Michael van Gerwen has been knocked out in the first round of the World Grand Prix of Darts with a shock defeat to Northern Ireland’s Daryl Gurney.

The six-time world champion was sent packing in the blink of an eye as Gurney won 2-0.

This is certainly the shock of the tournament so farSky Sports

Gurney won the tournament in 2017 but it’s a result that’s sent shockwaves across the darts world.

“It’s one of the most embarrassing and humiliating defeats of his career,” was the verdict of commentator and former darts player Wayne Mardle on Sky Sports.

And a number of darts fans agreeing with the sentiment, with one saying: “Michael van Gerwen has just had one of his worst ever games on the main stage.

“180 to leave double 3 – @WayneMardle was absolutely correct, awful board management at any situation!”

Another said: “Van Gerwen is in such a weird place right now. Still unbeatable when he wants to be but utterly woeful at times.

“Gurney been in good form but a whitewash victory is ridiculous.”

While this fan added: “Absolutely massive difference between the best in the world Luke Humphries and Van Gerwen nowadays.

“Both in the same position yet Humphries never stopped fighting, MvG decides to hit a 180 with 186 left to leave double 3. Complete shadow of the player he once was, horrific to watch.”

The tournament has already thrown up some surprises with Luke Littler being knocked out on Monday night as he suffered a defeat to Rob Cross.

But Van Gerwen’s whitewash defeat to Gurney is certainly the shock of the tournament so far.