‘Shock of the night’ – Top seed & home hero Van Gerwen KO’d from World Series of Darts in first round by late call-up

DARYL GURNEY pulled off a stunning first-round upset by dumping defending champion Michael van Gerwen out of the World Series of Darts Finals.

The Northern Irishman came from 5-3 down to beat the Dutch home favourite 6-5 in a dramatic deciding leg at AFAS Live in Amsterdam.

The Professional Darts Corporation labelled it the “shock of the night” on X as Van Gerwen’s title defence came to a spectacularly early end.

Gurney, nicknamed ‘Superchin,’ was not even supposed to be in the tournament until two players from the Philippines withdrew because of Visa issues.

But the late call-up made the most of his unexpected opportunity by knocking out the No1 seed and reigning champion.

The Londonderry star flew out of the blocks to take a 3-0 lead, including a brilliant 170 checkout and an 11-darter.

Van Gerwen, who defeated in the final last year, then responded in style by winning three legs on the spin to level the contest at 3-3.

The three-time world champion continued his comeback and moved to within one leg of victory at 5-3.

But Gurney refused to give in and was handed a huge lifeline when Van Gerwen missed FIVE match in the penultimate leg.

Gurney took full advantage to force a deciding leg, setting up a sensational finish in front of a stunned Amsterdam crowd.

The 40-year-old then held his nerve to seal victory on double 16.

Gurney now moves into Saturday’s second round, where he will face England‘s Ross Smith.

His shock win was not the only dramatic result of the night, with fellow Northern Irishman Josh Rock also booking his place in the last 16.

Rock edged out Stephen Bunting in another 6-5 thriller.

Bunting appeared to have taken control after breaking in the third leg, but Rock hit back in the penultimate leg before winning the decider.

Rock will now meet England‘s Ryan Searle in the second round on Saturday.