PHIL TAYLOR won the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts title for a fourth time with a clinical 16-4 demolition of Gary Anderson at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Sunday night.

The Stoke great followed up his 16-9 semi-final triumph over Adrian Lewis earlier on Sunday with another thrilling performance, averaging 109.03 in winning back the trophy.

After Anderson took out 140 and 128 to lead 2-1, Taylor won seven successive legs to pull clear and after Anderson cut the gap to 9-4 he reeled off seven more to seal the £100,000 title.

Anderson kicked off the match with a superb 140 checkout, and after Taylor finished 72 the Scot posted a 128 finish to lead 2-1.

Taylor hit tops in the fourth before a double eight checkout broke Anderson for the first time and put him 3-2 up.

Taylor then hit a 180 in taking the sixth, having enough breathing space despite a miscount when needing 57 to return and hit tops.

Finishes of 86 on the bull, double 16 for an 11-darter which featured two 180s and a 92 checkout moved him 7-2 up before double 18 won Taylor a seventh successive leg.

Anderson hit a 180 and double top to claim his third leg of the match and end that run, and after Taylor posted tops he finished double ten to pull back to 9-4.

Taylor, though, took the next and punished misses from Anderson to move 11-4 up with an 88 checkout.

He then hit a 177 to set up double 16 and finished 81 twice in three legs to move to the brink of victory – also landing a double one checkout in the run.

Anderson landed his fifth maximum of the game as he battled to stay alive, but as Taylor wavered on the finishing line he was unable to land darts at the bull and double eight to allow the Stoke ace in on double two for his fourth Wolverhampton win.

“I’m absolutely over the moon,” said Taylor, who dedicated the victory to Sky Sports commentator Sid Waddell, who is fighting bowel cancer.

“I’d forgotten how heavy this trophy was after losing it last year but it’s great to be holding it again!

“Everything has come right for me this week and it all came together in the final. I wanted to out-score Gary and put him under pressure to make him miss – we say to each other ‘don’t miss’ when we’re up there and it’s true because if you give him an inch he’ll take a mile.

“The start was fantastic for me because to go into the first break 3-2 up was really important. He came back well at me and hits 180s for fun at times but I was so caught up in the match that, at times, I didn’t even know the score!”

The victory sees Taylor win a fifth successive major title after claiming glory in the World Matchplay, European Championship, World Grand Prix and Championship League Darts since the summer, and he added: “It’s a special period for me.

“I was written off earlier this year but this shows that those people were wrong. I’m going to keep trying to win everything and we’ve got the Players Championship and World Championship coming up, and I’m building up to Alexandra Palace now.”

Anderson admitted: “Phil was brilliant and he taught me a lesson in how to play darts, he annihilated me.

“After four legs I thought I was in with a chance but that disappeared pretty quickly! The second session killed the game off and he battered me – every time I looked up he was hitting 180s.

“After I lost my first group game last Saturday I didn’t think I’d make it to the final but it’s done me the world of good to get this far.

“I’m happy with how I played and it’s picked me up. I’ll put this behind me now, move on to play in the ProTour events in Wigan and then the Players Championship and World Championship.”

Semi Finals

PHIL TAYLOR will take on Gary Anderson in the final of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts on Sunday evening following their semi-final victories over Adrian Lewis and Mark Walsh in Wolverhampton.

Taylor’s bid for a fourth Grand Slam of Darts title continued as he handed PDC World Champion Lewis a masterclass with a fine display in their tussle, taking a 16-9 win.

Taylor averaged 107.76 but, perhaps more crucially, hit key finishes of 119, 111 and 108 with Lewis waiting on a finish at important stages of the contest.

Lewis performed admirably in reply, hitting nine 180s and finishes of 145 and 131, but was unable to prevent Taylor from winning eight legs out of 11 in pulling clear in the second half of the contest.

“It was a brilliant game,” said Taylor “We went blow for blow and you don’t see those type of games too often.

“I’ll chill out and relax and when I go up for the final my mindset will be the same as it was against Adrian – I don’t want to miss a thing.”

Premier League Darts champion Anderson had to come from behind to win his place in the final with a 16-11 defeat of Mark Walsh, whose debut challenge in the Grand Slam of Darts came to an end in the semis.

Anderson trailed 10-6 as Walsh punished a string of missed doubles from the Scot, who won ten of the final 11 legs and hit 13 180s to take the victory.

“It was a struggle for me but I scraped home at the end,” said Anderson. “Mark was hitting 180s at the right time and took his chances, and I began to wonder if it was going to be his day.

“Phil won’t exactly have been shaking in his boots after seeing that but I’ll have a couple of coffees and get back on the practice board to prepare for the final.”

Walsh claims a career-best £25,000 in prize money in his best performance in a major since he reached the 2005 UK Open final.

“Gary’s a fantastic player and he turned it on at the end there,” said Walsh. “When he hits his finishes he’s a very dangerous player and he deserved the victory.

“I’ll take a lot of confidence from this week and it’s been a great tournament for me. It’s one of the best weeks of my life and I can’t wait to come back in 2012.”

PHIL TAYLOR 16-9 ADRIAN LEWIS
PHIL TAYLOR produced a darting masterclass to defeat Stoke rival Adrian Lewis 16-9 and win through to the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts final.

The world number one remains on course to win his fourth Grand Slam title on Sunday night following another stunning display which left World Champion Lewis applauding his display.

Taylor averaged 107.76 in the game, but finishes of 119, 111 and 108 proved crucial in keeping Lewis at bay as he swept into the final.

Lewis opened the game well by hitting a 180 in the first leg, but Taylor replied in kind as he hit a 13-darter which he followed with a 12-dart finished, including a second maximum and an 89 finish to break.

A second 180 from Lewis gave him the chance to break back in the third, but he missed two darts at double 18 as Taylor pinned 87 on the bull for a 3-0 lead.

Lewis finally got off the mark in the fourth leg, although he missed double 12 for a break in the fifth before Taylor landed double 16 for a 4-1 cushion.

The World Champion took out a brilliant ten-darter to win the sixth, although the leg was technically a nine-darter with one bounce-out as he hit a 180, 120, 177 and double 12.

After trading the next two legs with Lewis, Taylor punished a missed bull from his younger opponent – for a 167 checkout – to hit tops before landing the same bed to break throw in 12 darts and lead 7-3.

Taylor posted another maximum in the next, but when he missed two darts at double 12 Lewis stepped in to follow a 174 score with a fine 131 checkout to break in 12 darts before he notched his fifth maximum in a 13-dart finish to halve the deficit.

Taylor hit a 180 to set up an 84 finish in the 13th as he moved 8-5 up, but Lewis replied with another maximum and tops to win his sixth leg of the contest.

Lewis also left 24 with a superb 177 in the next as he sought to cut the gap to one leg, but in perhaps the game’s most crucial moment Taylor finished 119 on tops to deny him and take a 9-6 lead into the break.

He returned with legs of 11 and 12 darts to break throw in a run of three more legs in taking a 12-6 cushion to pull away from Lewis, who finished 70 for the 19th leg.

Taylor then won three more in a row, finishing 108, 80 and 111 to move one leg away from a place in the final.

Lewis hit a 180 and finished 145 to hit back and took out 74 to pull back to 15-9 and threaten a comeback.

Lewis then landed his ninth maximum of the contest to threaten a further fightback, but Taylor replied in kind to leave 24 and finished double 12 for a 13-dart finish which sealed victory.

“It was a brilliant game,” said Taylor “We went blow for blow and you don’t see those type of games too often.

“Adrian doesn’t give in and I had to keep hitting him hard and not miss. I had to take out my doubles and the 119 finish probably won me the game.

“I’ll chill out and relax and when I go up for the final my mindset will be the same as it was against Adrian – I don’t want to miss a thing.”

Lewis admitted: “I was pushing hard early on and at 4-1 down at the first break I’d had chances.

“He took out some massive finishes – I hit the 177 to leave 24 and he took out the 119, and what a shot that was.

“It hurt me and I came back and he did it again on a couple of occasions That’s why he’s 15-time World Champion.

“It was a brilliant game and the ten-darter with the bounce-out was nice – but not quite enough!”

GARY ANDERSON 16-11 MARK WALSH
GARY ANDERSON produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Mark Walsh 16-11 and progress to the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts final on Sunday afternoon.

The Scot looked set to suffer semi-final heartbreak at the Wolverhampton Civic for a third time in five years of the event when Walsh punished his misses to take a 10-6 advantage.

But Anderson, who hit 13 maximums in the match to equal the tournament record for 180s in a game, won ten of the game’s final 11 legs to set up a tantalising clash with Taylor.

Anderson set the tone for the match in the game’s opening leg as he began with a 180 but missed doubles to break as Walsh hit double ten to lead.

The Premier League Darts champion hit back with two more maximums in legs of 13 and 14 darts to move 2-1 up, only for Walsh to finish 80 in the fourth and then punish two misses from the Scot to hit double five to lead 3-2.

Further misses allowed Walsh in to move two legs clear on double five before he traded 180s with Anderson and then finished 102 – with his opponent waiting on 61 – to lead 5-2.

Anderson hit double four to win the eighth leg and then took out 130 to reduce the gap to 5-4 with a fine bullseye checkout as Walsh waited on 24.

Walsh regathered himself to win the tenth with a 95 finish after Anderson missed three darts at double ten, and then moved 7-4 up by hitting double ten.

Anderson landed another 180 and finished 62 to win his fifth leg, and traded maximums with Walsh as the Hertfordshire man took out double 18 for an eighth leg.

The pair both opened the next with 180s as Anderson hit tops to pull back to 8-6, but after posting his tenth maximum the Scot missed the same bed to reduce the gap to one leg as Walsh punished him to move three legs clear.

Further misses from Anderson allowed Walsh to lead 10-6 courtesy of double two, but the Scot’s relentless scoring continued as he chipped away at the former UK Open finalist.

Misses at tops allowed Anderson in to win two successive legs before he hit a 75 finish to trail only 10-9 before slotting in another 180 to set up a 103 checkout as he levelled.

Walsh then burst his score on 65 in the 21st leg as Anderson finished 101 to lead for the first time since the opening exchanges.

Anderson could also have led 12-10 but missed five darts at a double before Walsh hit double 15 to level.

Anderson, though, broke with a 13-darter and then took out 85 and 70 in the next two legs as Walsh faltered, putting himself 14-11 up.

Double 16 moved Anderson a leg away from the win, and he sealed the comeback on double four.

“It was a struggle for me but I scraped home at the end,” said Anderson. “Mark was hitting 180s at the right time and took his chances, and I began to wonder if it was going to be his day.

“Phil won’t exactly have been shaking in his boots after seeing that but I’ll have a couple of coffees and get back on the practice board to prepare for the final.”

Walsh claims a career-best £25,000 in prize money in his best performance in a major since he reached the 2005 UK Open final.

“It’s a disappointing but I’m proud to have shared the stage in the semi-finals with three brilliant players,” said Walsh. “I was the dark horse but if I’d hit all my doubles it might have been a different story.

“Gary’s a fantastic player and he turned it on at the end there. When he hits his finishes he’s a very dangerous player and he deserved the victory.

“I’ll take a lot of confidence from this week and it’s been a great tournament for me. It’s one of the best weeks of my life and I can’t wait to come back in 2012.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Afternoon Session
Ted Hankey 14-16 Mark Walsh
Gary Anderson 16-12 Terry Jenkins

TED HANKEY was knocked out of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts on Saturday afternoon as Mark Walsh enjoyed a fine 16-14 victory in their quarter-final, with Gary Anderson defeating Terry Jenkins 16-12 to join him in the semi-finals.

Two-time World Champion Hankey threatened a stunning fightback when he came from 15-9 to trail Walsh by just one leg of their last eight encounter.

However, he missed three darts at double 16 to force a deciding leg before Walsh finished 90 to win through to only the second major televised final of his career.

“I missed an awful lot of doubles early on and I was always chasing the game,” said Hankey. “It didn’t seem to go for me early on but I’m happy – I played well enough and it just wasn’t good enough on the day.”

Walsh, the 2005 UK Open runner-up, will now meet Anderson in Sunday’s semi-finals as he searches for his maiden major title.

“At 15-10 I thought the game would be over soon and then he started coming back,” admitted Walsh. “I started to doubt myself and I thought I’d thrown it away, but he missed his chance and I took the 90 out.”

Anderson was also made to sweat before sealing his 16-12 win over Jenkins.

The Scot hit ten 180s and finished the game with an average of 99.97, with a mid-game burst which saw him win seven out of eight legs proving crucial before Jenkins hit back from 13-7 down to cause him some anxious moments.

“I’m relieved to have got through that,” said Anderson. “Terry’s best form is returning and he kept coming back at me.

“I knew there were a lot of 140s and 180s from me but the doubles are the main thing and I missed too many. I thought I was going to blow it at the end and started panicking, but I had a good winning leg.”

Saturday’s evening session sees the remaining two quarter-finals, as PDC World Champion Adrian Lewis plays former Lakeside Champion Mark Webster before three-time Grand Slam winner Phil Taylor meets Paul Nicholson.

MARK WALSH 16-14 TED HANKEY
MARK WALSH won through to only the second televised semi-final of his career with a thrilling 16-14 win over battling Ted Hankey at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

The Hertfordshire ace, whose only similar success in a televised major came when he reached the 2005 UK Open final, continued a superb debut at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall with a clinical defeat of the two-time World Champion.

Walsh led 8-3 and 15-9 in the race to 16 legs before Hankey took five straight legs to threaten an incredible comeback, finding his range on the doubles which had deserted him earlier in the contest.

Walsh missed five match darts as the tension mounted, but he regained his composure to finish 90 for a place in Sunday’s semi-finals, where he meets Gary Anderson or Terry Jenkins.

“At 15-10 I thought the game would be over soon and then he started coming back,” admitted Walsh.

“I started to doubt myself and I thought I’d thrown it away, but he missed his chance and I took the 90 out.”

Although Hankey took the game’s opening leg, he missed two early darts at a double in a taste of the finishing problems he would suffer throughout the game.

Walsh hit a 174 before levelling on double top in the second, and stepped in to punish Hankey’s misses in the next two to move 3-1 up courtesy of double four and double ten.

Walsh also landed a 180 in the fifth leg, but Hankey checked out 101 to cut the gap to 3-2, and after sharing the next two it was the Hertfordshire thrower who took command by winning four successive legs.

Hankey missed doubles to win three of them as his woes on double top and ten continued, with Walsh capitalising to move 8-3 up.

Hankey won the 12th, following up a 180 with a double top finish, and also landed a maximum in the next only to see Walsh follow up his earlier 180 with tops.

Walsh then finished 122 to move 10-4 up, and he bettered that with a 124 checkout after Hankey landed double 12 to move 11-5 up.

The next six legs were shared as Walsh moved two away from the win at 14-8, before a miss at tops from Walsh saw Hankey hit double ten to reduce the gap to five legs.

Walsh, though, hit a 180 and stepped in following a missed double ten from the Telford thrower to hit tops and move to the brink of victory – only for Hankey to spring to life.

A pair of double ten finishes won Hankey the next two legs as he fought back, and after trading 180s with Walsh he took out double two to reduce the gap to 15-12.

He posted another 180 in a 14-darter to take the next as Walsh missed tops for a 120 checkout and the match – and the drama continued as Hankey took a fifth successive leg in thrilling fashion.

Walsh opened with seven perfect darts but hit a three instead of treble 19 as his bid for a nine-darter went begging, and then after leaving 24 he missed two darts at double 12 and one at double six as Hankey posted double eight to keep the match alive at 15-14.

Walsh’s double trouble continued when he left 90 in the next, landing treble 20 but missing double 15 and then bursting his score – but Hankey crucially missed three darts at double 16 and he returned to finish the combination at the second time of asking to take the win.

Hankey admitted: “I missed an awful lot of doubles early on and I was always chasing the game.

“It didn’t seem to go for me early on but I’m happy. I played well enough and it just wasn’t good enough on the day, but I reached the quarter-finals and enjoyed the week.

“Mark played great, he was superb and I wish him the best of luck in the semis.”

GARY ANDERSON 16-12 TERRY JENKINS
GARY ANDERSON held off Terry Jenkins’ fightback to win through to the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals on Saturday afternoon.

The Scot hit ten 180s in another heavy-scoring display, although he was made to sweat as Jenkins threatened a comeback when he came from 13-7 behind to trail just 15-12.

Anderson, though, hit double ten to finally secure his triumph and a place in the last four of the Grand Slam for the third time in five years of the event.

Jenkins had defied a 180 from Anderson to take the game’s opening leg before the Scot levelled on tops and hit further maximums in the next two to break throw and then lead 3-1.

A fourth 180 followed in leg five, but Jenkins replied in kind and took out double top for a 14-darter to hit back.

He then took out 110 to break and double ten to lead 4-3 as Anderson stuttered, although he replied superbly with legs of 12 and 13 darts to wrestle back the lead.

Anderson missed three darts to win the tenth as Jenkins levelled, and after hitting double ten to break for a 6-5 lead was again punished as he missed seven darts at a double before his opponent hit double three.

Anderson, though, hit top gear to reel off the next four legs in effortless fashion, hitting three 13-dart finishes and a 14-darter to move 10-6 up.

Jenkins hit a 180 and a 78 finish to slow his charge, but Anderson replied with another 14-dart leg, a 128 checkout to break throw and double five for a 13-7 cushion.

Tops gave Jenkins his eighth leg and, after Anderson hit a 180 in a 13-darter, the pair traded maximums in the next as the 2008 runner-up cut the gap to 14-9.

Anderson hit double top in the next to move one leg away from the win, but Jenkins landed in the same bed in the next and punished a missed double 14 for the match in pulling back to 15-11.

Anderson also missed the bull for victory in the next as Jenkins hit tops, but Anderson landed three 140s to pull clear in leg 28 and landed double ten to secure his semi-final berth.

“I’m relieved to have got through that,” said Anderson. “Terry’s best form is returning and he kept coming back at me, so it was nice to get the winning leg eventually.

“I knew there were a lot of 140s and 180s from me but the doubles are the main thing and I missed too many. I thought I was going to blow it at the end and started panicking, but I had a good winning leg.”

Anderson now takes on Mark Walsh in Sunday’s semi-finals, and he said: “Mark’s playing well so it should be a good game. His form has been steady throughout the week and he’s done really well to get this far.”

Jenkins said: “I let Gary get into a lead and it was always going to be a big ask to pull it back. I came good at the end but wish I’d played like that in the middle of the game.

“I’m happy with how I’ve played this week since losing in my first game, and I know my form’s coming good so I’ll look to take that forward from here.”

Evening Session (7pm)
Mark Webster 5-16 Adrian Lewis
Phil Taylor 16-7 Paul Nicholson
Best of 31 legs

PHIL TAYLOR and Adrian Lewis will clash in the semi-finals of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts on Sunday afternoon after they progressed safely past Paul Nicholson and Mark Webster at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Three-time Grand Slam of Darts champion Taylor swept aside Nicholson 16-7 to earn his spot in the last four as he bids to regain the £100,000 title.

Taylor led 3-0 and 8-1 before Nicholson hit back, but the 15-time World Champion had too much scoring power as he eased into the semis, which will be played on Sunday afternoon ahead of the evening’s final.

“I’m over the moon to still be in the running and it would be special to win this title back on Sunday,” said Taylor.

“It will be a hard day but I’m really looking forward to playing Adrian in the semi-finals because he’s having a good tournament so far and getting back to his best.”

PDC World Champion Lewis – the world number two – had earlier won through to the last four for the first time in the Grand Slam of Darts with a 16-5 win over Welshman Webster.

Lewis had seen John Part threaten a comeback when he pulled clear in Friday’s second round, but made no mistake 24 hours later by finishing 62 percent of his chances at a double in a clinical display.

“I started a bit slowly with my scoring but I was hitting my doubles and I kept Mark under pressure,” said Lewis. “I know I’m in good form and as long as my finishing is good I know that I’ll hit the scores.

“My finishing hasn’t let me down and I feel confident, and there’s no reason why I can’t go on to win the tournament.”

The other semi-final features Mark Walsh and Gary Anderson who had enjoyed tougher victories over Ted Hankey and Terry Jenkins respectively earlier in the day.

Anderson will be competing in his third Grand Slam of Darts semi-final as he bids to follow up May’s Premier League Darts victory with another major title, while 2005 UK Open runner-up Walsh will be appearing in only his second major semi-final.

Play in the semi-finals begins at 2.30pm, with the final to follow at 8pm on Sunday evening, and all games are the best of 31 legs.

ADRIAN LEWIS 16-5 MARK WEBSTER
ADRIAN LEWIS stormed into the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals with a 16-5 win over Mark Webster at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Saturday night.

The PDC World Champion’s best-ever run in the Grand Slam of Darts continued as he progressed to the last four courtesy of a clinical victory, as he hit 62 percent of his chances at a double.

Lewis failed to hit a 180 until the game’s ninth leg, which sparked a run which saw him crucially win eight legs out of nine to pull away from 5-3 to lead 13-4.

Webster took out 108 to threaten a fightback, but unlike John Part 24 hours earlier was unable to cause Lewis any headaches as the Stoke ace won three in a row to seal the win.

“I switched off when I got ahead against John Part on Friday but I learned my lesson and didn’t ease up this time,” said Lewis.

“I started a bit slowly with my scoring but I was hitting my doubles and I kept Mark under pressure. My manager Keith Deller told me to knuckle down and I came out focused and firing.

“I know I’m in good form and as long as my finishing is good I know that I’ll hit the scores. My finishing hasn’t let me down and I feel confident, and there’s no reason why I can’t go on to win the tournament.”

After Lewis edged the opener, Webster hit a 180 in levelling before the World Champion landed the bull for a 95 checkout in the third.

Lewis then missed the bull in the fourth as Webster levelled on tops, but the world number two took out 104 and a superb 152 to lead 4-2 before punishing misses from the Welshman to take out 80 for a three-leg cushion.

Tops gave Webster the eighth, but Lewis opened the next with his first maximum of the contest as he took out an 11-darter to lead 6-3.

He broke twice in the next three legs and then hit tops for a 13-dart leg to complete a run of five in a row as he moved 10-3 up, although Webster hit back with a 12-dart finish courtesy of an 88 checkout.

Lewis replied with three successive 14-dart finishes to move 13-4 up, before Webster defied another 180 from his opponent to take out 108 to take his fifth leg.

That would be his last chance at a double, as Lewis followed another 14-darter with a 91 finish as he moved 15-5 up, and he sealed victory in style with a 128 checkout.

“I’m disappointed with the scoreline and maybe it didn’t reflect the game, but I missed too many doubles early on and Adrian punished me,” said Webster.

“I’ve got to take the positives out of this week and it’s another quarter-final appearance for me in a major tournament. I’m ambitious but I’ve got to be patient too because I’m still learning.”

PHIL TAYLOR 16-7 PAUL NICHOLSON
PHIL TAYLOR’S quest to regain the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts title continued as he swept aside Paul Nicholson 16-7 to power into Sunday’s semi-finals at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Taylor never looked troubled after taking leads of 3-0 and 8-1 against Nicholson, who was unable to find the form which had seen him defeat the world number one in June’s UK Open.

Nicholson had won the pre-match bullseye but handed Taylor the throw in an attempt to win an immediate break, which initially looked set to pay off when he opened with a 180 only to then miss five darts to take the opening leg as Taylor hit double ten to hold.

Taylor then broke with a superb 11-darter, which featured a 180 of his own, before moving 3-0 up courtesy of double 16.

Nicholson hit his second maximum of the game in taking the fourth on double five, landing a pressure third dart after Taylor had hit a 177 to leave 24, but it was the Stoke ace who struck the next blow.

He hit a 180 in a 14-darter to enter the first break 4-1 up and followed that with a 174 score in a 13-dart finish which he ended on double top.

Finishes of double 16 and tops moved Taylor 7-1 up before two misses from Nicholson allowed him in to pull further clear on double five.

Taylor posted another 180 in the next leg, but missed his chance to lead by eight legs when Nicholson stepped in to land double 16.

A 14-darter gave Taylor a 9-2 cushion before Nicholson produced his best spell of the game to win three successive legs, following up a double top finish with a pair of 14-dart checkouts in pulling back to 9-5.

Taylor, though, replied in the same manner with a treble burst of his own, twice hitting double six and once landing double 16 in restoring his advantage at 12-5.

Nicholson hit back with double 16, but Taylor took out 80 and then finished 88 on the bull before a 13-darter, which featured two 180s and a double 16 checkout, moved him to the brink of victory.

Nicholson hit his fourth 180 of the game in an 11-dart finish to hit back, but it was only delaying the inevitable as Taylor posted a ninth maximum and hit double 16 for a 13-darter to complete the triumph.

“It was a good game and I really enjoyed that,” said Taylor. “Paul’s got a lot of bottle and he kept coming back at me, even though he wasn’t playing as well as he can.

“I’m over the moon to still be in the running and it would be special to win this title back on Sunday.

“It will be a hard day but I’m really looking forward to playing Adrian in the semi-finals because he’s having a good tournament so far and getting back to his best.”

Nicholson admitted: “The week as a whole has been good but tonight didn’t go to plan, unfortunately it wasn’t my time.

“I still enjoyed the game and I’ve learned a lot this week, which I can take on now to the Players Championship Finals and World Championship next month.”
Semi-Finals
Sunday November 20 (2.30pm)
Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis
Mark Walsh v Gary Anderson
Best of 31 legs

Final
Sunday November 20 (8pm)

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Taylor and Nicholson both produced top-drawer performances to win through to the last eight at the Wolves Civic on Friday night, where they were joined by World Champions Adrian Lewis and Mark Webster.

Taylor defeated Wes Newton 10-3 in their clash, hitting the highest average in the history of the Grand Slam of Darts at 112.37 as he blew the UK Open finalist away.

Taylor hit two 11-dart finishes and a 116 finish in powering into the quarter-finals for the fifth successive year in Wolverhampton.

“It’s a brilliant win for me but I didn’t expect the score to be so comfortable,” said Taylor. “Wes usually starts really well against me and I thought this would be the same, and when I went 4-0 up I suddenly got really nervous.

“I calmed down again and am pleased with how I played. It will be a cracking quarter-final against Paul Nicholson, because he’s playing well and we’ll both be up for it.

“Paul’s a great character, I like him and he’s great for the game.”

Nicholson showed his class with a fine comeback against Steve Beaton, who led 6-3 before the Geordie hit back with six successive legs before sealing victory.

“I’m chuffed to be through,” said Nicholson. “It was a very hard game but it was what I expected because Steve’s a fine player and he brought the best out of me with his performance.

“I keep doing it the hard way but I showed that I’ve got a lot of fight in me and I love these games.”

Mark Webster was another player to battle from behind before winning his all-Welsh clash with Martin Phillips 10-8.

Phillips enjoyed leads of 3-0 and 8-5 before Webster found top gear to win five successive legs and win through to the quarters.

“I probably got out of jail there but I’m really glad to get through,” said Webster. “It was a battle and I was relieved to get the game over.

“If you want to win a tournament you have to win ugly sometimes and I did that. I missed too many doubles but they were on the wires and there’s not too much I need to change.”

Reigning PDC World Champion Adrian Lewis, meanwhile, held off John Part’s fightback to take a 10-8 win in their battle.

Lewis hit a 109 finish and two 13-darters in taking a 9-3 lead before the Canadian, a three-time World Champion, won five straight legs to threaten a miracle comeback, only for the Stoke ace to land double 12 for victory.

“I took my foot off the gas when I got to 9-3 and I got away with it in the end,” admitted Lewis.

“I’m still learning and to be honest at 9-3 I should have finished John off, but he showed why he is three-time World Champion. I knew I had one more good leg in me and fortunately it came out.”

Saturday’s afternoon session features the first two quarter-finals, as two-time World Champion Ted Hankey meets Mark Walsh and Gary Anderson takes on 2008 runner-up Terry Jenkins.

William Hill Grand Slam of Darts
Second Round
Friday November 18
Paul Nicholson 10-8 Steve Beaton
Mark Webster 10-8 Martin Phillips
Phil Taylor 10-3 Wes Newton
Adrian Lewis 10-8 John Part

Quarter-Finals
Saturday November 19
Afternoon Session (2pm)
Ted Hankey v Mark Walsh
Gary Anderson v Terry Jenkins

Evening Session (7pm)
Mark Webster v Adrian Lewis
Phil Taylor v Paul Nicholson
Best of 31 legs

PAUL NICHOLSON 10-8 STEVE BEATON
PAUL NICHOLSON staged a superb fightback to win through to his first William Hill Grand Slam of Darts quarter-final with a 10-8 triumph over Steve Beaton.

The Geordie’s progression at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall continued with a gutsy display as he hit back from 2-0 and 6-3 down to see off Beaton.

The former World Champion dominated the first half of the contest, which included a brilliant 141 checkout, but could not stop a surge from Nicholson, who took six successive legs to set up the victory.

Beaton opened the game with a 14-dart finish and took out 80 to break in the second leg, after Nicholson had missed four darts to level.

Nicholson posted double eight to get off the mark in leg three, and squared the game on double ten before Beaton won the next on double five.

Nicholson finished 76 for the sixth leg before Beaton took the next three to pull clear, sparking the run with a 141 checkout of treble 17, bull and double top before he also finished 63 to break and double nine in moving 6-3 up.

The run was ended in the tenth leg as Nicholson finished a key 82 on tops with Beaton waiting on 40 as he cut the gap to 6-4, and when the 47-year-old missed two darts at double 11 in the next he pulled back further by finishing double four.

The duo traded 180s in the next before Nicholson took out 88 for a 12-darter to square the match, and double 16 for a fourth successive leg put him ahead for the first time in the contest.

Nicholson posted his second 180 of the game in the next to leave eight, and stepped in to hit double four after Beaton missed two darts at double 12, before a fine 121 checkout saw him pull away at 9-6.

Beaton kept the game alive by winning the next leg in 13 darts, setting up double top with a 165 score before hitting a 180 and double five to reduce the gap to one leg.

Nicholson, though, opened the 18th leg with his third maximum of the game, and took out double eight for a 14-darter to secure his last eight spot.

“I’m chuffed to be through,” said Nicholson. “It was a very hard game but it was what I expected because Steve’s a fine player and he brought the best out of me with his performance.

“The 82 I hit in the tenth leg was enormous, probably as big as my 144 against Magnus Caris in the group stage, because if he had gone 7-3 up I probably wouldn’t have been able to get back from that against a player of Steve’s class.

“I keep doing it the hard way but I showed that I’ve got a lot of fight in me and I love these games.”

MARK WEBSTER 10-8 MARTIN PHILLIPS
MARK WEBSTER won five legs without reply to take a 10-8 victory over Martin Phillips in their all-Welsh second round clash at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

The left-handers produced another exciting contest at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall, with Phillips taking leads of 3-0 and 8-5 before Webster hit his straps late on to move into the quarter-finals.

Phillips capitalised when Webster started slowly, perhaps showing nerves against his former mentor on the Welsh scene from Webster’s early days in the sport.

Double top gave Phillips the opening leg before broke on double nine and took out 84 on the bull to lead 3-0.

Webster got off the mark in the third, hitting a 180 and finishing 81 for a 12-dart leg before posting tops to win a second leg and checking out 58 to level.

Phillips took out tops to win the seventh, and stole the eighth for a 5-3 lead when Webster hit two 180s but missed double 12 and his opponent finished 100 with two double tops.

Double 11 saw Webster break back, and he levelled on double five before being punished for misses as Phillips edged the next three legs to lead once more, moving 8-5 up.

Webster, though, stopped the rot in the 14th leg by hitting a 180 and double ten after Phillips missed the bull for a 161 finish, and when he landed double six in the next to reduce the gap to 8-7 the comeback was alive.

Webster hit his fifth maximum and double ten to level before landing the same bed to move 9-8 up and lead for the first time, before tops for a 15-darter saw him complete the triumph.

“I probably got out of jail there but I’m really glad to get through,” said Webster. “It was a battle and I was relieved to get the game over.

“If you want to win a tournament you have to win ugly sometimes and I did that. I missed too many doubles but they were on the wires and there’s not too much I need to change.

“I’m looking forward to the quarter-finals and it’s good to be in the last eight again, because I’m doing that consistently now in the majors.”

PHIL TAYLOR 10-3 WES NEWTON
PHIL TAYLOR stormed into the quarter-finals of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a sensational display to defeat Wes Newton 10-3, averaging 112.37 in the process.

Taylor produced the best individual performance of the tournament so far, being matched for 180s by Newton as the pair shared eight but finishing 71 percent of his 14 chances at a double and ending the game with his highest ever Grand Slam match average.

The average also eclipsed James Wade’s 111.03 which he hit during the 2008 tournament against Denis Ovens as Taylor set up a tantalising clash with Paul Nicholson on Saturday night.

Taylor looked in top form from the start, hitting a 180 with his second throw and taking the opening leg with a 96 finish for an 11-darter.

He finished 65 on tops for the second leg and double ten to win the third against the throw in 12 darts before landing a 116 checkout to move four legs clear.

Taylor was also waiting on a finish in the fifth, but Newton posted a 180 and double top to get off the mark.

The pair traded 14-darters in the next two legs before Taylor finished double 12 for a 13-dart finish as he moved 6-2 up and edged towards the win.

Newton replied with a third maximum and double 16 to win his third leg of the game in the ninth, but Taylor restored his advantage with double 16 for another 13-darter to lead 7-3.

He finished 50 to win the next and an 11-darter – his second of the contest, despite a 180 from Newton – moved Taylor to the brink of victory which he sealed in 14 darts in the next leg.

“It’s a brilliant win for me but I didn’t expect the score to be so comfortable,” said Taylor. “Wes usually starts really well against me and I thought this would be the same, and when I went 4-0 up I suddenly got really nervous.

“I calmed down again and am pleased with how I played. It will be a cracking quarter-final against Paul Nicholson, because he’s playing well and we’ll both be up for it.

“Paul’s a great character, I like him and he’s great for the game.”

ADRIAN LEWIS 10-8 JOHN PART
ADRIAN LEWIS held off a thrilling fightback from John Part to win through to the quarter-finals of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts for the first time with a 10-8 victory.

The reigning PDC World Champion looked set to cruise into the last eight when he took a 9-3 lead, only for the Canadian great to battle back with five successive legs in pulling back to within a leg.

Lewis will now take on former Lakeside Champion Mark Webster in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening, and admitted: “I took my foot off the gas when I got to 9-3 and I got away with it in the end.

“I’m still learning and to be honest at 9-3 I should have finished John off, but he showed why he is three-time World Champion. I knew I had one more good leg in me and fortunately it came out.”

Lewis made a fine start with a 13-dart finish and also broke in the second leg before posting double five for a 3-0 lead.

Part took out 104 in the fourth to win his first leg, but paid for missed doubles in the next as Lewis hit back to finish double ten with his third dart for a 4-1 advantage at the first break.

Lewis then finished 109 and 72 to win the next two legs – with the latter coming despite Part hitting two 180s – before the Canadian took the eighth to pull back to 6-2.

Lewis edged towards victory by winning three of the next four legs courtesy of two 14-darters and a 13-dart finish, with Part hitting a 180 and a 96 checkout in reply.

Double ten from Part saw him begin his fightback in pulling back to 9-4, and when he landed double 16 and tops Lewis began to show his nerves.

Part took out double 17 to pull back to 9-7, and when Lewis was unable to convert a chance at tops the Canadian reduced the gap to one leg courtesy of double seven.

Lewis, though, hit four scores of 100 or more to edge away in the 18th leg, and finished double 12 with his third dart to end a dramatic contest.

“It’s frustrating for me because I never got into my rhythm but I didn’t give up,” said Part. “I was determined to play like a World Champion and I fought all the way.

“It was almost a miracle story and I got close to Adrian – but not close enough.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

On paper the game of the night looked to be James Wade v Gary Anderson, notwithstanding The Flying Scotsman’s recent comments of course. However, surprisingly, or not? It was the two games featuring BDO v PDC that offered the closest scoreline, drama and overall entertainment.

Dean Winstanley (9) v (10) Mark Walsh

The only thing predictable in this clash was the winners surname would begin with W. Having no previous head to head form to go on, and nothing significantly separating their tournament stats.

Walsh took first blood, however the Yorkshireman quickly took the next 3 legs giving himself a 2 leg buffer with a 92 finish on the bull and sitting on a 107 average. Walsh though, with 83% checkout success including finishes of 138, 98, 60 and 82 regained the advantage at 5-3. The following two legs were shared meaning that Special Brew entered the break 6-4 ahead, despite Winstanley maintaining a 100+ average.

Following the  interval Walsh started where he left off, taking the first leg. Some tit for tat then ensued with Winstanley matching Walsh’s earlier feat with his own 138 outshot, taking the score to 8-6 in Walsh’s favour. He then proceeded to throw 6 perfect darts, however the 7th fell below the wire of the treble 20, nevertheless he went on to win the leg reducing the arrears to just 1.

Narrowly missing a 170 checkout to level the match,Winstanley took out the 25 on his next visit, hit his 5th match 180 in taking the 17th leg, to move ahead, but despite attempts at the winning double the Lakeside finalist couldn’t close out the match as Walsh drew level.

In the deciding leg, with Walsh sat on 36, Winstanley (requiring 100) found the lipstick with his first dart but missed two attempts at tops. Walsh cool as you like took out the double 18 with his second dart, and for the first time emotion was clear to see on his face.

Winstanley will take no shame in pushing the PDC star to a final leg thriller and achieving a 104.55 average, the key factor being Walsh despite a lower 98.32 average, had 53% checkout success when compared to the 38% of the Yorkshireman.

In his post match interview Walsh declared it “was a superb game that no-one would want to lose, I’m just glad Dean missed tops”…I know I can win any tournament if I put my mind to it”.

Winstanley was quick to dismiss any suggestions of disappointment “I feel privileged …..I’m happy that my name will go out now”.

Michael van Gerwen (9) v (10) Ted Hankey

Van Gerwen raced into a 2-0 lead  leaving an angry looking Hankey in his wake, and less than impressed at the young Dutchman’s checkout celebrations.  13 was lucky for The Count though as he took out 26 to get a leg on the board. Double tops facilitated his second leg, and he maintained the run taking the upperhand at 3-2 going into the break.

Mighty Mike soon put the brakes on Hankey’s charge to square the match, and breaking The Count with a 12 dart leg in the next. A 108 checkout then extended his lead to 5-3. Hankey took the next but the former World Masters Champion reaffirmed his advantage of 2 legs as he entered the second break at 6-4.

At 7-5 the crowd could be heard shouting ‘super, super Ted’ more proof that the Wolverhampton spectators are warming to The Count, which perhaps spurred him on to take the leg to go within one leg of van Gerwen. At 7-6 the pressure was obvious as both players missed several doubles, Hankey eventually winning the leg on madhouse to draw level. A 78 outshot on double 12, gave Hankey the lead at a key stage in the match, only for van Gerwen to hit back to take the next. A 180, backed with a 140 helped The Count to take the 17th leg and move within 1 leg of the winning line, but the Dutchman had other ideas and forced the decider.

Hankey suffered 2 bounceouts in the ultimate leg, but van Gerwen couldn’t capitalise on The Counts misfortune, with some poor scoring and a bounceout of his own.

Hankey though, remained calm and  showed why he is a two times World Champion as took out a match winning 100 checkout with van Gerwen requiring 84. The Count acknowledging after that “I scraped through, Michael played really well, its funny that the crowd started shouting for me”.

Gary Anderson (10) v (3) James Wade

James Wade took first blood with a 122 finish, and raced into a 2-0 lead. However, Anderson despite openly admitting earlier in the week that he is struggling with life on and off the board rattled off the next 5 legs to move into a comfortable position. 7 perfect darts helped the Flying Scotsman take the 8th leg leaving a bewildered Wade shaking his head.

The Machine managed to secure what would be his last winning leg to go 7-3 into the break, on their return Anderson stormed into a 9-3 lead as his average peaked at 102.00 with 60% checkout success. With no way back for Wade, Anderson made no mistake in quickly finishing the game and breaking the trend of the evening’s last leg shootouts. Final stats for the Scotsman being 100.45 ave, 8 x 180′s and 56% checkout success.

When asked to reflect on his performance Anderson response was “at 3-2 I thought I had a chance so I just chucked away.. Its never easy and there are better players coming through all the time”.

Terry Jenkins (10) v (8) Wayne Jones

With their head to head record standing at 11-5 in Wayne Jones favour, the final game of the night saw the local star make early progress to go 2-0 in front. At 4-2 ahead Jones was looking impressive with a 122 highest checkout and 67% success on doubles. The next four legs were shared though as the Bull threatened to make a game of it.

Jones managed to keep the raging bull at arms length maintaining a 2 leg advantage, eventually though The Wanderers missed doubles allowed Jenkins back in as he drew level at 8-8, and then took the lead at 9-8. In what was to be the final leg of the night, Jenkins made no mistake in taking his opportunity of hitting the match winning double and progress to a quarter final place after Jones throwing under the pressure of keeping his Grand Slam dream alive, had missed double 16 to take out 104.

Please find a full roundup from the PDC below……..

TED HANKEY’S love affair with the Wolverhampton Civic crowd continued on Thursday night as he won through to the quarter-finals of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts, and he was joined by Terry Jenkins, Gary Anderson and Mark Walsh in progressing to the last eight.

Two-time World Champion Hankey had struggled to win over the Wolves Civic crowd in his first two years at the Grand Slam, but was left saluting over 1,000 fans who were singing his name following a thrilling 10-9 win over Michael van Gerwen.

In a see-saw contest, van Gerwen led 2-0 and 7-5 only to see Hankey peg him back to lead 9-8 – and although the young Dutchman forced a deciding leg it was the Telford ace who finished 100 in two darts to take victory.

Hankey now plays Mark Walsh in Saturday afternoon’s quarter-finals, and admitted: “I’ve had a bit of a rough time with the crowd in previous years but it was superb to hear them singing “Super Ted” – in fact it was hard to concentrate!

“They created a great atmosphere and we both rose to that. Michael played superbly but he gave me a couple of chances and I took them.”

Walsh was another 10-9 winner after edging out Dean Winstanley in the match of the tournament so far, with the Yorkshireman averaging over 104 in a top-quality performance but missing five match darts in a dramatic ending.

“That was a great game to be involved in, a real rollercoaster,” said Walsh. “It seems like I’m trying to entertain the crowd with close games but I don’t mean to! I never gave up and it paid off.”

Gary Anderson came from 2-0 down to defeat 2010 runner-up James Wade 10-3 with a scintillating performance, hitting nine 180s in powering through to his fourth quarter-final in the event’s five years.

“My form’s building gradually and I’m getting closer to my best,” said Anderson. “I’m improving and my scoring was great in this game, but if I can hit my doubles I could be a danger!”

Anderson will take on Terry Jenkins on Saturday, after the 2008 runner-up maintained his ever-present record in the last eight in Wolverhampton with a 10-8 defeat of home hope Wayne Jones.

Jones led 3-0 and 8-6 before Jenkins took the next four legs without reply to move into the quarter-finals.

“Wayne didn’t miss a lot in the first few legs and got an edge on me, but I broke him at the right time,” said Jenkins.

“I’m chuffed to be in the quarter-finals again and I’ll look forward to having a good game with him on Saturday because Gary’s a great player.”

The second round continues with the final four games on Friday night, including three-time Grand Slam winner Phil Taylor against Wes Newton and the high-profile clash between World Champions Adrian Lewis and John Part.

Paul Nicholson’s game with Steve Beaton opens the night, with Mark Webster then meeting Martin Phillips in a meeting of two Welsh left-handers.

William Hill Grand Slam of Darts
Second Round
Thursday November 17
Dean Winstanley 9-10 Mark Walsh
Michael van Gerwen 9-10 Ted Hankey
Gary Anderson 10-3 James Wade
Terry Jenkins 10-8 Wayne Jones

Friday November 18 (7pm)
Paul Nicholson v Steve Beaton
Mark Webster v Martin Phillips
Phil Taylor v Wes Newton
Adrian Lewis v John Part
Best of 19 legs

MARK WALSH 10-9 DEAN WINSTANLEY
MARK WALSH edged out Dean Winstanley in a thrilling deciding leg to win through to the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals with a 10-9 triumph.

The debutant pair produced the game of the tournament so far in a high-quality contest, with Walsh coming from 3-1 down to lead 6-3 at one stage.

Winstanley – who ended the game with an average of 104.55 – battled back to lead 9-8 but missed five darts at doubles to win the remaining two legs as Walsh firstly forced a decider before edging to victory.

After Walsh had won the game’s opening leg, Winstanley took the next three by finishing double top, hitting an 11-darter which featured a 177 and an 87 checkout to break and a 92 bull finish to lead 3-1.

Winstanley also landed a 180 in the fifth leg, but missed two darts at tops for a fourth successive leg and Walsh powered in a 138 checkout to begin his resurgence.

The former UK Open finalist then finished 96, 60 and 82 – on the bull – to lead 5-3 and saw double ten push him three legs clear with five in a row.

He also missed double 12 in the tenth as Winstanley hit back on double ten, and after Walsh posted tops to lead 7-4 the duo traded double 12 finishes before the Lakeside Championship finalist sparked his own revival with a 138 checkout, the second of the match.

He then landed six perfect darts with back-to-back maximums in the 15th, which he won in 13 darts before levelling the game at eight-all on double eight.

The pair traded maximums in the next as Winstanley wrestled back the lead on double top for a 12-darter, moving a leg away from victory at 9-8.

However, he missed the bull for a 130 checkout and two further match darts as Walsh took out double ten to level and send the match into a final-leg decider.

The pair traded 140s with their opening visit before Winstanley landed a 180, but he would see two darts at double top land on the wire to allow Walsh in, and he posted double 18 to win a superb contest.

“That was a great game to be involved in, a real rollercoaster,” said Walsh. “The five legs I took in a row turned the game at the time but I made it hard work for myself after that.

“It seems like I’m trying to entertain the crowd with close games but I don’t mean to! I never gave up and it paid off.”

Winstanley had overcome World Champions Ted Hankey and Raymond van Barneveld during the group stage, and admitted: “It’s been my first time in the Grand Slam of Darts and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“It was a brilliant match with Mark and I’m as proud as punch to have played so well. The average was fantastic but that doesn’t win you the game, and unfortunately I missed my chance and Mark took his at the end.”

TED HANKEY 10-9 MICHAEL VAN GERWEN
TED HANKEY won through a see-saw battle with Michael van Gerwen to reach the quarter-finals of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a dramatic 10-9 victory.

The young Dutchman looked set to cause an upset when he took leads of 2-0 and 7-5 against the two-time Lakeside Champion, but Hankey produced some fine darts to hit back and lead 9-8.

Van Gerwen forced a decider with a 13-dart finish, but was unable to break in the final leg before Hankey took out 100 in two darts for a famous win.

Hankey now plays Mark Walsh in Saturday’s quarter-finals, having turned around the Wolverhampton Civic Hall crowd to end the contest hearing his name cheered following a fine contest.

“I’ve had a bit of a rough time with the crowd in previous years but it was superb to hear them singing “Super Ted” – in fact it was hard to concentrate!” said Hankey.

“They created a great atmosphere and we both rose to that. Michael played superbly but he gave me a couple of chances and I took them. I didn’t start well but it came together in the end.”

Van Gerwen made a superb start to win the opening leg against the throw with a 13-darter – setting up double 16 with a 177 score – and then doubled his lead with a 76 checkout despite a 180 from Hankey.

Hankey got off the mark in the third with a 14-dart checkout, and punished three missed doubles from van Gerwen to level before posting double five for a 3-2 lead.

Van Gerwen levelled on double top and then finished 81 to break in 12 darts and 108 to move 5-3 up.

Hankey landed a 180 and took out 84 for a 12-darter in reply, but van Gerwen won two of the next three on double top to lead 7-5.

The Telford-based star finished 80 to take the 13th leg, and levelled the game in a dramatic next leg, with van Gerwen missing the bull, two darts at double eight and one dart at double four before Hankey posted double one to square the contest.

Hankey then checked out 78 for a 14-darter to regain the lead, only to narrowly miss the bull in the next as van Gerwen took out double nine to pull back to eight-all.

Hankey hit hit fifth 180 of the match in another 14-darter as he pushed one leg away from victory, but van Gerwen responded in style to win the 18th in 13 darts to force a deciding leg.

The Dutchman held the early advantage as Hankey suffered two bounce-outs, but van Gerwen saw his opening dart for a 164 finish suffer the same fate to allow his opponent in on 100, and Hankey made no mistake with a two-darter for victory and a quarter-final place against Mark Walsh.

“Saturday will be a different game against Mark,” added Hankey. “He’s a great player and the format’s a little bit longer again, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Van Gerwen admitted: “I missed too many doubles and gave too many legs away in the end. I’ve played well but I’m disappointed to lose this game.

“I’ll go away and build up now for the World Championship because I’m feeling good about my game at the moment.”

GARY ANDERSON 10-3 JAMES WADE
GARY ANDERSON powered into the quarter-finals of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts, hitting nine 180s in a brilliant 10-3 defeat of 2010 runner-up James Wade.

Wade led 2-0 early on before the Scot turned on the style with a heavy-scoring display as he won ten of the next 11 legs to win through to the last eight once again in Wolverhampton.

He now plays Terry Jenkins on Saturday in a bid for a third semi-final in five years of the tournament, and said: “My form’s building gradually and I’m getting closer to my best.

“I’m improving and my scoring was great in this game, but if I can hit my doubles I could be a danger!”

The Scot opened slowly as Wade burst out of the blocks, hitting a 180 and winning the opening leg with a 122 checkout for a 12-darter and then finishing 76 to win the second.

He was left waiting on a two-dart finish in the third when Anderson landed double five to break, before the Premier League Darts champion took out 80 and double six to lead 3-2, hitting his first 180 of the game in leg five.

A second successive 14-darter moved him 4-2 up, and he took out double ten to win the seventh before kicking off the next with back-to-back 180s.

He also hit a seventh treble 20 only to see his dart at treble 19 miss, and although he missed the chance of a nine-darter he took the leg in 11 darts to move 6-2 up.

Anderson hit another 180, his sixth in five legs, before taking out 81 on double 13 to move five legs clear only for Wade to produce a sparkling 13-dart leg to end the Scot’s run of seven straight legs.

Anderson, though, regained his cushion in style by hitting another 180 and a 100 finish for a 12-darter which he bettered with another 11-dart leg in the next to move one away from victory at 9-3.

A ninth maximum of the game pushed him clear of Wade, who hit back with three tons but missed four darts at double 19 and Anderson hit double six to seal his quarter-final spot.

“The 180s really helped me and I was glad they came out,” added Anderson. “James is a class act but he didn’t quite show it tonight and I took advantage.”

TERRY JENKINS 10-8 WAYNE JONES
TERRY JENKINS won four successive legs to hit back from 8-6 down and win through to the last eight of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a 10-8 defeat of home favourite Wayne Jones.

Jenkins maintained his record of reaching at least the last eight in every year since the Grand Slam was introduced in 2007 with a gutsy display.

Jones led 3-0 before being pegged back, and restored his advantage to move within two legs of victory only to see the Ledbury ace reel off four superb legs to snatch a quarter-final spot.

Jones made an ideal start in front of his home crowd at the Wolves Civic, posting double 18 to break throw in the opening leg – punishing three misses from Jenkins – before landing a 13-darter to double his advantage.

He then finished 122 to move 3-0 up before Jenkins fired in a 180 and tops to get off the mark with a 13-dart finish in reply.

Another double top finish saw Jenkins tak the fith leg, and after Jones took out double seven to lead 4-2 it was the 2008 runner-up who took out 40 and 76 to square the game.

Jones hit 180s in winning legs of 14 and 13 darts to move 6-4 up, with Jenkins taking out 78 to hit back in the 11th only to see the home hope win the next with ease courtesy of an 81 checkout.

Double six saw Jenkins pull back to 7-5, but he was unable to take advantage when – after the pair traded 180s – Jones missed three doubles, seeing two darts of his own miss at double 19 to allow his opponent back in on double six to lead 8-6.

Another 13-dart finish from Jenkins saw him cut the gap to 8-7, and when Jones again faltered on double 12 and six he then hit double ten to level.

Double top pushed Jenkins 9-8 up after he had hit a fourth 180 of the contest, and he went on to secure the victory on tops after Jones was unable to close out a 104 finish.

“That was a battle,” said Jenkins. “Wayne’s the local chap and I knew it would be hard to play him, but I had to blank out the crowd and I managed to do that.

“Wayne didn’t miss a lot in the first few legs and got an edge on me, but I broke him at the right time.

“I’m chuffed to be in the quarter-finals again and I’ll look forward to having a good game with him on Saturday because Gary’s a great player.”

Jones admitted: “I’m disappointed. I hit too many 60 scores during the game and double 12 let me down a bit too, there were too many poor shots.

“Sometimes it doesn’t happen for you but it’s my own fault. I felt good but it didn’t happen for me and although the crowd were fabulous I wish I’d given them more to cheer.”

Photo credit – Lawrence Lustig

Taylor completed a clean sweep in Group E with a third successive victory, defeating King 5-3 to knock the Norfolk ace out of the tournament.

The three-time Grand Slam of Darts champion now face Wes Newton in the second round on Friday night, and is looking forward to an exciting contest at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

“I’m very pleased,” said Taylor. “Getting through the group stage unbeaten is the first goal and I’ve achieved that, and my performances have been getting better with each game.

“I’m feeling good and it’s going to be a cracking game against Wes on Friday because he’s had a great year.”

Steve Beaton joined Taylor in progressing to the last 16, with last year’s semi-finalist enjoying a 5-2 win over teenager James Hubbard in their final contest.

Beaton now meets Paul Nicholson in the last 16, following his narrow 5-4 defeat of Magnus Caris which denied the Swede a place in the second round and ensures that he tops Group F with a hat-trick of victories.

“I came out very motivated to win the group and, in the end, I did it the hard way,” said Nicholson. “It’s a memorable win for me because it my first time past the group stage but I’m determined to go much further.”

PDC World Champion Adrian Lewis was joined by Martin Phillips in qualifying from Group H, with the Stoke star defeating Vincent van der Voort 5-2 and the Welsh left-hander overcoming Co Stompe by the same scoreline.

“I’ve had my problems in the group stage before so I’m happy to have come through it and I think I can go on and have a good run now,” said Lewis.

“The format’s longer in the second round so you can settle down more but I’m scoring well and feeling confident.”

Lewis tops the group following a third straight victory, while Phillips avoided a repeat of his collapse against Stompe in the same situation last year when the Dutchman had come from 4-1 down to win – with the Lakeside Championship semi-finalist this time sealing victory and progression.

Three-time World Champion John Part set up a high-profile clash with Lewis on Friday when he defeated Arron Monk 5-3 to top Group G, with Mark Webster topping the group unbeaten following his win over Holland’s Jan Dekker by the same scoreline.

The second round begins on Thursday with the first four games, including 2010 runner-up James Wade against Gary Anderson and home favourite Wayne Jones up against 2008 finalist Terry Jenkins.

Two-time World Champion Ted Hankey meets Michael van Gerwen and debutants Dean Winstanley and Mark Walsh clash for a place in the quarter-finals.

William Hill Grand Slam of Darts
Wednesday November 16
Groups E-H Final Games
Adrian Lewis 5-2 Vincent van der Voort
Wes Newton 5-1 Barrie Bates
Steve Beaton 5-2 James Hubbard
John Part 5-3 Arron Monk
Co Stompe 2-5 Martin Phillips
Phil Taylor 5-3 Mervyn King
Mark Webster 5-3 Jan Dekker
Paul Nicholson 5-4 Magnus Caris

Second Round
Thursday November 17 (7pm)
Dean Winstanley v Mark Walsh
Michael van Gerwen v Ted Hankey
Gary Anderson v James Wade
Terry Jenkins v Wayne Jones

Friday November 18 (7pm)
Paul Nicholson v Steve Beaton
Mark Webster v Martin Phillips
Phil Taylor v Wes Newton
Adrian Lewis v John Part
Best of 19 Legs

ADRIAN LEWIS 5-2 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
ADRIAN LEWIS moved into the last 16 of the Grand Slam of Darts with a quick-fire 13 minute victory over Vincent van der Voort.

Lewis, who has struggled in this competition on four previous visits, finished top of Group H with three straight victories following a 5-2 success against the Dutchman.

Van der Voort hit a 180 in the first leg but Lewis converted a 14-dart finish to lead before the Dutchman landed double one to level.

Lewis hit double 19 to win the third after van der Voort had missed a dart at tops, and the World Champion then moved 3-1 up by landing double five.

The Stoke star then hit a fabulous 11-darter to take the fifth leg, which included two maximums, but he missed three chances to win the match in the next and van der Voort hit double eight with his last dart.

Lewis wasted more chances to take the match in the next leg, but van der Voort could not capitalise and Lewis returned to hit double two and seal a third straight win.

“It was difficult to motivate myself for tonight’s game as there was nothing riding on it,” admitted Lewis.

“It’s important to keep a positive mentality though, and that’s what I’m doing. I’m very confident to have a good run here and my form is good – I’m scoring well.”

WES NEWTON 5-1 BARRIE BATES
WES NEWTON confirmed his spot in the knockout phase of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts at the Wolverhampton Civic with a 5-1 triumph over Barrie Bates.

The UK Open finalist had never won past the group stage in Wolverhampton previously, but ended the night second in Group F to progress to a date with Phil Taylor on Friday.

The Fleetwood ace hit a 13-darter to take the first leg of the match before Bates, who has struggled for form in Wolverhampton, landed double 16 to win the second.

Newton held throw to lead for the second time and then landed double 12 to win the fourth against the darts and lead 3-1.

The UK Open finalist was clinical in winning the fifth leg as he hit a two-dart 100 finish to move three legs clear before posting his second 180 of the game, only to miss three match darts.

The Welshman, however, could not make Newton pay as his attempt at bullseye was just off-target and the Fleetwood thrower hit double four to end the match.

“I’ve never managed to make to the last 16 in my two previous visits here, so I’m pleased to do it this time,” said Newton.

“I’m not hitting the heights yet but I’m still in it and I have a chance to make an impact.”

STEVE BEATON 5-2 JAMES HUBBARD
STEVE BEATON won his final Group E game at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-2 victory against James Hubbard to earn a second win of the group stage and progression to the last 16.

His win, coupled with Phil Taylor’s later victory against Mervyn King, confirmed that Beaton would qualify for the second round, where he meets Paul Nicholson on Friday.

Last year’s semi-finalist broke throw by hitting double ten with his third dart to win the opening leg but Hubbard won the second after Beaton was guilty of missing four darts at doubles for a 2-0 lead.

The former World Champion put those errors behind as he regained the lead with an excellent 130 checkout, on the bullseye, and he took the fourth for a 3-1 lead after PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship finalist Hubbard missed four chances to level.

Beaton hit a 180 in the process of the winning to fifth leg to move within touching distance of victory, but the 19-year-old showed his class to hit double nine with his third dart to keep the match alive.

Hubbard had the advantage of throw in the seventh, but one dart missed at tops proved costly as Beaton stepped up to land double 16 and end the newcomer’s campaign.

“I knew it was going to be tough against James tonight,” admitted Beaton. “It’s his first televised experience and he impressed a lot. The last few days will give him valuable experience for the future.

“I had a fantastic run here last year which included victories over Ted Hankey and Phil Taylor. I would love to do something similar again this year.”

Hubbard, who takes on Michael van Gerwen in the World Youth Championship final next May, admitted: “I felt more comfortable on stage against Steve and the three matches have been a great experience for me.

“I’m looking forward to turning professional next year and going on from here, because this has been a fantastic week.”

JOHN PART 5-3 ARRON MONK
JOHN PART secured a vital 5-3 victory against Arron Monk in the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts at the Wolverhampton Civic as he ensured progression to the last 16.

The Canadian found himself 2-1 down to the youngster but won three legs on the spin to gain control and go on to claim the two points, leaving Monk winless in six attempts in Wolverhampton over the past two year.

Part won the first leg on double one after missing several earlier opportunities before Monk – cheered on by father Colin, a veteran professional, managed to level on double ten with his third dart after the three-time World Champion missed two chances to take a 2-0 lead.

The third dart came to the 21-year-old’s aid again the third leg as hit double top to lead the match for the first time.

Part hit back to level the score at 2-2 with a clinical 103 finish and then took the fifth against the darts to lead for the second time.

Part took his third leg in a row by hitting double eight, but Monk won the seventh leg by hitting the same bed to reduce the deficit to 4-3.

The eighth saw Part miss a dart at double 16 to take the match but the Under-21 World Champion could not convert 120 to set-up a deciding leg as his attempt at double top fell below the target and the Canadian returned to the oche to hit double eight and record his second win in Group G.

“I threw some impressive darts from 2-1 down to get the lead back and that’s a good sign,” said Part. “Arron is an excellent player and I was prepared to work hard to get the win tonight.”

MARTIN PHILLIPS 5-2 CO STOMPE
MARTIN PHILLIPS produced a clinical display to knock Co Stompe out of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts and advance to the last 16 of the competition for the first time.

Last year in Wolverhampton, the Welshman was knocked out by the Dutchman in a thrilling deciding-leg contest, but the roles were reversed this time around as he moved into round two.

“When I was 4-1 up and Co started to fire again I thought that history was going to repeat itself,” admitted Phillips, who had allowed the same lead to slip 12 months ago.

“It’s great to be through and I will just keep doing what I’ve done so far and we will see what happens.”

Stompe hit a 180 with his first three darts but failed to convert three darts at doubles and Phillips stepped in the hit double 16 at the first time of asking for the opening leg.

Phillips hit a maximum of his own in a 13-darter to take the second and the third soon followed with an accurate attempt at double four.

Stompe, who lost to Adrian Lewis in his previous Group H match, hit an impressive 116 finish to get on the scoreboard but Phillips finished double four again to restore his three-leg advantage.

Stompe kept the game alive with a 14-dart finish to win the sixth leg but Phillips ended the contest in the next with a superb 13-darter to remain in the tournament.

PHIL TAYLOR 5-3 MERVYN KING
PHIL TAYLOR secured his third straight Group E victory at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a hard-fought 5-3 victory against Mervyn King.

King was 2-1 ahead in the early stages of the contest, but Taylor regained control to top the group and eliminate his opponent in the process with the aid of a three-dart average of 100.93.

“That was a proper game of darts tonight,” said Taylor who is looking for his fourth Grand Slam title. “Mervyn played very well and produced some excellent darts, so it’s a great feeling to win the match.

“I’m getting better with each game and feeling confident going into the knockout games now.”

Taylor hit double ten to win the opening leg before King replied to take the second by taking out 68 in two darts.

King, who defeated James Hubbard in his second Group E match, hit double 16 at the first time of asking to break throw and establish a 2-1 lead – threatening the victory which could have knocked out the three-time winner.

Taylor, though, broke back immediately with an impressive 13-darter and then won his third leg of the match on double one which confirmed King’s elimination from the event.

King hit double eight to square the game at three apiece but Taylor won the seventh leg with his second 13-darter of the game to lead again.

King held the advantage of throw in the eighth but a 180 from Taylor took control of the leg and took out a 79 finish to win the match.

MARK WEBSTER 5-3 JAN DEKKER
MARK WEBSTER confirmed his position at the top of Group G in the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts courtesy of a 5-3 victory over Jan Dekker, ending the match with a three-dart average of 101.43 as he moved into the last 16.

Webster’s victory also meant that John Part advanced to the last 16 phase of the competition in Wolverhampton and denied the Dutch debutant progression.

Webster held throw to win the opening leg of the match before Dekker fired in a 180, followed by a 104 checkout, to level the game.

The former World Champion hit a 107 finish to lead again but was guilty of missing chances for a 3-1 lead, allowing the Dutch youngster to hold throw for a second time.

Webster was also guilty of missing doubles in the fifth leg as two attempts at double top were off-target, and Dekker hit double nine to lead for the first time.

The Welshman immediately hit back with a two-dart 88 finish and then finished double top at the first time of asking to lead 4-3.

The world number six powered to victory in the eighth leg with an 11-dart finish to win the match in style and end Dekker’s hopes of reaching the last 16.

“I didn’t know a great deal about Jan coming into the match and it was a really tough game in the end,” said Webster who now takes on fellow Welshman Martin Phillips for a place in the last eight.

“I had a tough time here 12 months ago, so to qualify by topping the group feels great and shows that I have come a long way in that time.”

PAUL NICHOLSON 5-4 MAGNUS CARIS
PAUL NICHOLSON came from 4-3 down to defeat Magnus Caris and confirm top place in Group F at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

The 2010 Players Championship Finals winner produced superb darts to win the final two legs of the contest and will now face Steve Beaton on Friday night for a place in the quarter-finals.

“I feel very relieved to have won that game”, admitted Nicholson, who qualifies for the knockout phase at the third time of asking.

“I came out tonight very motivated to top the group and in the end I had to do it the hard way. I will remember that 144 checkout in the eighth leg for a very long time.”

Nicholson won the first leg of the game by converting a 61 finish after Caris missed a dart at double top for an early break of throw.

The Swede, making his debut in this event, missed two more darts at doubles in the next leg allowing Nicholson to step in and take a 2-0 lead by landing double ten.

Nicholson hit his second 180 of the game in the next leg, but Caris won it by hitting double 16 and then won the fourth with a clinical two-dart 81 finish to level.

That left matters finely balanced at two-all, but Nicholson hit double top at the first time of asking to win his third leg of the match and confirm his place in the knockout phase.

Both players missed darts at the bull to win the sixth leg, which Caris took by hitting double eight before he posted tops in the next leg to lead the match for the first time.

The eighth leg saw Caris leave himself a two-dart finish for victory, but Nicholson hit a fantastic 144 checkout to force a deciding leg.

Nicholson produced some fabulous scoring in the final leg, which included a maximum, and hit double 16 to win an excellent match.

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

FINAL LEAGUE TABLES

Hankey entered his clash with fellow Stoke-born ace White knowing that the winner would progress to the second round from Group B alongside Dean Winstanley.

And Hankey responded in superb fashion with a 5-3 triumph which included a 161 checkout amongst two bullseye finishes as he averaged over 100 to move into the last 16, where he will play van Gerwen on Thursday night.

“Ian’s a great player and he played well but I was delighted with my finishing, which was brilliant,” said Hankey. “The 161 was sweet and the other bullseye was a big shot, and I felt great.

“I’m looking forward to playing Michael – it will be an interesting game because he’s playing very well this year.”

Van Gerwen won through another elimination clash against Tony O’Shea with a 5-2 victory, which the young Dutchman sealed with a superb 144 checkout.

He topped Group A on leg difference ahead of Mark Walsh, who had won his first two matches but lost to reigning champion Scott Waites as the Yorkshireman bowed out with a 5-2 triumph for his only win of the group phase.

“This is my fourth time in Wolverhampton and it’s the first time I’ve got past the group stages so it’s a big achievement – but I don’t want to stop here,” said van Gerwen. “I’m playing well and enjoying myself.”

There was drama in Group D as Terry Jenkins took a 5-3 win over James Wade to join the left-hander in qualifying at the expense of Justin Pipe.

Pipe went down 5-4 to Dave Chisnall in a dramatic deciding-leg clash, with the Taunton ace missing the single one which would have left him double eight for the match to allow his opponent in for victory on double ten.

Jenkins then took to the stage against Wade knowing that he had to take victory to knock Pipe out of the event.

Wade, who was already assured of a last 16 place, led 3-1 before Jenkins took three successive legs to move ahead and he then finished 100 with two double tops for a victory which saw him not only progress but take victory in Group D.

“Dave beating Justin earlier gave me the chance to concentrate on just trying to beat James and not think about other scorelines, and that definitely helped me,” said Jenkins.

“Since losing my opening game I’ve relaxed and played some good darts. The format’s longer in the secnod round and I’ll hope to do well.”

Premier League Darts champion Gary Anderson and Wolverhampton’s Wayne Jones won through from Group C, with the Scot taking a 5-1 victory in their meeting to deny Nigel Heydon and Brendan Dolan.

Heydon had defeated Anderson in Saturday’s opener but lost 5-3 to Dolan in their final game to see his hopes of a spot in the last 16 ended, with Anderson now facing Wade on Thursday and Jenkins meeting Jones.

The group stage concludes on Wednesday night when Groups E-H complete their round-robin contests.

Phil Taylor enters his clash with Mervyn King on the back of two victories in Group E, with Steve Beaton facing James Hubbard in their other game.

Group F sees Wes Newton play Barrie Bates and Paul Nicholson face Magnus Caris, while John Part takes on Arron Monk and Mark Webster meets Jan Dekker in Group G.

Adrian Lewis is guaranteed qualification from Group H ahead of his clash with Vincent van der Voort, while Co Stompe and Martin Phillips are battling to join him in the last 16.

William Hill Grand Slam of Darts
Tuesday November 15
Groups A-D Final Games
Raymond van Barneveld 2-5 Dean Winstanley
Scott Waites 5-2 Mark Walsh
Brendan Dolan 5-3 Nigel Heydon
Justin Pipe 4-5 Dave Chisnall
Tony O’Shea 2-5 Michael van Gerwen
James Wade 3-5 Terry Jenkins
Ted Hankey 5-2 Ian White
Gary Anderson 5-1 Wayne Jones

Groups A-D Final Tables

Wednesday November 16 (7pm) Groups E-H Final Games

Adrian Lewis v Vincent van der Voort
Wes Newton v Barrie Bates
Steve Beaton v James Hubbard
John Part v Arron Monk
Co Stompe v Martin Phillips
Phil Taylor v Mervyn King
Mark Webster v Jan Dekker
Paul Nicholson v Magnus Caris

Second Round

Thursday November 17 (7pm)
Dean Winstanley v Mark Walsh
Michael van Gerwen v Ted Hankey
Gary Anderson v James Wade
Terry Jenkins v Wayne Jones
Best of 19 legs

DEAN WINSTANLEY 5-2 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
DEAN WINSTANLEY secured a fabulous 5-2 victory against five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld to top Group B in the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with three straight wins and move into the knockout phase in style.

The Dutch star, who was a semi-finalist at Wolverhampton two years ago, leaves the competition without a victory to his name in the first time he has failed to win through the group stages.

Winstanley held throw with a clinical two-dart 97 to win a nerve-settling opening leg before van Barneveld hit double 16 to take the second.

Winstanley won the third with a two-dart 100 finish, but missed four chances to take a 3-1 lead and the Dutchman stepped in to level again.

The Lakeside Championship finalist hit back-to-back maximums in a 14-darter to gain a 3-2 lead and then broke his opponent’s throw by landing double top at the first attempt after van Barneveld missed four chances at double 16.

Winstanley hit a 180 in the next leg, and after van Barneveld was off-target with two darts at double 18, he returned to land double two and seal a third successive win.

“I’m so pleased to have done so well here so far,” said a delighted Winstanley, who now takes on Mark Walsh in the last 16.

“Coming to this tournament for the first time is a big thing for me and to get through like this is a dream. I’ll look forward to playing Mark now.”

SCOTT WAITES 5-2 MARK WALSH
REIGNING CHAMPION Scott Waites left the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a morale boosting 5-2 victory over Mark Walsh in their final Group A contest.

Waites produced the kind of form which saw him collect the £100,000 first prize 12 months ago, but defeats in his opening two contests meant that he was unable to qualify for the knockout phase despite this classy effort.

“I went out and enjoyed myself tonight and I think it showed in my performance,” said Waites. “I should really have won my match against Tony O’Shea on Sunday and that proved costly in the end.

“But I’ll move on from this now and come back to give it my best shot next year.”

Waites posted a maximum in the opening leg but Walsh hit an 82 finish, completed on double top, to take an early lead.

The defending champion hit double ten to level the match before Walsh landed back-to-back maximums to leave the possibility of a nine-dart finish in the third.

Walsh’s seventh attempt at a treble 20 was just above the target, but the leg was won in 11 darts as he took a 2-1 lead.

The excitement continued in the fourth as Waites hit consecutive 180s to leave himself a chance of the nine-dart finish, and also hit the seventh treble 20 only to see his eighth dart, at treble 19, land low of its target.

However, the Yorkshireman won the leg in 11 darts and then broke throw for a 3-2 lead by converting a 68 finish after Walsh was unusually off-target with two darts at his trademark double top.

Both players hit maximums in the seventh leg, but it was Waites who powered home to victory with his second 11-dart finish of the match.

BRENDAN DOLAN 5-3 NIGEL HEYDON
BRENDAN DOLAN bowed out of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a victory to his name after defeating Nigel Heydon 5-3 in their final Group C contest.

The defeat for Heydon and Gary Anderson’s victory over Wayne Jones later in the evening confirmed the 41-year-old’s exit from the tournament, despite his fine victory over the Scot on Saturday.

Dolan recorded his first win of the tournament, but it was not enough to threaten a place in the last 16 as he joined Heydon in exiting on his Grand Slam debut.

“I was playing for pride tonight and it was nice to leave with a win,” said the World Grand Prix finalist.

“I came to Wolverhampton with high hopes after my performance in Dublin last month, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.”

Dolan, who lost his opening two group games against Jones and Anderson, won the first leg in 14 darts on double 16.

The second saw Heydon miss a dart at double top and Dolan stepped in with a 65 finish to break throw.

The third leg also fell the way of the Northern Irishman to establish a 3-0 lead but Heydon managed to take the fourth, hitting a 180 in the process.

Dolan hit an excellent 101 checkout to restore his three leg advantage but Heydon took out 69 in the next to reduce the deficit to 4-2.

Heydon then broke throw in the seventh leg with a pressure 80 finish with his opponent waiting on a two-dart checkout to win the match.

The eighth leg proved to be a tight affair but Dolan held his nerve to hit double 18 at the first attempt to claim victory.

DAVE CHISNALL 5-4 JUSTIN PIPE
DAVE CHISNALL won a final-leg thriller against Justin Pipe at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton – a result which eventually meant both players exited the event.

Chisnall, who lost narrowly in his first two group games, was unable to qualify for the last 16 stages but took a dramatic deciding leg to leave the Wolverhampton Civic with a win.

The defeat for Pipe and Terry Jenkins’ superb victory over James Wade later in the evening confirmed that the man from Taunton also leaves the event, having blown a golden chance for victory in the ninth leg of a tight affair.

Pipe hit at two-dart 68 finish to take the first leg, with Chisnall waiting on tops, but the 2010 Lakeside Championsihp finalist levelled with an accomplished 14-darter, which included a maximum.

Pipe hit a 180 of his own to take a 2-1 lead with his second 14-dart finish of the game but Chisnall pegged back to win the fourth in the same manner.

The man from Taunton held throw for the third consecutive time to take the fifth leg, but Chisnall kept up with his opponent to take the next with a 78 checkout.

That left matters finely balanced at three-all, and in the seventh Chisnall had the opportunity to break throw for the first time in the match – only to miss six attempts at doubles.

However, Pipe was unable to accept the reprieve as he missed three darts for the leg and Chisnall landed double one to lead for the first time.

The eighth leg saw Pipe hit a maximum and, after Chisnall missed a dart at bullseye to win the match, he returned to the oche to hit double six and force a deciding leg.

The tension reached breaking point as Pipe was first to a finish when he left 17 after initially missing a 141 chance, but when attempting to hit the single one to leave double eight he managed to hit a single 20.

That allowed Chisnall the opportunity to snatch victory, which he duly did by hitting double ten with his third dart for a dramatic triumph.

“The atmosphere was incredible out there tonight and it’s a shame that this win came too late for me,” admitted Chisnall. “I’ve enjoyed the tournament and the results could have worked out differently on other nights.”

A disappointed Pipe said; “I knew what was at stake tonight and I desperately wanted to win tonight for all my supporters.

“If I had left myself the two darts at double eight the result could have been very different, but I’ll move on now and prepare for the Players Championship Finals and World Championship.”

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 5-2 TONY O’SHEA
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN produced an excellent display to defeat Tony O’Shea and claim top place in Group A at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

The Dutch star will now take on either Ted Hankey on Thursday evening for a place in the Quarter-Finals following a second superb win of the event, following up Saturday’s defeat of Scott Waites with another fine victory.

“I’m very happy with my performance tonight, especially in such a pressure game like this,” said a delighted van Gerwen, who had to defeat O’Shea to progress.

“This is my fourth time in Wolverhampton and it’s the first time I’ve managed to get through the group stages. Tonight’s win is a big achievement for me.”

Van Gerwen started the superbly by breaking throw with a 13-dart finish but O’Shea immediately hit back by winning the second, taking out 64.

O’Shea then took a 2-1 lead with a two-dart 61 finish but the Dutch youngster levelled the match at two all with a 14-darter to win the fourth leg.

O’Shea missed a dart at tops to move 3-2 ahead and van Gerwen took the fifth leg by hitting a 66 finish against the darts.

He then hit double top at the first time of asking to lead 4-2 before O’Shea opened the seventh with scores of 140, 140 and 180 to leave 41 after nine darts.

But the Stockport ace missed a total of six darts at doubles to win the leg and keep the match alive and that proved costly as van Gerwen hit a fabulous 144 checkout to win the match in great style.

TERRY JENKINS 5-3 JAMES WADE
TERRY JENKINS called on his reserves to defeat James Wade 5-3 and qualify for the knockout stages of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a fine display.

The 2008 runner-up had to defeat Wade to progress to the last 16 for the fifth successive year in Wolverhampton – but found himself 3-1 down to the UK Open champion and looked like going out of the competition.

But the world number ten put together a run of four successive legs to win the match and claim top place in Group D ahead of Wade – knocking out Justin Pipe in the process.

“Things have gone my way tonight, especially with Dave beating Justin in that tight game earlier,” admitted Jenkins.

“That gave me the chance to concentrate on just trying to beat James and not think about scorelines which definitely helped. I’ve relaxed since losing my first game on Saturday and it showed.”

Jenkins managed to hold throw by hitting double top at the first of asking to win the first leg before Wade replied by landing double ten after Jenkins missed a dart at double 16 for a 2-0 lead.

Wade won the third against the darts with a two-dart 68 finish and then took the fourth on double five with his third dart after Jenkins missed a dart at bullseye for a 161 checkout.

Jenkins stopped Wade’s run of winning legs by hitting double top at the first attempt to take the fifth and then repeated the trick to win the next and level at three legs apiece.

The seventh leg saw Wade miss double ten for a 128 checkout and Jenkins hit tops for the third leg on the spin to regain the lead at a vital time.

Both players hit maximums in the eighth leg before Wade missed a dart at bullseye, and Jenkins followed up a 180 by hitting a 100 finish courtesy of two double tops to seal the match in amazing fashion.

TED HANKEY 5-2 IAN WHITE
TED HANKEY produced a superb display to defeat Ian White 5-2 and seal a place in the second round of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Hankey ended the match with a three-dart average of over 100 to qualify for the knockout stages for the second successive year following his winner-progresses contest with White.

“I concentrated hard tonight as Ian was firing early on and I got the job done,” said Hankey, who will take on Michael van Gerwen in a mouth-watering encounter on Thursday evening.

“It’s going to be an interesting game against Michael. I beat him in a deciding leg in the group stage last year and I hope I can do it again.”

Hankey, who defeated Raymond van Barneveld in his previous group match, missed three darts to take the opening leg and White took the chance to take an early lead by hitting double top.

The two-time World Champion hit back in style with a 12-darter and then landed a tricky bullseye to convert a 90 finish to lead the match for the first time.

Hankey then hit the bull for a second successive leg to complete a fantastic 161 checkout in the fourth to move two legs clear.

White won the sixth leg with the aid of a maximum to keep the match alive before Hankey hit a 180 to start the seventh.

That put the Telford man in command and he went to land double 12 to complete a 13-dart finish and confirm his spot in the last 16.

GARY ANDERSON 5-1 WAYNE JONES
GARY ANDERSON sealed for qualification for the knockout phase of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 victory over local hero Wayne Jones, who also moves into the last 16.

Anderson came into the match uncertain of progressing, but made an excellent start and eased to victory to top Group D and set up an eye-catching clash against James Wade on Thursday evening.

Anderson won the opening leg of the game to by hitting double ten and he hit the same bed to take the second leg he needed to confirm qualification.

The third saw Jones miss a dart at double 16 and the Scotsman stepped in to hit double 18 and establish a 3-0 lead.

Jones managed to get on the scoreboard by hitting double nine with his third dart to win the fourth leg before Anderson restored his three-leg advantage to go one away from victory.

The Premier League Darts champion duly wrapped up the match in the sixth leg with a 15-darter to end the contest and ensure his spot in the second round.

“Wayne didn’t really turn up tonight and it gave me a fairly comfortable evening, which I wasn’t expecting,” admitted Anderson.

“After my loss to Nigel in my first match on Saturday night I felt certain that I was going out of the tournament early, but I’ve managed to get through.

“I play James in the next round and I’m going to have to play better than I have so far to beat a guy of his class, but it will be a great game.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

The three-time Grand Slam of Darts champion saw his reign in the tournament ended 12 months ago with a quarter-final defeat to Beaton.

However, he secured a second successive group stage win in this year’s event with a 5-3 victory over Beaton.

Beaton actually led 2-1 early on, finishing 120 to break throw in the third leg, but Taylor hit an 11-darter in hitting back to lead before finishing 107 for victory.

“Steve’s a great player and he really pushed me again tonight,” said Taylor. “He beat me here last year so I knew I had to be on my game tonight to get the result.

“It’s in my hands now to get through to the last 16 and I know I’ll have a tough game on my hands on Wednesday against Mervyn.

King defeated youngster James Hubbard 5-3 earlier on Monday night to join Beaton on two points in Group E, tension set to be high as they battle for spots in the second round.

Reigning champion Adrian Lewis powered through to the knockout stages, following up his narrow win over Martin Phillips on Sunday with a brilliant 5-1 defeat of Co Stompe, hitting five 180s and averaging 109.39 in the process.

Phillips’ 5-2 victory over Vincent van der Voort means that the Dutchman is now eliminated from the event and the Welsh left-hander meets Stompe on Wednesday in a shoot-out for a place in the second round.

Paul Nicholson remains unbeaten in Group F following a 5-4 win over Wes Newton, hitting five 180s in an impressive performance and sealing victory with a 13-dart finish to put move closer to a second round spot for the first time in the event.

Sweden’s Magnus Caris took a 5-1 win over Barrie Bates in the night’s other game to set up a tasty clash with Nicholson on Wednesday and leave Newton needing to defeat the Welshman to keep his hopes alive.

Group G also remains wide open, with Mark Webster remaining unbeaten following his 5-1 win over John Part and Holland’s Jan Dekker hitting five out of seven darts at a double in a 5-1 win over Arron Monk.

Webster faces Dekker in their final game, while Part plays Monk, although the Under-21 World Champion would need a heavy victory and a Webster win if he was to stand any chance of qualifying.

Groups A-D play their final first round games on Tuesday night, with only Dean Winstanley and Mark Walsh so far assured of a place in the last 16.

Stoke-born duo Ted Hankey and Ian White will do battle to join Winstanley in qualifying from Group B, while Tony O’Shea and Michael van Gerwen fight for the right to progress from Group A alongside Walsh, with reigning champion Scott Waites eliminated following two defeats.

The other two groups have plenty to play for, with unbeaten Wolverhampton favourite Wayne Jones meeting Gary Anderson and Nigel Heydon playing winless Brendan Dolan in Group C.

James Wade heads Group D on four points following two wins and meets Terry Jenkins, while Justin Pipe meets Dave Chisnall in their other game.

William Hill Grand Slam of Darts
Tuesday November 15
Groups E-H Second Games
Barrie Bates 1-5 Magnus Caris
Mervyn King 5-3 James Hubbard
Jan Dekker 5-1 Arron Monk
Vincent van der Voort 2-5 Martin Phillips
Mark Webster 5-1 John Part
Phil Taylor 5-3 Steve Beaton
Wes Newton 4-5 Paul Nicholson
Adrian Lewis 5-1 Co Stompe

Tuesday November 15 (7pm)
Groups A-D Final Games
Raymond van Barneveld v Dean Winstanley
Mark Walsh v Scott Waites
Brendan Dolan v Nigel Heydon
Justin Pipe v Dave Chisnall
Tony O’Shea v Michael van Gerwen
James Wade v Terry Jenkins
Ted Hankey v Ian White
Gary Anderson v Wayne Jones

Wednesday November 16 (7pm)
Groups E-H Final Games
Adrian Lewis v Vincent van der Voort
Wes Newton v Barrie Bates
Steve Beaton v James Hubbard
John Part v Arron Monk
Co Stompe v Martin Phillips
Phil Taylor v Mervyn King
Mark Webster v Jan Dekker
Paul Nicholson v Magnus Caris

Current Tables

MAGNUS CARIS 5-1 BARRIE BATES
MAGNUS CARIS managed to gain a vital two points with a 5-1 victory over Barrie Bates in the 2011 William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

The Swede put on an impressive display to defeat Bates, which has confirmed the Welshman’s elimination from the competition and leaves Caris to face Paul Nicholson on Wednesday.

Caris made an impressive start to the match by landing double seven to break and he then hit an 11-darter to lead 2-0.

The Swede should have taken the third leg but missed six darts at doubles and Bates stole it by hitting a 72 finish, completed on the bullseye.

Caris got back to winning ways by hitting a two-dart 80 finish to win the fourth leg and he landed a 177 in the process of taking the fifth to lead 4-1.

Caris, who lost to Wes Newton in his opening group match, missed six darts at double top to take victory, but landed the target at the seventh attempt to close out the match and keep his hopes of qualifying alive.

“It’s a very important win,” said Caris. “I feel I played well against Wes but I didn’t get the result, but this was good for me and I was relieved at the end.

“I feel confident and the others had better watch out! I’ve got one game to go now and I’m enjoying the tournament.”

MERVYN KING 5-3 JAMES HUBBARD
MERVYN KING was made to work hard before overcoming James Hubbard with a 5-3 victory in the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

King, who lost to Steve Beaton in his opening Group E clash, will take on Phil Taylor on Wednesday evening in his final round-robin contest.

“I’ve probably got to beat Phil on Wednesday to qualify and that’s going to be a big challenge,” said King. “My form over the last 12 months has been under-par but I’ll be giving it my best shot.”

King made an excellent start the game, hitting a 180 in the opening leg, followed by 101 checkout for a 12-dart finish to break throw.

But King failed to build on that advantage as he missed six darts at doubles and Hubbard nicked the second by landing double five with his last dart to level.

Hubbard then took out double top at the first time of asking to lead 2-1 but King hit a clinical 14-darter to square the match at two apiece.

King was guilty of missing six more darts to take the fifth and the youngster capitalised again by hitting double four to lead for a second time.

King pegged back by taking the sixth leg and then took the seventh to lead 4-3 with a 62 finish after Hubbard missed a dart at double top to take the leg himself.

The eighth leg saw King produce consistent high scoring and he converted a 62 finish for the third time in the contest to end Hubbard’s challenge.

JAN DEKKER 5-1 ARRON MONK
JAN DEKKER defeated Arron Monk at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with an impressive 5-1 victory to get his challenge back on track.

Monk, who lost in a thrilling deciding leg to Mark Webster in his opening match, was unable to find of the form of Sunday and the Lakeside Championship semi-finalist capitalised to take the two points.

Dekker, who had disappointed on his debut against John Part, held throw to take the opening leg then converted a 66 finish to double his lead after Monk missed two darts at double top.

Dekker won the third leg to establish a 3-0 lead before Monk got himself on the scoreboard with a 12-dart finish which included a maximum.

But the Dutch youngster got back to winning ways by taking the fifth leg with a 75 finish and sealed victory in style with an excellent 13-darter.

“I was pleased with the way I played,” said Dekker. “My finishing in particular was excellent and that got me the win.

“I’m enjoying my experience here in Wolverhampton and I’m confident ahead of my game against Mark Webster on Wednesday.”

MARTIN PHILLIPS 5-2 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
MARTIN PHILLIPS earned an excellent 5-2 victory against Vincent van der Voort to keep his alive of qualifying from Group H in the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

The Welshman won the opening leg before Van der Voort replied by hitting double ten to take the second.

Phillips then broke throw with a 62 finish in the next to take a 2-1 advantage and that soon became 3-1 when he took out 78.

Phillips took out 68 to win the fifth leg but missed two darts at double top to win the match in the next and the Dutchman landed double top to keep himself in the hunt.

But Phillips made no mistake in the seventh leg as he landed double nine to leave van der Voort with a mountain to climb to qualify for the knockout phase.

“I’ve beaten Vincent on the previous two occasions that we’ve played,” said Phillips. “My scoring wasn’t as good as it could have been but my finishing was clinical tonight.”

Phillips will now take on Co Stompe in his final group match added: “Co beat me 5-4 to qualify for the knockout stages last year, so I owe him one!”

MARK WEBSTER 5-1 JOHN PART
MARK WEBSTER continued to shine at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a convincing 5-1 victory over fellow World Champion John Part.

The Welshman is now in a commanding position to qualify for the knockout phases after two wins in Group G.

Webster came out of the blocks firing with a maximum with his first three darts and then broke Part’s broke with comfort to establish a 2-0 lead.

Webster then hit double top to take the third leg and should have won the fourth but missed four darts at doubles and Part landed double top with his last dart.

That only stemmed the tide for the Canadian as the Welsh ace restored his three leg advantage with a 15-darter and double four secured the victory.

“I scored well tonight and that put me in good positions,” said Webster. “I’ve had some heartbreak in this competition before so I know that the job of qualification hasn’t been achieved just yet.”

PHIL TAYLOR 5-3 STEVE BEATON
PHIL TAYLOR effectively confirmed his place in the last 16 of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts by claiming a tight 5-3 victory over Steve Beaton.

The match was finely balanced at three apiece before the world number one dug deep into his reserves to take the next two legs and a second straight victory.

Taylor opened the contest with a clinical two-dart 67 finish but Beaton replied to take the second on double ten after Taylor missed a dart at double 16.

Taylor missed double 16 again in third leg, and Beaton capitalised by hitting a 120 finish to lead 2-1 with a break of throw.

The three-time Grand Slam champion squared the game by landing double 16 in the fourth to break back before hitting back-to-back maximums in the fifth leg to set up a potential nine-darter.

The attempt at seventh treble 20 landed just above the wire, but the leg was won in 11 darts to put Taylor back into the lead.

Beaton, who defeated Taylor in the quarter-finals of last year’s competition, won the sixth leg on double ten but Taylor edged ahead again to lead 4-3.

The eighth leg saw Beaton hit his second 180 of the game, but he missed a dart at double top to force a decider and Taylor capitalised by converting a superb 107 checkout to win the match in style.

“Steve’s a great player and he really pushed me again tonight,” said Taylor. “He beat me here last year so I knew I had to be on my game tonight to get the result.”

PAUL NICHOLSON 5-4 WES NEWTON
PAUL NICHOLSON edged out Wes Newton 5-4 to win his second Group F game in the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

Nicholson hit five maximums during the contest and has put himself in an excellent position to qualify for the last 16 following a superb final leg, as he took victory with a 13-darter.

Newton missed a dart at double ten for an immediate break of throw in the opening leg, and Nicholson landed double eight for an early lead.

The Fleetwood ace won the second leg on double six and then broke throw to take the third after Nicholson was guilty of missing three darts at doubles.

Nicholson, who whitewashed Barrie Bates in his first Group F match, put those errors behind him and broke back immediately with a fabulous 11-darter which included two 180s.

Newton hit his second maximum of the match in the next, but missed a dart at double top and Nicholson stepped in with an excellent two-dart 100 to lead 3-2.

Newton stopped Nicholson’s winning run by winning the sixth leg on double eight but Nicholson regained the lead by landing double ten to move 4-3 up.

Both players fired in maximums in the eighth leg but Newton hit a 63 finish to set up a deciding leg showdown.

Nicholson had the advantage of throw and he hit another 180 to get to a finish first before posting double 16 at the first time of asking to end a tight contest.

“I was really looking forward to this game against Wes tonight,” said Nicholson. “We’ve had a few really good battles over the last couple of years and tonight was no different.

“To hit a 13-darter in the deciding leg under that kind of pressure was very satisfying.”

ADRIAN LEWIS 5-1 CO STOMPE
ADRIAN LEWIS produced a sensational display to defeat Co Stompe 5-1 in only 15 minute at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

The World Champion ended with a three-dart average of 109.39 – the highest of the tournament so far – and confirmed his place in the knockout phases with a thrilling performance.

Lewis made a confident start to the match by hitting a 180 followed an 80 finish to take the opening leg.

The World Champion was in control of the second, but two missed darts at doubles allowed Stompe to step in and hit double 18 to level.

Lewis won the third leg in 15 darts and then hit two superb maximums in a 12-darter to break Stompe’s throw and move 3-1 up.

Stompe hit a 180 of his own in the next, but it could not stop Lewis charging on as he won the fifth leg in 14 arrows and posted a clinical 85 finish to seal the victory.

“I was confident coming into tonight’s match,” said Lewis. “I’ve hit the highest average of the tournament so far and I believe that I’ve got a good chance of winning this week.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Waites suffered a second successive defeat in Group A when he went down 5-4 to Tony O’Shea as the Stockport ace came from 4-1 down to win in a deciding leg.

Walsh’s later victory over Michael van Gerwen means that Waites is now eliminated from the tournament and that the Dutch youngster plays O’Shea on Tuesday night for a place in the second round.

Van Barneveld, meanwhile, followed up Saturday’s loss to Ian White with a 5-2 defeat to Ted Hankey, who had also been defeated in his opening Group B clash but bounced back in style.

Van Barneveld had shared the opening four legs before Hankey took the fifth and then finished 121 to break and move 4-2 up, before winning the next on double ten for a victory which, coupled with Winstanley’s victory over White, ended his opponent’s hopes in the event.

Winstanley, who had whitewashed Hankey on Saturday in his Grand Slam debut and overcame White 5-4, was the first player to be confirmed in the last 16, with Hankey and White playing off on Tuesday night for a spot in round two.

Groups C and D, meanwhile, have all to play for in their final games on Tuesday.

Wolverhampton’s home favourite Wayne Jones maintained his unbeaten start in Group C, overcoming Nigel Heydon 5-3, while Gary Anderson defeated Brendan Dolan 5-1.

Jones plays Anderson on Tuesday night, while Heydon takes on winless Dolan in the other group match.

In Group D, 2010 runner-up James Wade overcame Justin Pipe 5-4 to pick up his second deciding-leg win of the event, with Pipe missing the bull for victory in a tense final leg.

Terry Jenkins and Dave Chisnall shared eight 180s in a high-scoring opener to Sunday’s evening session, with Jenkins taking a 5-3 win.

Jenkins now plays Wade on Tuesday, while Pipe plays Chisnall as the quartet battle for places in the last 16.

Groups E-H play their second games on Monday night, with the matches including a rematch of the 2010 quarter-final between Phil Taylor and Steve Beaton, which the latter won to end the Stoke great’s reign in the Grand Slam of Darts.

Former World Champions Mark Webster and John Part collide, Wes Newton plays Paul Nicholson in a tasty Group F game and PDC World Champion Adrian Lewis plays Co Stompe.

Play commences at 7.30pm on Monday, in a change to the previous scheduled start time.

William Hill Grand Slam of Darts
Sunday November 13
Afternoon Session
Groups E-H First Games
Paul Nicholson 5-0 Barrie Bates (F)
Wes Newton 5-2 Magnus Caris (F)
Mark Webster 5-4 Arron Monk (G)
Vincent van der Voort 3-5 Co Stompe (H)
Mervyn King 3-5 Steve Beaton (E)
Phil Taylor 5-1 James Hubbard (E)
Adrian Lewis 5-4 Martin Phillips (H)
Jan Dekker 2-5 John Part (G)

Evening Session
Groups A-D Second Games
Terry Jenkins 5-3 Dave Chisnall (D)
Gary Anderson 5-1 Brendan Dolan (C)
Scott Waites 4-5 Tony O’Shea (A)
Dean Winstanley 5-4 Ian White (B)
Raymond van Barneveld 2-5 Ted Hankey (B)
James Wade 5-4 Justin Pipe (D)
Wayne Jones 5-3 Nigel Heydon (C)
Mark Walsh 5-3 Michael van Gerwen (A)

Monday November 14
7.30pm-11pm
Groups E-H Second Games
Barrie Bates v Magnus Caris
Mervyn King v James Hubbard
Jan Dekker v Arron Monk
Vincent van der Voort v Martin Phillips
Mark Webster v John Part
Phil Taylor v Steve Beaton
Wes Newton v Paul Nicholson
Adrian Lewis v Co Stompe

Current Tables

EVENING SESSION MATCH REPORTS
TERRY JENKINS 5-3 DAVE CHISNALL
TERRY JENKINS came out on top against Dave Chisnall at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-3 win in a heavy-scoring clash.

Jenkins’ performance was a vast improvement to the one that saw him defeated by Justin Pipe on the first night of the competition, and leaves him with a fighting chance of qualification from Group D.

Chisnall broke throw at the start of the match by hitting double 17 but he missed two darts at doubles to increase his advantage and Jenkins made him pay taking out 121 on the bullseye to level.

Jenkins then suddenly clicked into gear as he hit back-to-back maximums in an 11-darter to win the third leg, and a 102 finish gave the man from Ledbury the fourth and a 3-1 lead.

The world number ten continued that form by finishing 84 to win the fifth leg, defying a 180 from his opponent.

Chisnall missed seven darts at doubles in the sixth leg, but Jenkins missed three chances to win the match and the St Helens man returned to hit double one and keep the match alive.

Chisnall, who was edged out by James Wade in his first match, produced some excellent scoring to leave just 16 after 12 darts thrown in the next.

However, he missed three darts at doubles only for Jenkins to miss a fourth dart for the match on double 15, and Chisnall returned to land double four.

The eighth leg saw both players fire their fourth 180s of the match but Jenkins finally sealed victory by taking out an excellent 126 to end a high-quality contest.

“I played well to get a good lead after dropping the first leg,” said Jenkins. “But then it started to become very hard and I had to fight really hard to win in the end.

“I don’t think that would have happened a few years ago when I was firing on all cylinders. If I can beat James in my final group game then that would give a lot of confidence.”

GARY ANDERSON 5-1 BRENDAN DOLAN
GARY ANDERSON got his William Hill Grand Slam of Darts campaign back on track with a 5-1 victory over Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Anderson put the disappointment of a first game defeat to Nigel Heydon behind him as he recorded a three-dart average of 104.60 on the way to victory against the World Grand Prix finalist.

Anderson began the match by holding throw with a 14-dart finish before landing double top in the second leg to break, despite a 180 from Dolan.

The Premier League Darts champion then stepped up a gear as he took out a superb 138 checkout to move 3-0 ahead before Dolan managed to reduce his arrears when he hit double top to win the fourth leg.

Anderson was in complete command in leg five, but he missed three darts at double 12 and Dolan nearly capitalised – only to miss double top to complete a 120 finish.

That allowed to Anderson to return and hit double six for the second time in the match for a 4-1 lead, and the end was swift as the Scotsman recorded an 11-darter to seal victory.

“My performance was much better tonight, compared to that against Nigel,” said Anderson, who now plays Wayne Jones in his final group match on Tuesday evening.

“It’s put me back in contention in the group and it will be an interesting game against Wayne, especially with the home crowd all behind him.”

TONY O’SHEA 5-4 SCOTT WAITES
TONY O’SHEA produced a fantastic comeback at the William Grand Slam of Darts at the Wolverhampton Civic with nail-biting final leg win over Scott Waites – knocking the reigning champion out of the tournament in the process.

O’Shea was 4-1 down but put together a run of four successive legs – surviving six missed match darts from his opponent in the process – to claim a remarkable win.

The defeat for Waites followed his loss to Michael van Gerwen on the opening night of the tournament, and Mark Walsh’s later win over the Dutchman means he cannot now qualify for the knockout phase.

O’Shea started the match superbly as he recorded 180s with his first two visits to the board in setting up a potential nine-darter in the opening leg.

Those hopes were extinguished after the seventh dart landed just above the treble 20, but the leg was won in 11 darts for an early lead.

Waites hit a maximum of his own in a 12-darter to level and then broke his opponent’s throw with a clinical 107 finish.

The defending champion then moved two legs clear when he landed double 16 after O’Shea missed double for a 106 finish.

Waites missed three darts at doubles in the next leg but again O’Shea was unable to capitalise and the Yorkshireman returned to hit double one with his last dart.

O’Shea won the sixth leg in 14 darts and took the next in just 13 as he hit double top for the second successive leg to reduce the deficit to 4-3.

A dramatic eighth leg saw Waites miss six darts for the match, and O’Shea stole in by hitting double eight with his last dart to force a decider, in which he made the advantage of throw pay dividends to record a remarkable win.

“I had great start to the match, but Scott soon took over,” said O’Shea. “I stuck in well when the pressure when was really on and I’m thrilled to get over the winning line.”

DEAN WINSTANLEY 5-4 IAN WHITE
DEAN WINSTANLEY backed up his excellent victory over Ted Hankey with a final-leg wom over Ian White to seal his second round place in the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

Winstanley was 3-1 and 4-3 down but managed to win the final two legs of the contest to keep up his 100 percent record on his debut appearance in Wolverhampton.

White, who defeated Raymond van Barneveld on Saturday evening, started the match excellently with a 112 checkout before Winstanley levelled in 14 darts.

White regained the lead by winning the third leg with the aid of a maximum and he won the fourth on double six after Winstanley missed four darts at doubles.

That gave White a 3-1 lead, but Winstanley took out an excellent 98 finish with his opponent waiting on double 12 to reduce the deficit.

Winstanley then won the sixth leg by hitting double five, but White held throw in the next by landing double 12 to lead 4-3.

Winstanley, who defeated Ted Hankey 5-0 in his first match, recorded back-to-back maximums at the start of the eighth leg.

The seventh dart at the treble 20 was off-target, but the leg was won with comfort by the Lakeside Championship finalist to force a decider.

A tense final leg saw Winstanley hit a 180 to see him to a finish first. He missed two darts at doubles to win the match but White could not capitalise as his one dart at double top to win the match was off-target, and Winstanley returned to the oche and hit double five and put himself into the last 16.

TED HANKEY 5-2 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
TED HANKEY knocked five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld out of the 2011 William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-2 victory in their second Group B game.

The win reignites Hankey’s challenge in the tournament after a disappointing 5-0 defeat at the hands of Dean Winstanley in his first group game, as he now faces Ian White in a winner-progresses contest on Tuesday.

“There was a lot of pressure on tonight’s game and I didn’t feel like Raymond was himself,” said Hankey.

“I’m very happy to be still in with a fighting chance of qualification and I know that I have to beat Ian White in final group match on Tuesday night, so it’s down to me.”

Van Barneveld missed three chances for an early break of throw and Hankey took the first leg with a clinical 90 finish.

The five-time World Champion hit back with a 76 finish but Hankey landed double four to lead for the second time in the contest.

Van Barneveld, who lost to Ian White in a deciding leg in his opening group match, levelled in the fourth leg with an excellent two-dart 80 finish.

Hankey won the fifth after van Barneveld was guilty of missing two darts at double top and the two-time World Champion then hit a superb 121 checkout to break throw and lead 4-2.

That left Hankey requiring just more leg to win the match and he duly sealed victory in the next by hitting double ten with his last dart and end van Barneveld’s hopes.

JAMES WADE 5-4 JUSTIN PIPE
JAMES WADE earned his second Group D win at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a deciding-leg victory Justin Pipe.

Wade defeated Pipe in the group stages of last year’s competition on his way to the final, but this time around the margin was much tighter as the in-form Taunton ace came within a whisker of victory.

Wade won the opening leg with an accurate attempt at double top with his third dart, and then hit double eight to break throw after Pipe missed a dart at double 16.

Pipe managed to get on the scoreboard by hitting double ten to win the third leg and then hit double 16 to take the fourth and square the match at two apiece.

Wade hit a maximum in the process of the winning the fifth, but Pipe won the next in style courtesy of a 160 checkout.

Pipe’s scoring deserted him in the seventh leg as Wade took seven attempts to hit the winning double and take a 4-3 lead.

Pipe recovered to hold throw in 13 darts and set up a dramatic deciding leg, which saw both players miss have chances to win the match before Wade slotted double ten to earn the win.

“Neither me or Justin really got going at any stage tonight,” admitted Wade. “I was pleased that I stuck in there and scrapped it out and it eventually paid dividends.”

WAYNE JONES 5-3 NIGEL HEYDON
HOME FAVOURITE Wayne Jones won his second group game at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-3 triumph over Nigel Heydon.

Jones, who defeated Brendan Dolan in the opening match of the competition on Saturday, is now in a strong position to advance to the last 16 and will take on Gary Anderson in his final group game on Tuesday.

Heydon, who enjoyed a superb win against Anderson 24 hours earlier, started well by breaking Jones’ throw courtesy of landing double 19.

Jones hit back quickly by converting a 105 finish to take the second leg and then held throw in the next to lead 2-1.

Heydon hit a 180 in the process of taking the fourth leg but Jones edged ahead once again with a 14-dart finish.

Jones had an opportunity to move further clear in the sixth leg, but his attempt at double top for a 157 checkout was just above the target and Heydon stepped in with a 68 finish to level at 3-3.

The local hero then stepped up a gear in the next as he hit a 180 in a 14-dart finish to take leg seven, and sealed victory in the next with a successful attempt at double 18.

“I’m very pleased to get another win, although I feel like I didn’t play well enough to average over 98,” said Jones. “It was a close game all the way and I knew that I had to break Nigel’s throw if I was going to win.”

MARK WALSH 5-3 MICHAEL VAN GERWEN
MARK WALSH sealed his place in the last 16 of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a tight 5-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen.

The win for Walsh also confirms that the defending Scott Waites has been knocked out of the competition, and leaves van Gerwen playing Tony O’Shea on Tuesday for a spot in the second round.

Walsh held throw on double ten to take the opening leg but missed four opportunities to take a 2-0 advantage and van Gerwen stepped in to hit double 16.

The next two legs were shared to leave the game finely balanced at two-all, and that sequence continued as Walsh landed his favourite double top to lead the game for the third time.

Van Gerwen hit double top as well to level at three-all before Walsh hit a 14-darter to move 4-3 ahead.

That put Walsh one leg away from victory, and consistent high scoring saw the world number 12 secure the only break of the match as he hit double five to win the match.

“I’ve managed to secure another victory, but I’m still not satisfied with my performances so far,” admitted Walsh.

“The important thing at this stage of the tournament is just to win games and that is exactly what I’m doing.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

WILLIAM HILL GRAND SLAM OF DARTS
LATEST OUTRIGHT WINNER ODDS – courtesy William Hill, correct at November 14 2011

Taylor, who won the first three Grand Slam events before suffering a quarter-final loss to Steve Beaton last November, opened Group E with a comfortable victory over Hubbard.

The 19-year-old from Norfolk had qualified by reaching the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship final last Friday, and after Taylor led 2-0 he won the third fourth leg to secure a chalk against the 15-time World Champion.

Taylor, though, proved too strong in the next two before punishing four missed doubles from the youngster to gain an opening victory.

“I’m happy with that because I didn’t know how James would play, but he did well,” said Taylor. “I’d watched him practising before the game and he should keep doing what he’s doing because he’ll settle down on stage and play his natural game.

“He’s dedicated and he’s got a big future ahead of him.”

Hubbard, who left with the match dartboard and Taylor’s darts as a memento of his televised debut, admitted: “I was nervous beforehand but once the first leg was out of the way I settle down.

“Everyone in darts looks up to Phil because of what he’s achieved and it’s been a dream for me to play him in my first TV game. I was disappointed to miss a few doubles in the final leg but it was a good experience for me.”

Taylor will now face Steve Beaton on Monday night, after the former World Champion defeated Mervyn King 5-3 in their Group E contest.

Reigning PDC World Champion Adrian Lewis edged out Welshman Martin Phillips 5-4 in a tight opener to Group H, from which Co Stompe won the all-Dutch clash with Vincent van der Voort 5-3.

Lewis has never won past the last 16 in Wolverhampton, but said: “Martin beat me last year with a 104 average and he played brilliantly again, so I’m happy to get over the line.

“I was a little bit inconsistent but getting the win was the most important thing and I’ve done that. I can relax now and look forward to playing Co on Monday.

Former World Champions Mark Webster and John Part set up a tasty meeting in Monday’s second matches after they overcame Arron Monk and Jan Dekker respectively in their Group G openers.

Paul Nicholson had opened Sunday afternoon’s play with a whitewash of Welshman Barrie Bates in Group F, and now plays Wes Newton on Monday after the UK Open finalist came from 2-0 down to defeat Swedish Wildcard Qualifier Magnus Caris 5-2.

Sunday’s evening session sees Groups A-D play their second games, with Saturday night’s winners clashing and the losers also meeting – with former World Champions Raymond van Barneveld and Ted Hankey facing off in a game which could see either eliminated from the event.

William Hill Grand Slam of Darts
Sunday November 13
Groups E-H First Games
Paul Nicholson 5-0 Barrie Bates (F)
Wes Newton 5-2 Magnus Caris (F)
Mark Webster 5-4 Arron Monk (G)
Vincent van der Voort 3-5 Co Stompe (H)
Mervyn King 3-5 Steve Beaton (E)
Phil Taylor 5-1 James Hubbard (E)
Adrian Lewis 5-4 Martin Phillips (H)
Jan Dekker 2-5 John Part (G)

Evening Session (8pm)
Groups A-D Second Games
Terry Jenkins v Dave Chisnall (D)
Gary Anderson v Brendan Dolan (C)
Scott Waites v Tony O’Shea (A)
Dean Winstanley v Ian White (B)
Raymond van Barneveld v Ted Hankey (B)
James Wade v Justin Pipe (D)
Wayne Jones v Nigel Heydon (C)
Mark Walsh v Michael van Gerwen (A)

PAUL NICHOLSON 5-0 BARRIE BATES
PAUL NICHOLSON made an impressive start to his William Hill Grand Slam of Darts campaign with a whitewash victory over Welshman Barrie Bates in just 13 minutes.

Nicholson, making his third appearance in Wolverhampton, will now face Wes Newton in eye-catching encounter on Monday evening.

“My one goal is to get through the group stage,” said Nicholson. “I’ve set my stall out to win all three group matches.

“Last year I managed to win two games but it didn’t prove to be enough to make it through to the knock-out phase.”

He added: “I decided not to go to Benidorm and spent a bit more time at home before coming here. I think it was a wise decision as I feel fresh and ready for this event.”

The Chorley-based thrower hit a 180 in the process of taking the opening leg and then broke his opponent’s throw with an accurate attempt at double four to make an ideal start to the contest.

Nicholson hit another maximum in the third leg which was won with another successful dart at double four before hitting back-to-back maximums in the next.

That left the opportunity of a nine-dart finish, but the chance went begging when Nicholson’s attempt at a seventh successive treble 20 was too high.

However, the leg was comfortably won in ten darts and the fifth soon followed as he hit double eight to round off a comfortable win.

WES NEWTON 5-2 MAGNUS CARIS
WES NEWTON recovered from a stuttering start to defeat Magnus Caris 5-2 in his opening Group F contest at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

The world number seven, who has failed to win past the group stages in his previous two appearances at the Wolverhampton Civic, fell 2-0 behind before putting together a run of five successive winning legs.

Caris made a confident start on his Grand Slam debut, winning the first leg with a 79 finish before hitting double eight to secure a break of throw in the second after Newton missed a dart at double 19 to level.

The Swede was guilty of missing four darts at doubles for a 3-0 lead which allowed Newton to steal the third leg on double 16, and the Fleetwood ace levelled the match when he hit double 12 to win the fourth.

The fifth leg was finely balanced before Newton hit a 177 followed by an 80 finish to lead the match for the first time.

That gave Newton the momentum, but Caris held the advantage in the sixth only to miss three darts at doubles as and Newton took a fourth leg in a row by landing double two with his third dart.

Newton was now in command and he kicked off leg seven with a 180 and won the leg in 13 darts to confirm victory in his opening group match.

MARK WEBSTER 5-4 ARRON MONK
MARK WEBSTER held off a brave challenge from Arron Monk to edge a high-quality opening game of Group G at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

The 2008 Lakeside Champion built up a 3-1 lead only to see Monk level the match before coming through in a deciding leg.

Webster held throw with an impressive 111 checkout to start the match but Monk replied to take the second with an accurate attempt at double top.

The 21-year-old then hit a maximum in the third leg, only to see Webster win it by hitting tops at the first time of asking.

Webster then hit a 13-darter to break, but Monk immediately replied by hitting double top to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Monk, the Under-21 World Champion making his second appearance in Wolverhampton, hit double top once again to level at three-all before Webster regained the lead with a 15-dart finish.

That put the Welshman one leg away from victory, but the Basingstoke youngster held his nerve to hit double two and force a deciding leg.

Webster held the advantage of throw and he kicked-off with a 140 score to help get to a finish first, and he slotted home double six to record victory.

“I expected Arron to play well today,” said Webster. “That was a good game to be involved in and it feels good to come out on top.

“I’ve been playing well in the major tournaments and I feel that my form is coming good at the business end of the year.”

CO STOMPE 5-3 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
CO STOMPE came out on top in the battle of the Dutchman courtesy of a 5-3 triumph over Vincent van der Voort at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

Stompe had established a 3-1 lead in the early stages of the game and managed to keep that advantage to make a winning start in Group H.

Van der Voort won the opening leg against the darts by hitting double eight, but Stompe won the second to break back and then took the third by hitting double top.

That gave Stompe a 2-1 lead and he then increased that by winning the fourth leg in style with a 121 checkout on the bullsye.

Stompe moved three legs clear by hitting double two, but van der Voort continued to fight by hitting a 13-dart finish to win leg six.

Van der Voort then won the seventh against the darts with an excellent 101 finish to reduce the deficit to one leg before Stompe kicked off the next leg with back-to-back maximums.

The attempt at the seventh treble 20 fell below the target but the leg was won in 11 darts, completed on double top, to get the two points.

“I’ve had a terrible year since winning the World Cup of Darts with Raymond van Barneveld,” admitted Stompe.

“My form is starting to come back again though and I reached two semi-finals in Crawley last weekend, which was a real confidence boost for me.”

STEVE BEATON 5-3 MERVYN KING
STEVE BEATON came out on top against Mervyn King with a 5-3 victory in the opening contest of Group E at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

Beaton, who enjoyed a superb run to the semi-finals last year, was 3-2 down to King but managed to string together three legs on the spin to come away with the points.

“I thought I’d blown it when I missed all those chances to go 2-0 ahead,” admitted Beaton.

“Mervyn went off the boil slightly after the opening four legs and I stepped in and took my chance.”

Beaton hit a 174 score with his first visit to the oche and the first leg in 13 darts but was guilty of missing six opportunities to double his lead, which allowed King to level.

King then took the lead for the first time by winning the third leg with an accomplished 13-dart finish.

The fourth saw King miss double 12 for a 141 checkout and Beaton took out a pressure 66 finish to level the match at two-all.

King converted a 90 finish to lead again, but Beaton won the sixth leg on double 14 to complete a 14-darter and keep matters finely balanced.

Beaton managed to win the seventh leg against the darts with an excellent 84 finish on the bullseye and then closed out the game in the next leg by hitting double 14 for a second time.

PHIL TAYLOR 5-1 JAMES HUBBARD
PHIL TAYLOR recorded victory in his opening match of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 victory against 19-year-old James Hubbard.

Hubbard, the son of former professional Vic, was making his televised debut and produced some impressive darts on the big stage.

Taylor started the match by winning the opening leg on double 16 and the three-time Grand Slam champion repeated the trick to double his lead and put the youngster immediately under pressure with legs of 13 and 14 darts.

The third leg saw Taylor miss three chances to take a 3-0 lead and Hubbard managed to finish double one with his last dart to get a leg on the board.

Taylor soon restored his two-leg advantage by breaking throw to win the fourth before Hubbard hit three consecutive 140s in the next.

The 19-year-old – who sealed a place in this competition by reaching the final of the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship – failed to replicate that scoring into a finishing opportunity and Taylor took out 68 to lead 4-1.

The fifth leg saw Hubbard again show some impressive scoring but he missed four darts to keep the match alive and Taylor once again punished the youngster by taking out 84, hitting double 11 with his last dart.

“James was difficult to beat today,” admitted Taylor. “He produced some consistent scoring and I think he will give Mervyn King a real battle tomorrow night.

“I didn’t know how James would play, but he did well. I’d watched him practising before the game and he should keep doing what he’s doing because he’ll settle down on stage and play his natural game. He’s dedicated and he’s got a big future ahead of him.”

After his first televised match Hubbard, revealed, “I was very nervous coming out but on to the stage but I felt much better once I was on stage and throwing my darts.”

ADRIAN LEWIS 5-4 MARTIN PHILLIPS
ADRIAN LEWIS made a winning start to the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a nail-biting 5-4 victory over Martin Phillips.

Lewis had lost to the Welshman in last year’s group stages but gained revenge this time around in a match where he hit five maximums.

The reigning PDC World Champion came out of the blocks superbly as he hit a 180 with his first three darts of the match before taking the opening leg with a 79 finish.

Phillips replied with an excellent 14-dart finish, but Lewis regained the lead by taking the third leg with the aid of back-to-back maximums.

The Welshman, making his second appearance at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall won the fourth leg with another 14-darter and then took the lead for the first time by hitting a pressure double eight with his last dart.

The world number two did not let that setback faze him as he hit double two and double nine to take the next two legs and go within touching distance of victory.

Lewis hit his fifth maximum of the match in the next leg, but Phillips was first to a finish and hit double 18 at the first time of asking to break throw and set up a deciding leg.

Lewis produced the better scoring in the decider and managed to hit a pressure double ten, with his opponent waiting on a two-darter, to end a high-quality encounter.

JOHN PART 5-2 JAN DEKKER
JOHN PART recorded victory in his opening match of Group G in the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-2 triumph over debutant Jan Dekker.

The Canadian was coasting at 3-0 before the Dutchman hit- ack to win the next two legs and reduce the arrears to one leg before Part won the next two to take victory.

Part hit a 74 finish to break throw at the start of the match and then managed to take the second after Dekker missed several chances to level.

Dekker missed another opportunity at a double in the third leg, allowing Part to extend his advantage.

Part, who has enjoyed a resurgence of form in 2011, missed four darts at double to take a 4-0 lead and Dekker capitalised by taking out 86 to get a leg on the board.

The Lakeside Championship semi-finalist then hit a 171 to leave tops in the fifth leg which he duly hit at the first time of asking to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

The Canadian stemmed the tide in the sixth leg with the aid of his second 180 in a 15-darter, which was followed by a 118 checkout to seal the match in emphatic fashion.

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

The £400,000 tournament kicked off at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall with eight first round matches from Groups A-D, as debutants Ian White, Dean Winstanley and Nigel Heydon stole the show.

Wildcard Qualifier White – who only came into the event on Monday when Simon Whitlock was ruled out through injury – defeated five-time World Champion van Barneveld 5-4 in their opening Group B clash to make a superb first appearance in the event.

Doncaster’s Winstanley, the 2011 Lakeside Championship runner-up, joined White in the winner’s enclosure with a stunning whitewash of two-time World Champion Ted Hankey.

“I’m so happy with the result and to be honest I’m lost for words,” said a stunned Winstanley. “Ted is a superb champion and a great player but he didn’t take his chances tonight.”

Hankey and van Barneveld will now play on Sunday evening knowing that the loser will be almost certainly eliminated from the event in the group stage.

A third debutant, Leamington Spa’s Nigel Heydon, defeated Gary Anderson 5-3 to claim the biggest win of his career a week after winning through the Wildcard Qualifier in Crawley.

Heydon now plays Wolverhampton’s Wayne Jones on Sunday night, after the home favourite overcame Brendan Dolan 5-2 in the opening game of the tournament.

Reigning champion Scott Waites began the defence of his title with a 5-3 loss to Michael van Gerwen, with the young Dutchman storming into a 4-0 lead before completing an impressive win.

Mark Walsh was a 5-2 winner against Tony O’Shea in Group A’s other contest, meaning he faces van Gerwen in Sunday’s second games and the Stockport star takes on Waites.

2010 runner-up James Wade, who lost an 8-0 lead against Waites in last year’s final, opened his challenge with a strong display to defeat Dave Chisnall 5-4 in Group D – coming from 4-3 down to take victory.

Justin Pipe impressed with a 5-1 defeat of 2008 runner-up Terry Jenkins, which leaves the Ledbury man needing to defeat Chisnall on Sunday night to remain in the hunt.

Sunday’s afternoon session sees three-time Grand Slam of Darts winner Phil Taylor in action as Groups E-H play their opening games.

Taylor faces 19-year-old James Hubbard as the Norfolk youngster makes his televised debut against the 15-time World Champion in Group E, from which Mervyn King and Steve Beaton also clash.

Wes Newton meets Swedish Wildcard Qualifier Magnus Caris and Paul Nicholson plays Barrie Bates in Group F, while Mark Webster faces Arron Monk and Jan Dekker plays John Part in Group G.

PDC World Champion Adrian Lewis opens his challenge in Group H against Welsh left-hander Martin Phillips, with Dutch pair Vincent van der Voort and Co Stompe also clashing.

William Hill Grand Slam of Darts
Saturday November 12
Groups A-D First Games
Wayne Jones 5-2 Brendan Dolan (C)
Mark Walsh 5-2 Tony O’Shea (A)
Dean Winstanley 5-0 Ted Hankey (B)
Raymond van Barneveld 4-5 Ian White (B)
James Wade 5-4 Dave Chisnall (D)
Scott Waites 3-5 Michael van Gerwen (A)
Gary Anderson 3-5 Nigel Heydon (C)
Terry Jenkins 1-5 Justin Pipe (D)

Sunday November 13
Afternoon Session – 2pm-6pm
Groups E-H First Games
Paul Nicholson v Barrie Bates (F)
Wes Newton v Magnus Caris (F)
Mark Webster v Arron Monk (G)
Vincent van der Voort v Co Stompe (H)
Mervyn King v Steve Beaton (E)
Phil Taylor v James Hubbard (E)
Adrian Lewis v Martin Phillips (H)
Jan Dekker v John Part (G)

Evening Session – 8pm-12am
Groups A-D Second Games
Terry Jenkins v Dave Chisnall (D)
Gary Anderson v Brendan Dolan (C)
Scott Waites v Tony O’Shea (A)
Dean Winstanley v Ian White (B)
Raymond van Barneveld v Ted Hankey (B)
James Wade v Justin Pipe (D)
Wayne Jones v Nigel Heydon (C)
Mark Walsh v Michael van Gerwen (A)

WAYNE JONES 5-2 BRENDAN DOLAN
WAYNE JONES enjoyed a confidence-boosting victory on the opening night of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts at the Wolverhampton Civic with a 5-2 triumph over Brendan Dolan.

The local hero, who lost to Dolan in the opening round of last month’s World Grand Prix in Dublin, will now take on Nigel Heydon on Sunday evening in his second game in Group C following a revenge win over the Northern Irishman.

“I’m delighted to get the win tonight even if I didn’t play my best game,” said Jones. “The fans here love their darts and I really wanted to make a positive start.

“To win this title in my home town would be amazing. But the objective over the next few days is to try and get through the group stage.”

Dolan, making his first appearance at the Grand Slam after qualifying by reaching the World Grand Prix final, won the opening leg of the match with an excellent 100 finish courtesy of two double tops.

Jones, who enjoyed a superb run to the semi-finals at last year’s event, held throw by hitting double eight to win the second leg before kicking-off the next with back-to-back maximums.

That left Jones with the opportunity of completing a nine-dart finish, but his attempt at a seventh treble 20 fell below the target – although the leg was won in 12 darts as he took the lead for the first time and secured a break of throw.

Jones continued that excellent form to leave 40 after just 12 darts thrown in the fourth leg, but missed six darts at doubles to extend his advantage. However, Dolan missed two chances at double top and Jones hit double two to take a 3-1 lead.

Dolan won the fifth leg to keep in touch by landing double 11, but Jones won the sixth leg in confident fashion with a 14-dart finish.

Jones held the advantage of throw in the next leg but Dolan produced the better scoring and was first to a finish, only to miss a dart at double top to save the match as Jones stepped in to hit double ten and claim victory.

MARK WALSH 5-2 TONY O’SHEA
MARK WALSH secured a debut victory at the Wolverhampton Civic in the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-2 triumph over Tony O’Shea.

The opening four legs of the Group A contest saw the match finely balanced before Walsh produced the more clinical finishing of the two to take three legs in succession.

Walsh won the first leg with a 61 checkout but missed three opportunities at doubles to secure a 2-0 lead and allowed O’Shea to level by hitting double four.

Walsh moved ahead for a second time by converting a 78 finish which was completed on his favourite double top.

O’Shea, making his third appearance at the Grand Slam, held throw to square the game at two apiece and had two chances to break throw in the fifth leg, but those chances went begging and Walsh hit double four to win it.

The Hertfordshire man then secured a vital break of throw by hitting double six to move 4-2 ahead before the first 180 of the contest in the seventh leg.

O’Shea managed to hit a maximum of his own but it was too little too late as Walsh stepped in to hit double top for the third time in the match to record victory.

“We were both very nervous out there as there so much riding on getting a good start in the group stages,” said Walsh. “Tony certainly didn’t play his best tonight and I managed to capitalise on that. I’m happy to take the win and move on to my next game in the group.”

DEAN WINSTANLEY 5-0 TED HANKEY
DEAN WINSTANLEY enjoyed a memorable debut at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a whitewash victory over Ted Hankey in the first game of Group B.

Hankey, the two-time World Champion making his third appearance at this event, was unsuccessful with 14 attempts at doubles and now faces an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout phases.

Winstanley held throw to take the opening leg courtesy of an accurate attempt at double top after Hankey was off-target with three attempts at doubles.

The 2011 Lakeside Championship finalist then hit an excellent 14-dart finish to take the second leg and then won the third comfortably on double 16.

That put the 30-year-old Yorkshireman 3-0 ahead, and he then went to win the two legs to complete the whitewash with the aid of ten missed darts at doubles from his opponent.

“I’m so happy with the result and to be honest I’m lost for words,” said a stunned Winstanley. “Ted is a superb champion and a great player but he didn’t take his chances tonight.”

IAN WHITE 5-4 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
IAN WHITE stunned five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld in the opening night of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a dramatic deciding-leg victory.

White, who finished in third place in the Grand Slam of Darts Wildcard Qualifier earlier this month, was invited to compete in Wolverhampton after Simon Whitlock was forced to withdraw from the tournament with an ankle injury.

“It’s a brilliant win against a player of Raymond’s calibre,” said a delighted White, who will take on Dean Winstanley on Sunday evening.

White made a confident start to the match by hitting double top at the first time of asking to hold throw and win the first leg.

Van Barneveld, whose best performance at the Grand Slam is a semi-final appearance in 2009, held throw to win the second leg but wasted two opportunities to break throw in the third, allowing White to lead again.

White then won the fourth leg with the aid of a maximum and an 82 finish to lead 3-1 but the Dutchman broke back by winning the fifth leg on double four.

Van Barneveld won the sixth leg to level the match at three apiece, but White took the lead again with a superb 90 finish on the bullseye to lead 4-3 after his opponent had missed four darts at double top.

White put the pressure on the five-time World Champion in the eighth leg after he left just 36 after 12 darts, but Van Barneveld kept his cool to slot home a two-dart 70 finish and set up a deciding leg.

Van Barneveld had the advantage of throw in the final leg, but White produced the more consistent scoring to set up a finish first.

The Dutchman fired a maximum to keep in it, but White hit double 19 at the second attempt to record a famous win.

JAMES WADE 5-4 DAVE CHISNALL
JAMES WADE edged high-quality contest at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a deciding-leg victory over Dave Chisnall in the opening match of a tough looking Group D.

Chisnall, making his second appearance in Wolverhampton, led on three separate occasions but the world number three threw the important darts when it mattered to seal victory with a 13-dart finish.

“Thankfully for me Dave didn’t produce the high scoring in that last leg that he had shown in the rest of the match,” said Wade, who was runner-up in last year’s competition.

“I would love to take home the title this year after the disappointment of losing the final last year, and this is a good start.”

Chisnall recorded an 80 finish to win the first leg before Wade replied to take the second in just 13 darts.

Wade then hit a fabulous 161 checkout to win the third leg before Chisnall finished 68 to break back and level the match at two-all.

Chisnall, who won his first PDC Pro Tour title in Crawley last weekend, continued the high standard by hitting an 11-darter before Wade hit back once again to level with a 79 finish.

The St Helens ace hit his third maximum of the match in the seventh leg and went to win it 13 darts to keep up a 100 percent record on the doubles.

The eighth leg saw Wade miss two darts at doubles, but Chisnall was just-off target with his attempt at double top to close out the match, allowing the left-hander to step in and hit double ten to set up a deciding leg, which he went on to win by landing double top for a superb 13-dart finish which also featured a 180.

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 5-3 SCOTT WAITES
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN stunned reigning champion Scott Waites with a superb 5-3 victory in their opening Group A clash at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

The 22-year-old produced some stunning darts to lead 4-0 before the defending champion forged his way back into the contest.

But Van Gerwen closed out the match to start the tournament in excellent style, finishing the game with an average of almost 102.

Van Gerwen came out of the blocks firing with a fantastic 11-dart finish to win the first leg which then followed up by a maximum and a clinical two-dart 96 finish – for the second time in the game – to double his lead.

The Dutch youngster then hit a 177 on the way to a 12-darter to take the third leg and the fourth soon followed to leave the defending champion 4-0 down.

Both players hit maximums in the fifth leg, which was won by Waites with an excellent 125 checkout to get himself on the scoreboard.

The sixth leg saw the Dutchman guilty of missing four darts at double top to close out the game and Waites stepped in to hit a 64 finish and keep the match alive.

Waites then won his third leg on the spin to increase the tension, but van Gerwen hit a third 180 of the match at a vital time in the eighth leg and returned to the oche to hit double ten and record an excellent win.

“I am really happy,” said van Gerwen. “I was delighted with how I started the game and although I missed a few doubles in the middle it’s a great way to start. I’m in a good position now.”

NIGEL HEYDON 5-3 GARY ANDERSON
NIGEL HEYDON enjoyed a dream debut victory at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a superb 5-3 triumph over Gary Anderson.

The Scotsman, who has reached the semi-finals twice in this competition, started the better by taking the opening two legs.

But Heydon hit back to win five of the next six to defeat the Premier League champion and make a winning start to Group C, setting up a clash with home favourite Wayne Jones on Sunday night.

Anderson hit double ten to break throw comfortably in the opening leg and then doubled his lead courtesy of a 13-dart finish.

Heydon, making his debut at the Grand Slam after winning the Wildcard Qualifier, hit double top to win the third leg and then won the fourth against the darts by landing tops once again.

The undertaker from Leamington Spa hit double top for a third consecutive leg to lead the match for the first time, but Anderson quickly levelled by taking the sixth leg.

Heydon hit a maximum in the next leg and won it with a 66 finish on double nine to move 4-3 up and one leg away from an excellent win, which that was confirmed in the next as he hit a superb 121 checkout on the bullseye to stun the Scotsman.

“I beat Gary the last time we played each other on the Pro Tour and that gave me confidence coming into tonight’s game,” said Heydon.

“I had been struggling in the early part of the year but over the last couple of months my form has improved and it’s almost certainly secured my place in the World Championship next month.”

JUSTIN PIPE 5-1 TERRY JENKINS
JUSTIN PIPE secured his first victory at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 victory against an under-par Terry Jenkins in their opening clash.

Pipe lost all three of his group games on his debut appearance last year, but the in-form ace made no mistake against Jenkins and is now in a strong position in Group D.

The man from Taunton, who has won three Pro Tour titles in the last month, began confidently with a 116 checkout to break his opponent’s throw.

Pipe then hit double 16 to increase his lead to 2-0 and then won the third with a 117 finish with his opponent waiting on double 12.

Pipe hit double eight to win a fourth straight leg after Jenkins continued to struggle as he missed five darts at doubles.

Jenkins did manage to get on the board by hitting double top at the first attempt in the fifth, but Pipe completed a strong display by hitting double eight to end Jenkins’ misery.

Source -PDC/Lawrence Lustig