WOLVERHAMPTON, England — Daryl Gurney’s long-awaited return to the Grand Slam of Darts ended in disappointment — and controversy — as the Northern Irishman exited the tournament following a 5–3 defeat to Karel Sedláček on Sunday night.

It was Gurney’s first appearance at the Grand Slam since 2019, but the former World Grand Prix champion cut a visibly frustrated figure as he crashed out in the group stage after back-to-back losses. The night ended with a tense exchange between Gurney and referee Kirk Bevins, sparking speculation that the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) could review his conduct.

Frustration Boils Over After Costly Defeat

Gurney entered the second night of Group E action knowing only a win would keep his qualification hopes alive after an opening-day defeat to Connor Scutt. But despite flashes of his trademark scoring power, the 39-year-old struggled for consistency and was outperformed by the steady hand of Sedláček, who made history with the victory.

The 46-year-old Czech player, affectionately known as “Evil Charlie,” became the first Czech player ever to win a match at the Grand Slam of Darts, sealing the milestone at his 11th attempt — though not without late drama. Sedláček missed ten match darts before finally clinching victory on double eight, exhaling in relief as he offered Gurney a brief handshake.

What followed, however, caught fans off guard. Gurney immediately approached referee Bevins and appeared to engage in a heated conversation before walking off the stage, shaking his head in visible frustration.

The nature of the dispute remains unclear, but the PDC’s strict code of conduct regarding respect toward officials could see the Northern Irishman face disciplinary action if his outburst is deemed inappropriate.

“The PDC takes player behaviour toward referees and officials very seriously,” one insider told The Sun. “If Gurney’s actions are judged to have crossed the line, he could be issued a warning or fine.”

Gurney’s Grand Slam Hopes Dashed

The defeat left Gurney’s future in the tournament hanging by a thread. His only hope of survival depended on defending champion Luke Littler losing his match to Scott Williams later in the night.

But Littler, the 18-year-old sensation who has taken the darts world by storm, recovered from a slow start to post a 5–3 victory, confirming Gurney’s elimination and reducing his final group match to a dead rubber.

That means Sedláček and Williams will now battle it out for a spot in the knockout stages, while Littler and Gurney meet in a match that will hold little meaning beyond pride.

For Gurney, it caps off another difficult chapter in what has been an up-and-down year.

A Season of Contrasts for Gurney

While the Northern Irishman can take solace in helping his country secure its first-ever World Cup of Darts title alongside Josh Rock in June, his individual form has failed to hit the heights that once made him one of the most feared players on tour.

Gurney has not lifted a major singles trophy since 2018, and despite moments of promise — including quarterfinal runs at the Players Championship — his inconsistency has proven costly.

At times in Wolverhampton, the former Premier League Darts competitor looked capable of finding his groove, landing timely 180s and holding his nerve in scrappy legs. But his checkout percentage and composure under pressure told the story of a player struggling to regain confidence at the sport’s elite level.

Against Sedláček, Gurney’s missed doubles and lapses in focus proved fatal. The Czech veteran, who has enjoyed a career resurgence on the European Tour, took full advantage and sealed his place in the history books — leaving Gurney to rue another missed opportunity.

What’s Next for ‘Superchin’?

As Gurney prepares for his final group match against Littler, questions will inevitably turn to his mindset and relationship with the PDC following the referee incident.

Once one of the sport’s most charismatic and fiery figures, the two-time PDC major winner is now battling to reestablish himself in a new era of darting dominance defined by Littler, Luke Humphries, and Michael Smith.

For fans who have followed Gurney’s career since his breakout years, Sunday’s flashpoint felt like a reflection of pent-up frustration — a veteran fighting to find his footing in a sport that has evolved rapidly around him.

Still, few would write off a competitor with his pedigree. If anything, Gurney’s passion remains undimmed, even as he faces another early exit.

“He’s an emotional player,” one pundit noted after the match. “That fire has always been part of what makes him dangerous. But right now, it feels like frustration is getting the better of him instead of fueling him.”