2026 World Darts Grand Prix second round predictions and previews

After a tense opening two days of action in the first round, eight matches are lined up across Wednesday and Thursday in the second round.

The format extends to best-of-five sets now, so let’s take a look at what to expect in the coming days.

2026 World Darts Grand Prix second round predictions and previews

Here are my predictions for the second round.

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Luke Woodhouse vs. Nathan Aspinall

Winner: Nathan Aspinall, 3-1

Woodhouse has momentum after shocking Luke Littler in the first round on Monday.

I still see Aspinall as a favorite in this situation, as he is more consistent and has the higher ceiling.

Danny Noppert vs. Ryan Joyce

Winner: Danny Noppert, 3-1

Danny Noppert had a tricky duel with Niko Springer in the first round, but showed some resilience in a 2-1 win.

Noppert hasn’t had the best year, but this feels like a very winnable game for him, which could be a catalyst for getting some confidence and form back to finish the year.

Gerwyn Price vs. Ross Smith

Winner: Gerwyn Price, 3-2

This is a matchup we’ve seen twice in recent months at majors, most notably a week ago when Smith beat Price in the final of the WSoD Finals.

Price did beat Smith when they played at the Matchplay in the quarterfinals, so it’s a bit of a tough call here.

Price had a strong first-round performance, and I expect him to follow it up with another against Smith, who looks a little more vulnerable this week.

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Jonny Clayton vs. Wessel Nijman

Winner: Wessel Nijman, 3-2

Expect this to be another tight contest, but Nijman has to see some of the first-round results as an opportunity to have that breakout run at a major.

He was on the brink of one at the Matchplay, but lost an unfortunate thriller against Gian van Veen.

Clayton hasn’t been as good as he played in the first half of 2026, so this is definitely a very winnable game for Nijman if he takes care of business.

MORE: Jonny Clayton ends Luke Littler’s perfect 2026 record at majors

Luke Humphries vs. Jermaine Wattimena

Winner: Luke Humphries, 3-1

Wattimena had a statement win against Chris Dobey in the first round.

There’s still room to grow, but I’m not sure if he can improve enough to have a chance at threatening Humphries in a slightly longer format this round.

Niels Zonneveld vs. Gary Anderson

Winner: Niels Zonneveld, 3-2

I didn’t expect the type of performance we saw from Zonneveld in the first round, but it’s now evident Zonneveld can play with the spotlight on him.

Josh Rock didn’t play bad by any means, and Zonneveld had an answer for everything Rock challenged him with.

Anderson just escaped against Heta, and I think he may have another tough task against Zonneveld.

Anderson seems to play his best stuff at a handful of majors each year, but with still a fairly short format, Anderson could be under some major pressure here.

Gian van Veen vs. Ryan Searle

Winner: Gian van Veen, 3-1

Searle is on the list of players who just made it through to the second round.

Neither had a stellar opening game, but this event seems built for GVV’s skillset, and it’s only time before he takes advantage of this opportunity.

Searle may win a set or two, but GVV is trending back in the right direction recently, so look to see him make some noise.

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James Wade vs. Stephen Bunting

Winner: Stephen Bunting, 3-2

Wade looked a little shaky against Joe Cullen, but his clutch factor showed in that match.

Bunting escaped in a three-set match himself, but has some positive energy heading into this contest.

Bunting might be an underdog here, but I see ‘The Bullet’ making it through to the quarterfinals, as he’s on the promising side of the bracket.

2026 World Darts Grand Prix second round predictions and previews