a big performance in Leicester to silence some of the doubters.
Unfortunately for the former world number one, he takes on one of the most clinical double-hitters in the game.
Ryan Joyce will not be put off by the double-start format, having reached the semi-finals of this event only two years ago. Having also made a European Tour final this year, the 41-year-old's game is in decent shape ahead of his fourth appearance in this event.
Van Gerwen could have his hands full here, and we see this one going the distance.
Michael van Gerwen vs Ryan Joyce tip: Over 2.5 sets
