Michael van Gerwen annihilated by commentator for 'most embarrassing defeat' yet

Michael van Gerwen was destroyed by Daryl Gurney at the World Grand Prix on Tuesday night and commentator Rod Studd rubbed salt in his wounds.

The Dutchman was among the favourites going into the event in Leicester, having won the tournament six times previously, but he did not get a single leg on the board across two sets as Gurney joined an exclusive club of players to whitewash 'Mighty Mike'.

As Gurney hit the decisive single nine and double eight to seal the match, Sky Sports commentator Studd began: "Daryl Gurney has taken Michael van Gerwen to the cleaners in Leicester. The six-time champion has been dismissed, dispatched and destroyed on the big stage.

"One of the most embarrassing and humiliating defeats in Michael van Gerwen's career, and certainly one of the most embarrassing he's ever suffered at the World Grand Prix. He did not win a leg and Daryl Gurney took him apart to romp through to the second round."

Van Gerwen had two weeks off leading into the World Grand Prix, prior to which he claimed impressive victories at the Hungarian Darts Trophy and Players Championship 21.

But a car crash of a performance on Tuesday saw him average less than 87 and miss all eight of his darts at double, while deserving winner Gurney converted six from nine.

"There's not many players that will beat Michael van Gerwen 6-0 but I won't get carried away," Gurney told Sky Sports. "I'm playing well and I have been for the last couple of months. I have been beating players on the stage that I haven't beaten for a couple of years - Dave Chisnall, Nathan Aspinall, Gerwyn Price and now Michael, so that gives me a bit more belief."

Gurney faces a tough test in round two against Joe Cullen, who pulled off a brilliant comeback win against Chris Dobey to advance.

Also included in Tuesday evening's action was Gary Anderson producing an upset against world No 2 Michael Smith. The Scot held his nerve in a final-leg decider to dismiss last year's semi-finalist.

Big-name players have been dropping like flies since the action started in Leicester, with Van Gerwen and Smith's exits coming after Luke Littler was dumped out in the first round by Rob Cross on Monday.