American underdogs shine as US Darts Masters delivers a night of surprises at Madison Square Garden
The opening night of the US Darts Masters at Madison Square Garden was anything but predictable. Two of England’s biggest names—Rob Cross and Stephen Bunting—were sent crashing out in a dramatic and unpredictable curtain-raiser to the World Series of Darts event.
Reigning champion Rob Cross, who stormed to the title last year, suffered a humiliating 6-0 whitewash at the hands of American underdog Danny Lauby, while top seed Stephen Bunting couldn’t overcome another U.S. qualifier, Jason Brandon, despite showcasing flashes of brilliance—including a 170 checkout.
It was a night that perfectly captured the spirit of darts in New York—loud, unpredictable, and loaded with storylines.
Rob Cross Crumbles to Clinical Lauby
If there was one result that stunned the MSG crowd more than any other, it was Rob Cross’s complete dismantling by Danny Lauby, a man who had never previously made it past the opening round in this event.
Lauby, however, looked like a seasoned pro from the very first dart. He averaged steadily, punished Cross’s missed doubles, and never let the reigning champ settle into any rhythm. The 6-0 result wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
Cross, who had arrived in New York with hopes of a title defence, left the stage visibly shell-shocked. It’s his most one-sided loss in recent memory and one that will sting for a while.
For Lauby, it was redemption and perhaps a turning point. “I’ve been here before and didn’t do myself justice,” he said afterward. “Tonight, I just focused on one leg at a time. To beat Rob like that, it feels amazing.”
Stephen Bunting Stunned by Inspired Jason Brandon
Stephen Bunting, the tournament’s top seed, showed flashes of his undoubted class, not least with a spectacular 170 checkout—the highest possible finish in the sport. But it wasn’t enough.
Jason Brandon, another U.S. qualifier, kept his composure through the key moments and took advantage of a few loose darts from Bunting. He sealed a 6-4 win in front of a roaring home crowd and now moves on to face Australia’s Damon Heta in the quarter-finals.
It was a perfect example of the magic this event brings when held in the United States: local heroes rising to the occasion, fearless and free of expectation.
Humphries Overcomes Early Scare
World number one Luke Humphries also faced a scare of his own. Trailing 4-3 against American Stowe Buntz, it looked for a brief moment like the tournament might lose another marquee name.
But Humphries, ever the competitor, dug deep and rattled off three consecutive legs to close out a 6-4 win and avoid joining Cross and Bunting on the early-exit list.
The Englishman now prepares for a tricky clash against Lauby, who will ride into that quarter-final full of belief and confidence after his dismantling of Cross.
Luke Littler Looks Effortless
Teen sensation and reigning world champion Luke Littler continues to live up to the hype. The 17-year-old made light work of American Jules van Dongen, cruising to a 6-1 win and wrapping things up with a 120 checkout—courtesy of three double 20s, no less.
Littler, who has quickly become one of the sport’s most captivating figures, barely blinked throughout the match. Now he prepares for a showdown with Nathan Aspinall, who himself is no stranger to the bright lights of the U.S. stage.
Aspinall, the 2019 US Darts Masters champion when the tournament was staged in Las Vegas, beat Canada’s Matt Campbell 6-2 to set up what promises to be one of the standout matches of the quarter-finals.
Van Gerwen Returns with Ruthless Intent
It’s been a turbulent few weeks off the oche for Michael van Gerwen, following the announcement of his separation from his wife, Daphne. But the Dutchman showed no signs of distraction on the dartboard.
Van Gerwen cruised past American Leonard Gates with a commanding 6-1 victory, marking his return to competition in emphatic fashion. The three-time world champion looked sharp and focused—ominous signs for anyone eyeing the title.
Next up for Van Gerwen is a heavyweight clash with Welsh star Gerwyn Price, last year’s runner-up and a man currently playing some of his best darts.
Price averaged 102.47 and smashed in six 180s en route to a 6-2 win over Adam Sevada, proving once again why he’s considered one of the most dangerous men in the sport.
Quarter-Final Line-Up: Fireworks Incoming
The quarter-finals are now set, and the line-up promises fireworks:
- Luke Littler vs Nathan Aspinall
- Luke Humphries vs Danny Lauby
- Jason Brandon vs Damon Heta
- Michael van Gerwen vs Gerwyn Price
Four North Americans made it through to round one, and two now remain—Lauby and Brandon—each holding a real shot at making further headlines.
A Night to Remember in the Big Apple
The US Darts Masters is still in its relative infancy at Madison Square Garden, but this edition has already delivered some unforgettable moments. The New York crowd was treated to upsets, vintage performances, and emerging stars all in one evening.
With its mix of homegrown heroes and international legends, the World Series of Darts continues to prove that darts isn’t just for British pubs and European arenas. It belongs on global stages—especially ones as iconic as this.
And if night one was anything to go by, we’re only just getting started.
