Welshman Webster charged to glory in the battle of darts’ respective World Champions with an accomplished display.

He averaged close to 100 for much of the contest, and hit a 158 checkout alongside three 180s to see off the below-par Canadian, and will now meet Mervyn King in Friday’s quarter-finals.

King broke down in tears on stage after coming from 6-2 and 8-5 down to defeat Kevin McDine in a deciding leg, having travelled from his aunt’s funeral in Suffolk to play their match.

Taylor’s title defence continued with a 10-8 win over Andy Hamilton in a repeat of the 2007 final.

A mid-game surge from four-all to 8-4 aided Taylor’s challenge as he set up a quarter-final with Simon Whitlock.

The Australian won his place in the last eight with a 10-8 defeat of Andy Jenkins, who had defeated defending champion Phil Taylor in the group phase, but paid for missed doubles as Whitlock, who hit six 180s, progressed.

The second round continues on Thursday night, with the eagerly-anticipated encounter between number three seed James Wade and WDF number one Gary Anderson among four matches.

Raymond van Barneveld faces American Darin Young, Terry Jenkins plays in-form Robert Thornton and Darryl Fitton takes on Denis Ovens.

Second Round (Best of 19 legs)
Simon Whitlock 10-8 Andy Jenkins
Mark Webster 10-2 John Part
Phil Taylor 10-8 Andy Hamilton
Mervyn King 10-9 Kevin McDine
Thursday Fixtures (5.30pm start)
Darryl Fitton v Denis Ovens
Terry Jenkins v Robert Thornton
James Wade v Gary Anderson
Raymond van Barneveld v Darin Young

SIMON WHITLOCK 10-8 ANDY JENKINS
AUSTRALIAN Simon Whitlock edged past Andy Jenkins 10-8 to win a place in the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

The Group B winner continued his impressive start to the tournament to end Jenkins’ hopes, three days after the Portsmouth man had defeated Phil Taylor in the round robin phase.

Jenkins eventually paid the price for missed doubles, as Whitlock - who hit six 180s - capitalised to reach the last eight.

Whitlock made an ideal start, with a maximum in the opening leg setting up double 18 to break throw, after Jenkins missed three darts at double 16.

The Australian then took the second in 14 darts with a two-dart 80 checkout only for Jenkins, fired by a 180 in the third leg, to take three in a row and lead.

Whitlock levelled and took out 90 on double 15 to square the game once more at four-all, only for Jenkins to land a maximum in taking the ninth leg.

Double top put Whitlock level again, and he stepped in following two missed doubles to break throw in the 11th and regain the lead.

The next four legs also went against the throw to leave Whitlock 8-7 up, before the pair traded 180s in leg 16, only for five misses from Jenkins to let the Australian off the hook as he hit double four to move a leg away from victory.

Jenkins took out 95 on double 16 to stay in the game, but a 180 to begin the next leg pushed Whitlock clear and he sealed the win on double ten.

“It was one of the toughest games I’ve ever played,” said Whitlock. “I seemed to break throw and then he would break back, but I’m very relieved to win.”

Jenkins admitted: “Simon hit some 180s at the right time and a few crucial breaks, and he deserved to win.

“I kept coming but at him but he’d break me. I’m gutted to lose but defeating Phil Taylor was memorable and I’ve enjoyed the tournament.”

MARK WEBSTER 10-2 JOHN PART
MARK WEBSTER produced the performance of his life to dump John Part out of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 10-2 victory.

The Welshman charged to glory in the battle of darts’ respective World Champions with an accomplished display.

He averaged close to 100 for much of the contest, and hit a 158 checkout alongside three 180s to see off the below-par Canadian.

Webster punished three missed doubles from Part to claim the first leg against the throw before moving 2-0 up with a 14-darter.

Part replied in kind with a two-dart 86 finish to get off the mark, before Webster landed a maximum in a sparkling 12-darter to move 3-1 up.

Part missed three darts at a double in the next before Webster crucially landed double five with his third dart to take a 4-1 lead into the break, before returning with a sensational 158 checkout to extend his advantage.

A 180 in the seventh helped Webster take full advantage of more missed doubles from Part to go 6-1 up, and another two legs saw the Welshman claim seven without reply.

Part hit double eight to reduce the deficit to 8-2, but Webster hit an improvised double 17 to take the next before sealing his win on double top.

“I don’t think I’ve been playing that well so I’m delighted to win and be in the quarter-finals,” said Webster.

“John never got going but it was always in the back of my mind that he came from 4-1 down to beat me last year so I had to keep my concentration and finish him off.”

Part said: “It never clicked for me and I don’t think I had one good leg in the game, which is very disappointing.”

PHIL TAYLOR 10-8 ANDY HAMILTON
PHIL TAYLOR remains on course to retain his PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts title following a narrow 10-8 win over Andy Hamilton.

The duo enjoyed a repeat of last year’s final at the Wolverhampton Civic, with Taylor again emerging victorious after a gallant effort from Hamilton.

Hamilton battled back from 8-4 down to push Taylor all the way, but the defending champion will now meet Australian Simon Whitlock in Friday’s quarter-finals.

Taylor punished four missed doubles from Hamilton to win the game’s opening leg in 14 darts, and took out double eight for a 2-0 lead.

Hamilton landed a 180 and double ten to cut the deficit, but wasted his chance to punish Taylor’s misses in the next with three off-target doubles of his own before the Stoke legend took the leg on double one at the tenth time of asking.

A 102 finish from Hamilton cut the lead to 3-2, and after Taylor took the sixth the PDC world number seven won back-to-back legs to level the game.

Taylor, typically, found another gear to reel off four successive legs and move 8-4 up, before Hamilton landed double ten to stop the run.

A 121 finish on the bull gave him a sixth leg, and he then landed a 180 to set up a double 16 finish in pulling back to 8-7.

Taylor took out 107, with Hamilton waiting on 36, to move a leg away from the win, but double 16 from the underdog kept him in the game.

But he was left waiting on 24, having hit a 177 to leave a double in the next only for Taylor to hit double top and claim victory.

“Andy’s scoring was fantastic but he missed doubles early on that cost him,” said Taylor. “When I went 8-4 up I thought I had him, but he doesn’t give in.

“He was fantastic and I’m relieved to be through. Simon Whitlock’s a similar player, a good scorer and finisher so I’ve got to dig in and step up a gear.”

Hamilton added: “It was a really good game and I enjoyed it.

“A couple of early doubles let me down but I hung in there and battled, and I pushed Phil all the way.”

MERVYN KING 10-9 KEVIN McDINE
MERVYN KING came through a dramatic final-leg shoot-out to battle through to the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

King trailed 6-2 and 8-5 against the 2007 semi-finalist, who failed to close out the victory before being narrowly beaten in the deciding leg.

An emotional King, who broke down in tears after the game, dedicated the win to his aunt, whose funeral he had attended earlier on Wednesday before returning to Wolverhampton for the contest.

That perhaps played some part in a slow start, as McDine produced some superb finishing to take a 4-1 lead, with King’s only leg coming courtesy of a 106 finish.

Double nine gave King leg six, but a 12-darter from McDine restored his cushion before he punished four missed doubles to move 6-2 up.

King landed a 180 in taking leg nine and, after McDine landed double 12 for the next, took two in a row to pull back to 7-5.

But a missed double top in the next allowed McDine in for an 8-5 scoreline, only for King to punish misses from the youngster in the next three and draw level.

King hit a 180 in the next, but double top put McDine a leg away from victory.

King took leg 18 with McDine waiting on 32, and landed a 180 in the decider, only for a missed double 16 to let his opponent in.

McDine, though, was off-target on double 12 for the match, and King showed no mercy to land his double and move into the last eight, where he meets Mark Webster.

“It means so much to me and for many reasons it was the hardest game of my life,” admitted King. “It’s been an emotional day and I’m very relieved to have got through.

“I thought Kevin was going to run away with it at one point. I had a bad start and thought it was going to cost me, but luckily it didn’t.”

McDine said: “I started well but Mervyn fought back strongly and was the better man. I’m disappointed to lose but I enjoyed the game.”

Hamilton and Tabern returned to the Wolverhampton Civic to play off for a place in the last 16 after finishing level on points and leg difference in Group B.

Tabern won the bull and opted to throw first - but scores of 85, 41 and 43 were not enough, with scores of 125 and 140 meaning Hamilton only needed six darts to progress.

“I just focused on the treble 20 and took one dart at a time,” said Hamilton. “There was a lot of pressure and opening with a good score was a bonus.

“I’ll look forward to playing Phil on Wednesday night and it should be a great game. I’m a better player this year, more experienced, and I’ll be ready for him.”

That shoot-out, the first in professional darts, came at the end of a dramatic final night of league action for Groups E-H at the Grand Slam of Darts.

Robert Thornton joined Raymond van Barneveld in qualifying from Group E with a final-leg win over Kirk Shepherd - who would have put Gary Mawson through with a victory.

Gary Anderson’s last-leg defeat of Darryl Fitton earned him a spot in the last 16, with Australian number one Paul Nicholson going down 5-4 to Kevin Painter.

Wins for James Wade, over Adrian Lewis, and Denis Ovens, who whitewashed Niels de Ruiter, saw them qualify from Group G, while Terry Jenkins and Darin Young won through Group F at the expense of Wes Newton and Colin Lloyd.

Van Barneveld now meets American Darin Young on Thursday, with Wade and Anderson clashing in a highly-anticipated game.

The second round begins on Wednesday, with Taylor and Hamilton meeting after Simon Whitlock and Andy Jenkins face off and the two respective World Champions - John Part and Mark Webster - clash, with Mervyn King and Kevin McDine also in action.

Tuesday November 18
Group E-H Final Games
Terry Jenkins 5-0 Wes Newton
Darin Young 5-2 Colin Lloyd
Denis Ovens 5-0 Niels de Ruiter
Raymond van Barneveld 5-3 Gary Mawson
Gary Anderson 5-4 Darryl Fitton
James Wade 5-3 Adrian Lewis
Robert Thornton 5-4 Kirk Shepherd
Kevin Painter 5-4 Paul Nicholson
Followed by
Nine-Dart Shoot-Out:
Alan Tabern 169 (85,41,43) Andy Hamilton 265 (125,140)

Wednesday November 19 (5.30pm-8pm & 9.35pm-12am)
Second Round (Best of 19 legs)
Simon Whitlock v Andy Jenkins (Match 2)
John Part v Mark Webster (Match 4)
After 9.35pm
Phil Taylor v Andy Hamilton/Alan Tabern (Match 1)
Mervyn King v Kevin McDine (Match 3)

Thursday November 20 (5.30pm-10.30pm)
Second Round (Best of 19 legs)
Darryl Fitton v Denis Ovens (Match
Terry Jenkins v Robert Thornton (Match 6)
James Wade v Gary Anderson (Match 7)
Raymond van Barneveld v Darin Young (Match 5)

TERRY JENKINS 5-0 WES NEWTON
TERRY JENKINS won a place in the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts, with a 5-0 whitewash of Wes Newton ensuring he tops Group F.

Jenkins showed no mercy to leave previously unbeaten Newton’s hopes hanging by a thread - with the ITV Wildcard Qualifier needing Colin Lloyd to defeat Darin Young to keep him in the competition.

Newton was restricted to just two darts at a double during the contest, with Jenkins making an ideal start on double top in the first leg before landing double nine for the second.

He landed 180s in the next two, which included a 12-darter, before wrapping up a comprehensive win on double 18.

“I’m delighted with my display because I was under a lot of pressure,” said Jenkins, who averaged 98.88.

“Wes is a good friend and it’s difficult to do that to him, but friendship goes out of the window when you’re up on stage and you’ve got to be selfish.”

Newton admitted: “It’s annoying but it’s out of my own hands now.

“I’m very frustrated because I’m playing really well in practice but not taking it up on stage and it’s disappointing.”

DARIN YOUNG 5-2 COLIN LLOYD
DARIN YOUNG booked his last 16 berth in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts at the expense of Wes Newton with a 5-2 victory over Colin Lloyd.

The American needed a win from his final Group F match, and obliged with a strong display to condemn Lloyd to a third successive loss.

Young landed a 180 in taking the opening leg before stepping in on a missed bullseye from Lloyd for a 161 finish to take the second on double top.

A two-dart 65 finish got Lloyd off the mark in leg three, but he was off target on double 12 in the next as Young moved 4-1 up on double top.

Lloyd hit tops himself to win leg six, but a miss in the next gave Young his chance to seal victory, which he did on double eight.

“I didn’t know what would happen when I came here tonight but all I could do was go up there and play,” said Young. “When you know if you lose you’re out it’s a different pressure but it’s lovely to get through.

“Colin threatened to come back at me and you know that he can do that, so I could never ease off. I didn’t play brilliantly but I’m through and that’s all that matters.”

Lloyd ended the tournament with no wins in the group phase, and admitted: “It’s frustrating because I’m playing well in practice and in the non-televised events but not producing it in the majors.

“I’ll go away from this, get back on the practice board and look forward to the World Championship now in December.”

DENIS OVENS 5-0 NIELS DE RUITER
DENIS OVENS marched into round two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-0 whitewash of Niels de Ruiter.

Ovens picked up a second win of the group stage with a comprehensive defeat of the Dutchman, who ends the tournament without a victory.

De Ruiter produced his best display, but was punished for missed doubles by Ovens’ clinical finishing.

Ovens took the first leg before stepping in to finish 79 in two darts in the second, after de Ruiter had landed a 180 but missed double 12 for a 101 finish.

A 116 checkout then saw Ovens move 3-0 up, before four missed darts at a double cost the Dutchman dear as he saw another leg slip away.

Ovens then sealed his win on double 18 to ensure a spot in the knockout last 16.

“I’m through and I’m happy with that,” said Ovens. “Niels scored well but left me a few chances and luckily I took them, but I knew I had to win to guarantee my spot.

“It’s knockout now and there are no second chances so I’ll look forward to it. Nobody would have expected me to get through this group but I’m still here and could go all the way.”

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 5-3 GARY MAWSON
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD remained unbeaten to progress to the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts as the Group E winner following a 5-3 defeat of Gary Mawson.

Van Barneveld avenged defeats to Mawson in the US Open and UK Open this year with a third successive win of the Grand Slam, although some shaky finishing allowed Mawson to threaten a comeback.

Van Barneveld hit a maximum in taking the first leg, and a second 180 also helped him on his way to the second, before a double five finish moved him 3-0 up.

Mawson landed a 180 in taking the fourth in 14 darts, and he also won the fifth in 15 darts to reduce the arrears to one leg.

A 14-darter from van Barneveld put him close to the win, only for Mawson to match that on double top and stay in the game.

But after the pair traded 180s in the next, Mawson’s missed doubles cost him as van Barneveld wrapped up victory on double eight.

“Gary has beaten me twice this year so I’m very pleased to have beaten him once this year,” said van Barneveld.

“I was very focused but once I went 3-0 up I lost concentration and he came back well, but he had chances to make it 4-4 and let me in.

“The group games are really hard and I’m just happy to finish top and move into the knockouts now.”

Mawson, who is left needing a Kirk Shepherd win over Robert Thornton if he is to qualify for round two, said: “My doubles cost me and I missed my chances, but Raymond was the better man.”

GARY ANDERSON 5-4 DARRYL FITTON
GARY ANDERSON defeated Darryl Fitton in their final Group H game at the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts - but faces a nervous wait to see if he will join Fitton in the second round.

2007 semi-finalist Anderson needed to win to keep alive his hopes of progressing, but a 5-0 win over Paul Nicholson in his final game against Kevin Painter would force a nine-dart shoot-out.

Fitton won enough legs to secure his spot in the last 16, but was unable to close out the win as the Scot took the last two legs.

Anderson made an ideal start, hitting a 180 in winning the first leg before missed doubles cost him in the second, with a two-dart 85 finish from Fitton levelling before double ten put him in front.

Double four from Anderson gave him leg four, before the next two legs were shared, including a two-dart 94 finish from the WDF number one.

But he suffered for further misses in the next leg, with three off-target darts for double top allowing Fitton a reprieve before he hit the same bed.

But the Stockport man was the next to suffer, with a missed double seven for an 82 finish and victory allowing Anderson to hit double 16 before two misses at double top in the decider were punished by Anderson, who took the win on double top.

“I was very nervous because I knew I needed three legs and in the last couple of games I’ve had against Gary I haven’t even got that many!” said Fitton.

“Gary missed a few chances and I stepped in but am disappointed I didn’t get the win.”

JAMES WADE 5-3 ADRIAN LEWIS
JAMES WADE knocked Adrian Lewis out of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-3 victory in their final Group G game.

Lewis needed to win the contest with the reigning UK Open champion just to stay in the hunt for a second round berth - and even that may not have been enough to put him through.

But eventually he came undone by a display of strong finishing from Wade, who ends the group stage unbeaten.

After Wade took the opening leg on double top, Lewis finished 127 on the bull for a 12-darter, and then took out double 18 to win leg three in 13 darts and lead.

Back-to-back 14-darters from Wade edged him back in front, and he took a 4-2 lead on double top with Lewis waiting on a finish.

Another 14-darter from Lewis gave him the seventh leg, but Wade landed four ton-plus scores in the next to set up a double top finish for the win.

“I’m over the moon to win my group,” said Wade “It was a massive game for both of us and I capitalised on a few bad shots from Adrian.

“We’re great friends but I could only look out for myself and progress to the second round. I can improve my game and am looking forward to the rest of the tournament.”

Lewis eventually paid the price for a loss to Denis Ovens on the opening day, and admitted: “It was always uphill after the first game.

“I got better as the tournament went on but I left it too late and next time I’ll have to get out of the blocks quicker.

“James deserved to go through and, as always, he went out and did a good job.”

ROBERT THORNTON 5-4 KIRK SHEPHERD
ROBERT THORNTON won a place in the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a final-leg victory over Kirk Shepherd.

Thornton went into his final Group E game needing a win to edge out Gary Mawson, who was left to cheer on Shepherd to a victory.

Thornton began well, with legs of 14 and 11 darts putting him 2-1 up, with Shepherd having hit a 13-darter in leg two and then stepped in to win two in a row and lead 3-2.

The Scot began the sixth leg with back-to-back maximums, but after a potential nine-darter went begging he missed six darts at a double and Shepherd took out 70 in two darts to move further ahead.

Double nine saw Thornton stay in the game, with Shepherd waiting on 40 for the win, and he then hit a 180 to leave double 18 and take the match into a decider.

Misses at double 18 and double nine gave Shepherd a chance in the final leg, but he missed double five for a 90 finish and Thornton claimed the win.

“I nearly threw my lucky teddy at the board at the end, but I’m just so relieved to win,” said Thornton.

“Kirk brought the best out of me and it was a tremendous game of darts.”

Shepherd said: “I’ve been poor in my first two games and all I wanted to do was play well and win, so I’m pleased to at least have played well.

“I’ve had a lot of criticism this year and wanted to prove to the critics that I can play good darts, and I did that.”

KEVIN PAINTER 5-4 PAUL NICHOLSON
KEVIN PAINTER ended his PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts campaign with a final-leg win over Paul Nicholson.

Painter had only pride to play for in his final league game, and came from 3-1 down to claim victory over the Australian number one.

Nicholson started superbly, with legs of 15, 15 and 14 darts helping him into a 3-1 cushion before a 12-darter from Painter kick-started his challenge.

Misses at double top and ten from Nicholson in the sixth allowed Painter to level with a two-dart 78 finish, only for a missed double top to cost him the seventh.

Painter took a 12-darter for the eighth to send the match into a decider, with two misses at double 16 giving Nicholson a chance.

But the English-born Australian missed at the same bed, and double eight gave Painter the win.

“I played well for the first time this week and though it’s good to finish with a win, I’m disappointed to be out.

“The first game against Darryl Fitton cost me and in a way I regret changing my darts before that game to try a new set, which back-fired.

“Paul has played some great darts and it’s a shame for him that he won’t go through.”

Nicholson needed to win 5-0 to force a nine-dart shoot-out with Gary Anderson, and admitted: “It was hard to keep my focus after Kevin won a leg.

“I wanted to go through but wasn’t good enough and Kevin deserved the win. I can look forward to playing in the PDC World Championship now next month.”

NINE-DART SHOOT-OUT
Alan Tabern 169 (9) Andy Hamilton 265 (6)

ANDY HAMILTON won the historic nine-dart shoot-out with Alan Tabern to move into round two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts - where he will meet Phil Taylor in a repeat of the 2007 final.

Hamilton and Tabern returned to the Wolverhampton Civic to play off for a place in the last 16 after finishing level on points and leg difference in Group B.

Tabern won the bull and opted to throw first - but scores of 85, 41 and 43 were not enough, with scores of 125 and 140 meaning Hamilton only needed six darts to progress.

“I just focused on the treble 20 and took one dart at a time,” said Hamilton. “There was a lot of pressure and opening with a good score was a bonus.

“I’ll look forward to playing Phil on Wednesday night and it should be a great game. I’m a better player this year, more experienced, and I’ll be ready for him.”

The defending champion had suffered defeat to Andy Jenkins on Sunday, but produced an outstanding display in his winner-takes-all clash with the Dutchman.

Taylor opened the match with a maximum and took the opening leg in 14 darts, before powering to victory with a three-dart average of 104.51.

“I was very disappointed to lose on Sunday but I had a point to prove and did that,” said Taylor.

“It’s hard for Vincent because he’s a great professional and obviously it knocks him out - but it’s dog-eat-dog and I’m gunning to keep my title.”

Taylor will now meet Andy Hamilton or Alan Tabern in the second round, with that duo facing an historic nine-dart shoot-out on Tuesday night.

A win for Tabern over Brian Woods and Hamilton’s 5-1 loss to Simon Whitlock left the duo locked on both points and leg difference in Group B, and they will face off at the end of Tuesday’s play, with the player scoring the most points from nine darts progressing.

Whitlock will take on Andy Jenkins in the last 16, with the Portsmouth man ending as the Group A runner-up after following up his win over Taylor with a mixed display against Phill Nixon.

Jenkins led 3-1 but tailed off and allowed Nixon to take four successive legs and claim his only win of the event.

Mervyn King’s impressive 5-3 win over Mark Webster meant he tops Group C, with the BDO World Champion also progressing to the second round after Michael van Gerwen defeated Northern Ireland’s Colin McGarry 5-1.

King now takes on Kevin McDine in the last 16, with the 2007 semi-finalist taking second spot in Group D after a 5-2 defeat of Anastasia Dobromyslova.

Webster meets John Part in round two in a clash of the respective BDO and PDC World Champions, with the Canadian topping Group D despite a 5-3 loss to Wayne Mardle.

Tuesday sees Groups E-H compete in their final matches, which include Raymond van Barneveld, James Wade and Gary Anderson.

Group A-D Final Games
Phill Nixon 5-3 Andy Jenkins
Alan Tabern 5-1 Brian Woods
Michael van Gerwen 5-1 Colin McGarry
Mervyn King 5-3 Mark Webster
Wayne Mardle 5-3 John Part
Phil Taylor 5-1 Vincent van der Voort
Simon Whitlock 5-1 Andy Hamilton
Kevin McDine 5-2 Anastasia Dobromyslova

Tuesday, 5.30pm
Group E-H Final Games
Terry Jenkins v Wes Newton
Colin Lloyd v Darin Young
Denis Ovens v Niels de Ruiter
Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Mawson
Gary Anderson v Darryl Fitton
James Wade v Adrian Lewis
Robert Thornton v Kirk Shepherd
Kevin Painter v Paul Nicholson

PHILL NIXON 5-3 ANDY JENKINS
PHILL NIXON came from 3-1 down to finish the group phase of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a flourish thanks to a 5-3 win over Andy Jenkins.

Nixon had lost his opening two matches in the tournament, to Phil Taylor and Vincent van der Voort, and was unable to qualify for the last 16, but gained consolation with a good win.

Jenkins began the game in the same manner which saw him defeat Phil Taylor on Sunday, hitting a 180 in the opening leg and taking the third and fourth to open up a 3-1 lead.

He included a 180 and a two-dart 96 finish in a 14-darter in the fourth, and had missed doubles in the leg he lost.

However, he was a different player after the break, with Nixon capitalising to take out double 18 for leg five, double 16 to break throw and then landing in the same bed to move 4-3 up.

Nixon then took out double ten to wrap up a consolation victory.

“Andy has been playing brilliantly so it’s good to beat him”, said Nixon. “I wanted to win one game and finish on a high, and I’ve managed to do that.”

Jenkins admitted: “I’ve already qualified so I had nothing to play for and it was hard to keep my concentration.

“It’s disappointing to lose but I can look forward to the knockout side of the tournament now on Wednesday.”

ALAN TABERN 5-1 BRIAN WOODS
ALAN TABERN finished the group stage of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 victory over Brian Woods.

Tabern is left waiting on the result of Simon Whitlock’s clash with Andy Hamilton later on Monday evening, and could still miss out on a place in the last 16 if Whitlock wins 5-2, 5-3 or 5-4.

Woods missed double seven to win the game’s opening leg, mirroring the wayward finishing which has blighted his previous two matches, before Tabern took out double ten to lead.

Tabern also won the next two before punishing three missed doubles from the Cumbrian to land double six for a 4-0 cushion.

A missed bullseye from Tabern gave Woods a chance in the fifth, and the BDO World Championship semi-finalist hit double ten to get off the mark - showing his relief with a smile to the Wolverhampton Civic crowd.

But Tabern hit a 180 in the next before a two-dart 71 finish wrapped up his win.

“I just wanted to win and even though I felt I didn’t play too well I’m quite pleased,” said Tabern. “I’ve never been as nervous going into the game because it was so important to win.

“I know Brian is a better player than he’s shown in this event and I was waiting for him to turn it, and we both didn’t play how we can.

“I gritted my teeth and got through it, and when I was given a chance I took it.”

Woods admitted: “I’ve not done myself justice in this event and missed so many doubles. I’ve missed so many doubles and it’s been frustrating seeing so many darts land on the wire.”

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 5-1 COLIN McGARRY
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN ended Colin McGarry’s hopes of qualifying for the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 victory.

ITV Wildcard Qualifier McGarry needed to take victory in his final group game to keep alive his bid to reach the last 16, but came unstuck against the determined Dutchman.

Van Gerwen had lost his opening two games in the tournament and could not progress, but gained a consolation victory in style.

Both players missed doubles in the opening leg before the teenager landed double eight, with double top seeing McGarry level.

But the Northern Irishman was punished for misses in the next two as van Gerwen pulled clear at 3-1.

Double 12 moved him to the brink of victory, and double top ensured the teenager ended the tournament with a smile on his face.

“I’ve not played my best darts this weekend and I wanted to get the win,” said van Gerwen. “I lost my first two games and it was very painful for me, and it’s important for me to go home with confidence.”

McGarry had defeated Mark Webster in his opening game, and added: “I’m very disappointed not to have qualified after the start I made.

“I couldn’t get going against Michael but full credit to him for a good performance, he did the business.”

MERVYN KING 5-3 MARK WEBSTER
MERVYN KING remains unbeaten following a 5-3 win over Mark Webster which sees him top Group C at the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

King followed up his wins over Michael van Gerwen and Colin McGarry with a strong display to defeat the BDO World Champion - who also qualifies for the last 16.

Webster took the game’s opening leg on double ten, having also landed a maximum, before King, aided by a 122 finish, won three in a row to lead 3-1.

A 117 finish for a 12-darter, including a second maximum of the game, saw King move a leg away from victory before Webster took the next two on double nine and double 12 to stay in the contest.

But a third maximum from King pushed him clear in leg eight, and he landed double eight for victory.

“It was a good game and I’m very happy with my performance,” said King, who averaged 97. “Mark’s a class player and it’s great to beat him.

“It’s knockout format from here and I think the averages will get better because it’s a difference kind of pressure.

“A lot of players, me included, have been below-par but the second round will bring out the best in people.”

Webster said: “I’m disappointed to lose but the primary aim tonight was to get through, and I’ve done that.

“I enjoyed the game, Mervyn gave me a lesson in finishing but I need to get better for the rest of the tournament.”

WAYNE MARDLE 5-3 JOHN PART
WAYNE MARDLE held off John Part’s fightback to increase his chances of qualifying for the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

Mardle had lost his first game 5-0 to Kevin McDine, but followed up his narrow defeat of Anastasia Dobromyslova with another victory to leave him needing a McDine defeat to the Russian in their later game if he is to qualify.

Mardle started confidently, hitting a 180 and 100 finish in the opening leg and a second successive 15-darter to double his lead.

Double 19 put him 3-0 in front before he hit another maximum in taking a 4-0 cushion into the break without Part having had a chance at a double.

The PDC World Champion kicked into gear with a 180 after the restart, taking leg four on double 16 and hitting further maximums in winning the next two.

But Mardle wrapped up the win with a sensational 158 checkout.

“John came back brilliantly and if I’d not hit that 158 I don’t think I would have won,” admitted Mardle.

“I’m delighted with the win and my confidence is lifted again now.

“Losing 5-0 to Kevin McDine and then almost being beaten in my second round had made it one of the worst weeks of my life but I’ve got a win against the World Champion.”

Part said: “I wanted to win and knock Wayne out because I could meet him later in the tournament, but he came out fiercely and took advantage of my lazy start.

“After that I was good and I’m feeling good about my game. Everything’s coming together.”

Part now meets Mark Webster in the last 16, in a clash of World Champions.

PHIL TAYLOR 5-1 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
PHIL TAYLOR powered into the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 demolition of Vincent van der Voort.

The defending champion had suffered defeat to Andy Jenkins on Sunday, but produced an outstanding display in his winner-takes-all clash with the Dutchman.

Taylor opened the match with a maximum and took the opening leg in 14 darts, before three missed doubles allowed the Dutchman in to level.

But Taylor landed a third maximum of the game in taking the third, and a 14-darter put him 3-1 up.

Taylor then took out 121 on the bull to deny van der Voort, who had hit a 180, in the fifth before sealing the win by taking advantage of five missed doubles from the Dutchman in the next.

“I was very disappointed to lose on Sunday but I had a point to prove and did that,” said Taylor. “I kicked in at the start with a 180 and knew I was on for a cracker.

“I made a dream start but missed three darts at double in the second leg and was putting myself under pressure to get a big win. I relaxed then and came through.

“Now I’m through I will relax a bit more and hopefully my best darts will come out in the next few days.

“It’s hard for Vincent because he’s a great professional and obviously it knocks him out - but it’s dog-eat-dog and I’m gunning to keep my title.”

Van der Voort, who had lost in his opening game to Andy Jenkins, admitted: “It’s very disappointing.

“I felt good going up on stage but I started badly and Phil started brilliantly. He was great and put a lot of pressure on me.

“It’s been a great experience playing in the Grand Slam of Darts and I’ll go away and practice hard now for the World Championship next month.”

SIMON WHITLOCK 5-1 ANDY HAMILTON
SIMON WHITLOCK secured a place in round two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 win over Andy Hamilton - leaving the Stoke man facing a nine-dart shoot-out on Tuesday.

Australian Whitlock will now top Group B in the tournament after a second victory in the first round, and takes on Andy Jenkins in the last 16.

But a 5-1 win means Hamilton now faces off with Alan Tabern on Tuesday night in a nine-dart shoot-out - with the player scoring the most from nine dart finishing second in the group and moving through.

“It will be new for me and I’ll be ready,” said Hamilton. “I’m a big scorer anyway and it will be different!”

A 5-0 defeat would have eliminated Hamilton, while Tabern - who defeated Brian Woods earlier in the night - knew a 5-2 win for Whitlock would put him through on leg difference.

But a sensational Whitlock start saw him look more likely to produce a whitewash result.

Hamilton missed double four for the first leg, with Whitlock stepping in to take the lead before landing a 180 on his way to leg two.

Double 12 pushed Whitlock 3-0 up before a 109 checkout pushed the Australian a leg away from the win.

Hamilton landed a 180 in the next, and double six got him the leg he needed to stay alive in the competition - but a second would not follow when Whitlock took out double four for the match.

“I knew I had to win and that was my only concern,” said Whitlock. “I did what I had to do and I’m looking forward to the second round now.

“Andy was awesome in his first two games and he played pretty well again but I’m very pleased with my display.”

Hamilton, who averaged 103, added: “Simon threw very well and didn’t give me many chances. I was top of the group but now I’m fighting to stay in the tournament and it’s very exciting.”

KEVIN McDINE 5-2 ANASTASIA DOBROMYSLOVA
KEVIN McDINE won his place in round two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-2 defeat of Anastasia Dobromyslova.

McDine had been left needing a victory from his third match after Wayne Mardle defeated John Part earlier on Monday, and the 2007 Grand Slam semi-finalist obliged with his best display of the first round.

Although he missed three darts for the first leg, which the Russian took on double top, the youngster replied with a 107 checkout and a 14-darter against the throw to lead 2-1.

Although Dobromyslova levelled, taking out double 18 after McDine missed at double top, the Englishman took out double four and double five to crucially pull clear to 4-2.

McDine then landed a key 180 in the next leg, and took out 64 to ensure his place in the last 16.

“I was very nervous and just glad I got through,” said McDine. “Anastasia didn’t play as well as she had against Wayne on Sunday, but it was a tough game.”

Dobromyslova finished her participation with three losses, and said: “It has been a great experience but I expected more from myself.

“To lose three games is not what I wanted and I’ll work to improve on that.”

Jenkins produced a superb performance to record the first win over Taylor in his career and ensure his spot in the last 16 of the Grand Slam of Darts.

He led 2-0 and 3-2 before Taylor hit back to lead, but the Portsmouth man sent the game into a decider before hitting a sensational 12-darter against the throw to take victory.

“I know what I have to do and I’ve no choice but to win or go home,” said Taylor. “It’s as simple as that and it’s knockout darts for me now against Vincent - but that will bring out the best in me.”

Jenkins is now assured of a place in the last 16, and said: “I’m so proud to have beaten Phil. He’s the best player ever and it means a lot to me.”

Both Raymond van Barneveld and James Wade, ranked second and third in the Professional Darts Corporation, came from 3-1 down to win 5-3 with superb displays against Robert Thornton and Denis Ovens.

Wade’s 111.03 average was his highest in a televised event, while included a 121 finish in maintaining his unbeaten start to the tournament.

Mervyn ensured his place in the last 16 with a 5-3 defeat of Colin McGarry, while PDC World Champion John Part will progress following a 5-1 defeat of Kevin McDine.

Darryl Fitton’s 5-2 win over Paul Nicholson puts him in the driving seat in Group H, while ITV Wildcard Qualifier Wes Newton took a second successive victory with a 5-3 defeat of Darin Young.

Monday’s play sees Groups A-D play their final games, with three players in Group B still able to qualify.

Unbeaten Andy Hamilton meets Simon Whitlock, while Alan Tabern takes on eliminated player Brian Woods.

Group C sees unbeaten King face BDO World Champion Mark Webster and Colin McGarry take on winless Michael van Gerwen.

John Part, who has qualified in Group D, takes on Wayne Mardle, while Kevin McDine - who has far superior leg difference to Mardle - meets Women’s World Champion Anastasia Dobromyslova, who could still qualify with a 5-0 victory.

PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts
Second Group Games
Sunday November 16
Afternoon Session
Simon Whitlock 5-0 Brian Woods
Gary Mawson 5-0 Kirk Shepherd
Vincent van der Voort 5-1 Phill Nixon
Mark Webster 5-0 Michael van Gerwen
Gary Anderson 5-2 Kevin Painter
Terry Jenkins 5-3 Colin Lloyd
Adrian Lewis 5-0 Niels de Ruiter
Wayne Mardle 5-4 Anastasia Dobromyslova
Evening Session
Mervyn King 5-3 Colin McGarry
Andy Hamilton 5-1 Alan Tabern
Darryl Fitton 5-2 Paul Nicholson
Wes Newton 5-3 Darin Young
Andy Jenkins 5-4 Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld 5-3 Robert Thornton
James Wade 5-3 Denis Ovens
John Part 5-1 Kevin McDine

Final Group Games
Monday November 17
Andy Jenkins v Phill Nixon
Alan Tabern v Brian Woods
Michael van Gerwen v Colin McGarry
Mark Webster v Mervyn King
John Part v Wayne Mardle
Phil Taylor v Vincent van der Voort
Andy Hamilton v Simon Whitlock
Kevin McDine v Anastasia Dobromyslova

Tuesday November 18
Terry Jenkins v Wes Newton
Colin Lloyd v Darin Young
Denis Ovens v Niels de Ruiter
Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Mawson
Gary Anderson v Darryl Fitton
James Wade v Adrian Lewis
Robert Thornton v Kirk Shepherd
Kevin Painter v Paul Nicholson

MERVYN KING 5-3 COLIN McGARRY
MERVYN KING secured a place in the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-3 defeat of Colin McGarry.

King followed up his opening win over Michael van Gerwen with another solid display to defeat the ITV Wildcard Qualifier, setting his stall out with a 13-dart leg to open the game.

He landed a 180 on his way to a 2-0 lead before McGarry got off the mark on double top.

A 112 finish, following a second maximum, put King in the driving seat, only for McGarry to win two of the next three to ensure some nervy moments at 4-3.

But King landed a 180 to set up a finish in the next, and sealed victory on double eight after both players endured some nervy moments at the double.

“I’m happy in bits with my performance,” said King. “I took advantage of Colin’s slow start and I’m glad I did because he came back strongly.

“To be sure of a place in the last 16 is a boost but I know I’m capable of better than that.”

McGarry must now defeat Michael van Gerwen in his final game if he is to win through to the second round, with the Dutch youngster unable to qualify after suffering two heavy defeats.

“I didn’t play as well as I can but I gave Mervyn a run for his money,” said McGarry, from Larne in Northern Ireland. “Hopefully I can perform better on Monday and take the last spot.”

ANDY HAMILTON 5-1 ALAN TABERN
ANDY HAMILTON effectively booked his PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts second round spot with a 5-1 win over Alan Tabern.

The 2007 runner-up has made a strong start to his challenge in Wolverhampton this year, defeating Brian Woods on Saturday and in-form Tabern in his second group game.

Hamilton hit a 180 in a 12-darter to open the match, and stepped in to win the second after Tabern wasted two 180s by missing two darts for the leg.

The St Helens man won the third leg on double 18, but double ten and double nine put Hamilton a leg away from victory.

Hamilton then hit a 14-darter in leg six to wrap up a comprehensive win and leave himself in pole position in Group B.

“I’m on four points now and in a very good position,” said Hamilton. “Last year I reached the final and I love it on stage in Wolverhampton!”

Tabern now needs to win his final game against Brian Woods, and hope Hamilton defeats Simon Whitlock if he is to qualify.

“I felt good up there but Andy was great and deserved to win,” said Tabern. “The second leg was important but I had shots at doubles and didn’t take them.”

DARRYL FITTON 5-2 PAUL NICHOLSON
DARRYL FITTON powered past Paul Nicholson 5-2 to put one foot into the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

Fitton’s second successive win in the event means he needs only to avoid defeat to Gary Anderson on Tuesday night to ensure his last 16 place.

The Stockport star averaged 97 in an impressive display, hitting five 180s and missing only two darts at a double in the seven legs.

Nicholson had opened with a victory over Anderson, and shared a tight first four legs before Fitton pulled clear for the win.

The Australian number one had his chance in leg three, but missed two darts for a 2-1 lead before Fitton took out double four.

Fitton landed a 180 in the fourth, but a superb 103 checkout saw Nicholson level - only to see it bettered by a 117 finish from the Englishman.

Double 12 saw Fitton break throw, and a sensational 11-darter ensured his victory, with scores of 180, 140 and 135 followed by double 18.

“I’m very pleased with the win but I was a little erratic,” said Fitton. “I was hitting the 180s and my finishes but need to polish up my scoring in between.”

Nicholson added: “I think I played better than my first game but Darryl was far too good.

“I have to defeat Kevin Painter in my last game and I’m a big admirer of his. He’s a heavy scorer and I know I’ll have to take my chances.”

WES NEWTON 5-3 DARIN YOUNG
ITV Wildcard Qualifier Wes Newton claimed a second successive victory in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-3 defeat of Darin Young.

Newton now has one foot in the second round of the tournament at the Wolverhampton Civic, having battled through over 200 players just to win a place in the tournament.

Young took the game’s opening leg on double five, but Newton won the next two on double 16 and double top after misses from the American to edge himself ahead.

A 75 finish from Young levelled the game before the duo shared the next two to leave the scores locked at three-all.

Newton moved a leg away from victory on double 12, and though Young landed a maximum in leg eight the Fleetwood-based star took out 100 for the win.

“I don’t think I’m playing as well as I can but I’m winning so that’s a bonus,” said Newton.

“I can play better but at the end of the day I’ve won two games and I can relax a bit and let my ‘A Game’ come out.”

Young must win his final clash of the group phase, against Colin Lloyd on Tuesday, if he is to qualify, and he admitted: “I didn’t come up with the performance I needed and if you don’t hit your doubles you get what you deserve.

“I felt good but Wes hit some good shots. Hopefully I can come up with a win against Colin on Tuesday.”

ANDY JENKINS 5-4 PHIL TAYLOR
DEFENDING PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts champion Phil Taylor faces a winner-takes-all battle with Vincent van der Voort on Monday night after a 5-4 loss to Andy Jenkins.

Jenkins produced a superb performance to record the first win over Taylor in his career and ensure his spot in the last 16 of the Grand Slam of Darts.

He led 2-0 and 3-2 before Taylor hit back to lead, but the Portsmouth man sent the game into a decider before hitting a sensational 12-darter against the throw to take victory.

“I’m so proud to have beaten Phil,” said Jenkins. “He’s the best player ever and it means a lot to me.

“Getting into the second round was always going to be tough but I knew I had to play that well if I was going to beat Phil and I did it.”

Jenkins took out a 15-darter to break throw in the opening leg, following two misses from Taylor, and then landed a 180 and double six to step in and double his advantage.

Taylor kicked into gear to win leg three, with a 180 pushing him clear before he took out double ten to get off the mark and then hit three successive 140s in the next to level.

A fine 11-darter put Jenkins 3-2 up, only for Taylor to respond and win leg six, before double top in the next put him front for the first time.

Jenkins won leg eight on double 16 to send the game into a decider, which he opened with a 180.

He added a 140 before setting up a finish, and took out 104 with Taylor waiting on 68 to claim the biggest win of his career.

“I didn’t play badly but Andy played some great darts under pressure and showed a lot of bottle,” said Taylor.

“His confidence grew after winning the first leg and full credit to him.

“I know what I have to do and I’ve no choice but to win or go home. It’s as simple as that and it’s knockout darts for me now against Vincent - but that will bring out the best in me.”

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 5-3 ROBERT THORNTON
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD came from 3-1 down to defeat Robert Thornton 5-3 and remain unbeaten in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

The Dutchman, the number two seed, looked set to become Thornton’s latest big-name scalp when the Scot - a semi-finalist in the European Championship recently - stormed into the lead.

But van Barneveld showed his quality with four stunning legs to put one foot into the second round.

Thornton landed a 180 in taking the first leg, and double 18 saw him move 2-0 up before van Barneveld fired in a 13-darter to break throw and get off the mark.

A missed double top allowed Thornton to win the fourth leg on the same bed and move 3-1 up.

He also hit 180s in the next two, but van Barneveld landed 15-darters to deny the Scot and square the game.

The five-time World Champion hit a 180 and a 121 finish in winning the next to lead for the first time, before a 13-darter sealed his win.

“I know what Robert can do and he’s a world class player,” said van Barneveld. “I had to score highly but to come from 3-1 down was tough.

“I had good belief and hit some good shots that helped me.”

Thornton now needs to defeat Kirk Shepherd in his final game if he is to qualify, and said: “I played a lot better than in my first game but I can’t argue with the result - Raymond was superb.”

JAMES WADE 5-3 DENIS OVENS
JAMES WADE battled back from 3-1 down with one of his finest ever performances to defeat Denis Ovens 5-3 and remain unbeaten in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

Ovens started superbly to lead 3-1, including a 11-darter and some clinical finishing to take advantage, with Wade needing to produce a 12-dart leg to get off the mark.

A 177 set up a double 12 finish for the PDC world number three in the fifth leg, and double ten saw him level at three-all.

Wade then took out an 11-darter with a 98 finish to lead and wrapped up the win in 12 darts, following scores of 140, 140 and 180 with a 41 checkout to ensure his second win.

Wade’s average of 111.03 was his highest ever in a televised game, and puts him in pole position to win Group G.

“I’m happy to win but that was a very tough game,” said Wade. “Denis was doing a job on me early on and I looked dead and buried at 3-1, but I managed to turn it around.”

Ovens needs to defeat Niels de Ruiter on Tuesday if he is to qualify for round two, and said: “James showed why he’s world number three and came back very well, but now I have to win my third game and know what I have to do.”

JOHN PART 5-1 KEVIN McDINE
PDC WORLD CHAMPION John Part booked his place in the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 win over Kevin McDine.

Part followed up his 5-1 victory over Anastasia Dobromyslova with another clinical display to ensure his place in the knockout phase of the tournament.

McDine actually took the opening leg of the clash, on double 16, but a superb 135 finish from Part set him on his way.

The Canadian broke throw on double 16 in the next leg and punished two missed doubles from the 2007 semi-finalist with double five for a 3-1 lead.

A further miss from McDine, at double 12 for a 141 finish, proved costly as Part landed double top, before he sealed the win on double 16.

The Women’s World Champion battled back from the brink of defeat with finishes of 116 and 120 in levelling with Mardle, only to miss out in the deciding leg of the game.

The glamorous Russian, who lost to John Part on Saturday, needs the Canadian to defeat Kevin McDine on Sunday evening to stay mathematically in the tournament, before facing the youngster on Monday in her final group game.

“She was better than me and I got away with it,” admitted Mardle. “I needed to win that because I’m slightly off form at the moment and that alone made it tough for me.

“It was always going to be hard anyway, Anastasia’s a great player and deservedly the Women’s World Champion, but I managed to hit some doubles when I needed to.”

The second day of group games in the tournament saw 2007 semi-finalist Gary Anderson - the WDF number one - spark into life with a superb win over Kevin Painter.

Anderson lost to newcomer Paul Nicholson on Saturday but hit five doubles from seven attempts in a high-quality 5-2 win over Kevin Painter.

Simon Whitlock, Gary Mawson, Mark Webster and Adrian Lewis all bounced back from losses on the opening day with 5-0 whitewashes, while Vincent van der Voort was a 5-1 winner against Phill Nixon.

Terry Jenkins won his battle with Colin Lloyd in Group F with a 5-3 victory to leave the former World Matchplay champion’s hopes hanging by a thread.

The second day continues with the evening session at the Wolverhampton Civic, when Saturday’s winners face off, including defending champion Phil Taylor’s game with Andy Jenkins.

PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts
Sunday November 16
Afternoon Session (12pm-5pm)
Simon Whitlock 5-0 Brian Woods
Gary Mawson 5-0 Kirk Shepherd
Vincent van der Voort 5-1 Phill Nixon
Mark Webster 5-0 Michael van Gerwen
Gary Anderson 5-2 Kevin Painter
Terry Jenkins 5-3 Colin Lloyd
Adrian Lewis 5-0 Niels de Ruiter
Wayne Mardle 5-4 Anastasia Dobromyslova

Evening Session (7.30pm-12am)
Colin McGarry v Mervyn King
Andy Hamilton v Alan Tabern
Darryl Fitton v Paul Nicholson
Darin Young v Wes Newton
Phil Taylor v Andy Jenkins
Robert Thornton v Raymond van Barneveld
Denis Ovens v James Wade
John Part v Kevin McDine

SIMON WHITLOCK 5-0 BRIAN WOODS
AUSTRALIAN Simon Whitlock punished Brian Woods’ missed doubles to bounce back to winning ways in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-0 win.

Whitlock had lost to Alan Tabern on the tournament’s opening night, but hit back with a whitewash that leaves Cumbrian Woods all but eliminated from the tournament.

Woods missed doubles in the opening two legs in allowing Whitlock into the lead, and the Australian landed a 180 before hitting double four to move 3-0 up.

Whitlock hit a second maximum in leg four but trailed following a slow start - only for nine further missed doubles from Woods to give the World Championship finalist a chance, which he took on double eight.

Woods hit back with a 180 in leg five, but misses at the bull and two darts at double eight once again proved costly, with Whitlock capitalising to seal the win on double 18.

“I was hitting the treble pretty well but had a nightmare with my doubles,” said Woods. “Some days they go in and others they don’t.

“I could have won 5-0 if the doubles had gone in, but Simon hit his and deserved the win.”

Whitlock now meets Andy Hamilton in the final group games, and said: “I’ll have to raise another gear against Andy.

“I won’t get as many chances against him but Brian was unlucky to miss so many doubles without any going in.”

GARY MAWSON 5-0 KIRK SHEPHERD
GARY MAWSON piled on the misery for Kirk Shepherd to record a whitewash victory on day two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

Shepherd was defeated 5-1 by Raymond van Barneveld on Saturday and suffered a second heavy loss to effectively end the youngster’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage.

Shepherd never got into his rhythm, allowing Mawson to recover from a slow start to take out 130 on the bull for the lead.

Double top and double 16 extended the American’s lead to 3-0, before Mawson hit a 180 and a two-dart 96 checkout for a 4-0 cushion.

Shepherd was then unable to take advantage of missed doubles in the next before Mawson stepped in to record a fine victory on double two.

“It’s a perfect win and I couldn’t have asked for any more,” said Mawson. “I was slow at the beginning and couldn’t find anything for the first few throws but I’m very pleased how it came together.

“It’s still up for grabs who goes through from our group and hopefully I can carry this on to Tuesday when I play Raymond van Barneveld.”

VINCENT VAN DER VOORT 5-1 PHILL NIXON
DUTCH ace Vincent van der Voort produced a classy display to see off Phill Nixon 5-1 in their second Group A game.

Van der Voort lost in a deciding leg to Andy Jenkins on Saturday, but grabbed two points in style to condemn Nixon to a second heavy loss.

The Dutchman took the first two legs comfortably before Nixon stepped in to get off the mark in the third on double four.

But a brace of double top finishes pushed van der Voort 4-1 up, and he sealed victory with an outstanding 146 checkout to end the match with an average of 99.98.

“It didn’t feel like such a high average,” admitted van der Voort. “It was hard work but everything went well after going wrong for me against Andy Jenkins on Saturday.

“Phill’s a good player but he let me in and I took my chances. I’ve got Phil Taylor on Monday and I always look forward to playing him, I’ll prepare well and look to keep this form.”

MARK WEBSTER 5-0 MICHAEL VAN GERWEN
MARK WEBSTER stormed to a confidence-boosting whitewash victory over Michael van Gerwen on day two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

The Welshman suffered a disappointing loss to Colin McGarry on Saturday, but bounced back in style against the young Dutchman.

Webster - the BDO World Champion - never gave van Gerwen a chance after a superb start, hitting 180s in the first two legs and a pair of double top finishes to take charge.

Double six put him 3-0 up, before missed doubles from van Gerwen allowed Webster to move a leg away from the win.

Webster returned from the break with throws of 123 and 140, and sealed victory in 14 darts.

“I needed to play well to get back some confidence and self-belief, and I did that,” said Webster, who hit five from eight attempts at a double.

“I didn’t expect to win 5-0 but it’s a relief for me and I’ve lots to play for on Monday now when I play Mervyn King.

“He’s a brilliant player and I’m looking to keep this up because I have to win to go through.”

GARY ANDERSON 5-2 KEVIN PAINTER
GARY ANDERSON kick-started his PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts challenge with a high-quality 5-2 win over Kevin Painter.

The Scot, a semi-finalist in Wolverhampton last year, suffered a 5-4 loss to newcomer Paul Nicholson on the opening day but hit back with a 97 average and five doubles from seven attempts against Painter.

The two met twice in last year’s event, and shared another high-scoring contest, with Painter taking the opening leg before Anderson took out 116 on double 18 to level, with his opponent waiting on a finish.

Double top put Anderson in front, and the Scottish star then landed maximums in the next two legs before continuing his impeccable record on the doubles to lead 4-1.

Painter took out double top to break throw, but missed eight darts at a double in leg seven to give Anderson his chance for the win, which he took on double top.

“I started well and was pleased because it was much better than my first game,” said Anderson.

“It’s always hard against Kevin but he missed a few doubles and I stepped in.”

Painter admitted: “Gary took out some good shots under pressure and the 116 was important. I felt better than my first game and scored well but my finishing was poor again and a player like Gary will punish you.”

TERRY JENKINS 5-3 COLIN LLOYD
VICTORY for Terry Jenkins over Colin Lloyd in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts left Group F wide open.

Defeats for the higher seeded duo - both ranked in the PDC’s top ten - on the opening day saw them battling to stay in the tournament, with Lloyd’s chances now relying on a Wes Newton victory against Darin Young.

Jenkins started the better of the two, hitting 180s in the opening two legs in taking a 2-0 lead as the pair began nervously.

Lloyd stepped in to take out double top in the third and then levelled on double 18, and the next two were shared to leave the pair locked at three-all.

Lloyd, though, missed two darts at double top to nick the seventh leg, with Jenkins having responded to a 171 score with a 180 before landing double ten.

The Ledbury man then sealed victory on double top, setting up his clash with Newton on Tuesday as a potential winner-takes all contest.

“I hit three 180s at crucial times and it kept me in the game,” said Jenkins. “There was a lot of pressure on both of us and it showed, but I’ve got control of my own destiny now.”

Lloyd admitted: “It was always going to be a tough game but I’ve had two bites at the cherry now and I shouldn’t need to rely on other games.

“Terry took the lead and I got it back but I missed doubles late on and he took his chances. But I threw some half-decent darts and will be confident for Darin Young on Tuesday.”

ADRIAN LEWIS 5-0 NIELS DE RUITER
ADRIAN LEWIS stormed back to top form with a 5-0 whitewash of Niels de Ruiter.

Lewis was disappointing in a loss to Denis Ovens on Saturday, but saw off the Dutch youngster with ease.

Double nine gave him the first leg, and two double top finishes put him 3-0 up.

Lewis then landed back-to-back 180s in the next to leave 41, with a maximum from de Ruiter in reply not enough to prevent the Stoke star taking out double 16 for an 11-darter.

Lewis missed his doubles in the next, but a missed chance at the bull from de Ruiter gave him a second chance for the win, which he eventually took on double one.

“I didn’t play brilliant darts but I did what I had to do,” said Lewis. “We were both patchy but I was pleased with the 11-darter.

“I feel I’ve got more in me and I’m happy with the win, but I’ll have to step it up against James Wade on Tuesday.”

WAYNE MARDLE 5-4 ANASTASIA DOBROMYSLOVA
ANASTASIA DOBROMYSLOVA came within a whisker of becoming the first female to win a televised darts match, coming from 4-0 down to take Wayne Mardle to a deciding leg in their second group game at the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

The Women’s World Champion battled back from the brink of defeat with finishes of 116 and 120 in levelling with Mardle, only to miss out in the deciding leg of the game.

The glamorous Russian, who lost to John Part on Saturday, needs the Canadian to defeat Kevin McDine on Sunday evening to stay mathematically in the tournament, before facing the youngster on Monday in her final group game.

“It was a brilliant game,” said Dobromyslova. “The crowd were great and got behind me when I started coming back.

“I lost 5-1 and now 5-4 so I’m getting better, and maybe I’ll win my next match!”

Mardle stepped in to win the opening leg after the Russian failed to set up a double, and a 106 finish put him 2-0 up.

Dobromyslova was first to the finish in the next two, but misses allowed Mardle in twice on double top to move to the brink of victory.

But Dobromyslova returned from the break with a 15-darter and landed double ten to reduce the arrears to 4-2.

A 116 checkout, finishing on double top, put her within a leg before a 120 finish saw her send the contest into a decider.

But Mardle was first to the double, with Dobromyslova leaving 16 but never getting a chance as the Essex star hit double 16 for the win.

“She was better than me and I got away with it,” said Mardle. “I needed to win that because I’m slightly off form at the moment and that alone made it tough for me.

“It was always going to be hard anyway, Anastasia’s a great player and deservedly the Women’s World Champion, but I managed to hit some doubles when I needed to.

“I put myself in trouble by losing 5-0 to Kevin but all I can do is keep winning and hopefully I can do enough to go through.”

Van Barneveld, a five-time World Champion, showed no mercy against emerging youngster Kirk Shepherd with a powerful display to gain first blood in the group phase at the Wolverhampton Civic.

Van Barneveld averaged over 100 and hit five doubles from seven attempts to make an ideal start to the tournament, setting up a clash with fellow Group E winner Robert Thornton on Sunday.

“It’s a great start for me,” said van Barneveld. “At 4-0, Kirk started to play like the player who reached the World Championship final, but darts is a strange game.”

A disappointing opening day leaves Wayne Mardle facing a must-win clash with Women’s World Champion Anastasia Dobromyslova.

Mardle produced what he described as “one of the worst displays of my career” in losing 5-0 to Kevin McDine, a semi-finalist in the 2007 Grand Slam of Darts who made a perfect start to this year’s event.

English-born Australian number one Paul Nicholson produced the biggest upset of the opening day, marking his debut in a televised event by seeing off WDF world number one Gary Anderson 5-4.

Nicholson made an immediate impression when entering the stage to Metallica and wearing sunglasses – but silenced the partisan crowd and held his nerve with a final-leg triumph.

“I tried to have some fun with the crowd at the start and it backfired a bit, but it was my first time on stage and I enjoyed it,” said Nicholson.

PDC world number three James Wade saw off Niels de Ruiter 5-1 and takes on Denis Ovens on day two, with the Dutch youngster now taking on Adrian Lewis, who went down 5-2 earlier in the day.

Mervyn King saw off Michael van Gerwen 5-1, but Simon Whitlock was unable to make it an Australian double when he lost 5-3 to Alan Tabern.

Andy Jenkins defeated Vincent van der Voort in a deciding leg to set up a clash with Phil Taylor on Sunday, while Wes Newton was another narrow winner in his clash with Colin Lloyd.

Sunday’s afternoon session features Saturday’s losers clashing in must-win games, which include Gary Anderson against Kevin Painter, van der Voort against Phill Nixon, Lloyd against Terry Jenkins and van Gerwen’s meeting with BDO World Champion Mark Webster.

The evening session will see King take on newcomer Colin McGarry, who defeated Mark Webster earlier on Saturday, McDine against John Part and Andy Hamilton versus Alan Tabern.

PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts
First Round (Group Phase)
Afternoon Session
Denis Ovens 5-2 Adrian Lewis
Andy Hamilton 5-3 Brian Woods
Robert Thornton 5-3 Gary Mawson
John Part 5-1 Anastasia Dobromyslova
Phil Taylor 5-0 Phill Nixon
Colin McGarry 5-4 Mark Webster
Darryl Fitton 5-2 Kevin Painter
Darin Young 5-4 Terry Jenkins
Evening Session
Andy Jenkins 5-4 Vincent van der Voort
Kevin McDine 5-0 Wayne Mardle
James Wade 5-1 Niels de Ruiter
Paul Nicholson 5-4 Gary Anderson
Raymond van Barneveld 5-1 Kirk Shepherd
Alan Tabern 5-3 Simon Whitlock
Mervyn King 5-1 Michael van Gerwen
Wes Newton 5-4 Colin Lloyd

ANDY JENKINS 5-4 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
ANDY JENKINS came back from 4-2 down to defeat Vincent van der Voort in the 2008 PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

Van der Voort had a dart for the match in the eighth leg but the man from Portsmouth survived that moment and went on to win his first match in Group A.

In a tight opening to the match both players held their throw in the first four legs. In the fifth leg Van der Voort made a surge when he broke throw by landing double 19.

He then went 4-2 up with the aid of the maximum and finishing the leg on double five.

Jenkins took the seventh leg with a 64 finish and then landed double twelve to take the match the full-distance after the Dutchman missed a dart at bull for the match.

Jenkins consistent scoring in the final leg proved vital. And despite a maximum from Van der Voort, Jenkins landed double top to pinch the win.

“It was a very close game and in the end it probably came down to me winning the bullseye to throw first,” said Jenkins.

“Vincent’s a very good player and we both know this would be an important game in our group, so there was a lot of pressure.”

Van der Voort added: “We both didn’t play our best and maybe I was lucky to be level at 2-2 and he was lucky to get it back to four-all.

“It’s hard being a short format and you can’t settle, but at 4-2 I felt good and somehow it got away from me.”

KEVIN McDINE 5-0 WAYNE MARDLE
KEVIN McDINE opened up his 2008 PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts challenge with a whitewash victory over Wayne Mardle.

McDine, who made a career breakthrough in this event last year, when he reached the Semi-Finals won comfortably without really hitting top form.

McDine broke throw straight away after both players missed a number of chances, the Irthlingborough based player landing double one.

McDine hit a maximum in the second leg and then won the third after Mardle missed three darts at doubles.

The next two legs proved comfortable for McDine as his opponent failed to get going.

He hit a 65 finish for 4-0, and took the match by landing double ten for the second time in the contest.

“I’m pleased to win but I don’t feel I played well at all,” said McDine. “Wayne didn’t perform and I didn’t respond, so I’ll have to raise my game 20 percent against John Part.

Mardle admitted: “If I play like that against Anastasia on Sunday she’ll win.

“I was rubbish. I was watching Kevin and studying his action and I lost concentration, which I shouldn’t have done”.

JAMES WADE 5-1 NIELS DE RUITER
JAMES WADE came through his first match in Group G with a comfortable victory over Holland’s Niels de Ruiter in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

Wade never had to find top gear in the match as his opponent struggled to find form on the big stage.

The Aldershot man broke throw in the first leg and then doubled his lead with a 101 finish.

The Dutchman stemmed the tide briefly in the third leg with a two dart 73 finish to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Wade took the next two legs to go 4-1 ahead, and then won the match in some style with a 15 dart-leg.

PAUL NICHOLSON 5-4 GARY ANDERSON
AUSTRALIAN Paul Nicholson won an enthralling encounter against last year’s semi-finalist Gary Anderson at the Wolverhampton Civic.

Nicholson, making his first TV appearance made a flying start, hitting a maximum with his first three darts and following that with a 140 checkout to take the lead.

He led the match 4-2 before Anderson pegged back to force a final leg before the Australian came through.

He doubled his lead but the Scotsman quickly hit back to level the match at 2-2, hitting a 170 checkout in the fourth leg.

In the fifth leg Anderson allowed Nicholson to regain the lead after he missed six darts at doubles.

Nicholson then restored his two leg advantage hitting his second maximum of the game in the process.

Anderson won the seventh leg with a 71 finish and he then levelled at 4-4 after Nicholson missed five opportunities to win the match.

In the deciding-leg Anderson had the throw but Nicholson grabbed the advantage when he hit two 140s.

But as the tension grew Anderson clawed his way back and had a dart at double sixteen for victory. But he was unable to convert and Nicholson landed double ten to record a famous win.

“I was trying to have some fun with the crowd at the start and they didn’t quite take it that way,” admitted Nicholson. “I didn’t forecast that reaction and it backfired a bit.

“It got to me when I was on a double for the match and I missed, but I’m chuffed that I got the chance in the last leg.”

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 5-1 KIRK SHEPHERD
FIVE TIME WORLD CHAMPION Raymond van Barneveld put in an impressive performance to defeat an under-par Kirk Shepherd 5-1 in the 2008 PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

Barneveld ended the match with a three-dart average of 100.38 and hit five out of seven doubles during the contest.

He broke throw at the start with a 56 finish and quickly took the next leg to put the World Championship runner-up under pressure.

Barneveld continued on in similar fashion to build a 4-0 lead, hitting finishes of 76 and 65. His opponent not having an opportunity at a double.

Shepherd opened his account in the fifth leg landing double eight at the first time of asking.

But Barneveld quickly wrapped up the win in the next leg with a classy 11-dart finish.

“To average 100 and have five from seven doubles is a great start for me,” said van Barneveld. “At 4-0, Kirk started to play like a player who reached the World Championship Final, but darts is strange game.

The Dutchman will play Robert Thornton on Sunday who won the other Group E encounter earlier this afternoon.

“I need to focus on my next game now because Robert had a good win over Gary Mawson”.

ALAN TABERN 5-3 SIMON WHITLOCK
ALAN TABERN began his PartyPoker.com Grand of Slam of Darts campaign with a 5-3 victory over Simon Whitlock.

Both players where making their debut in the Grand Slam of Darts and it was the Englishmen who edged out the Australian.

Whitlock started in confident mood with a maximum in the opening leg before winning it in 12 darts.

Tabern levelled-up and then broke throw with a 71 finish.

But Whitlock did not let Tabern get away and brought the score back to two apiece with a 96 checkout.

Tabern, currently ranked nine in the world, put in an important surge mid-way through the match taking the next two legs to go one away from victory.

He had two darts to win 5-2 but he missed both and Whitlock stepped in by landing double nine to keep his hopes alive.

The St Helens man missed two further opportunities to close out the match in the seventh, but the Australian was too far behind and Tabern came back to land double sixteen.

“I missed a few doubles but seemed to do that when I was under no pressure,” When Simon played the game we know he can play I reacted and started hitting my doubles - maybe I’m better with just one dart at a double!”

Whitlock added: “I started great but dipped off and Alan picked his game up, and he punished me.”

MERVYN KING 5-1 MICHAEL VAN GERWEN
MERVYN KING put in a solid performance to beat the young Dutchman Michael van Gerwen 5-1 in their opening match at the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

Van Gerwen hit three maximums in the match, but could only convert one of his six double opportunities and proved to be his downfall.

King opened up an early 3-0 lead, taking advantage of Van Gerwen’s missed doubles.

Van Gerwen took the fourth leg when he landed double eight, but it stemmed the tide only briefly.

King, who is world ranked number 12 after an impressive on the PDC Pro Tour in 2008, went 4-1 up, kicking-off with a 177 and going on to land double twelve.

The man from Norfolk quickly wrapped up victory in the sixth leg to defeat Van Gerwen for second time in two years at the Grand Slam of Darts.

A disappointed Van Gerwen said: “I missed my doubles in early legs and it cost me.

“It wasn’t my best but it’s a short format and I made it a difficult year for myself.”

King said: “Michael will bounce back and can still get through from his next two games. It’s pleasing to get the win and I’ve put myself in a good position but I can do it better.”

WES NEWTON 5-4 COLIN LLOYD
WES NEWTON won a final-leg shoot-out against Colin Lloyd at the 2008 PartyPoker.net Grand Slam of Darts.

Newton, who won the ITV Wildcard Qualifer last month to qualify for this event, led 2-1, and 4-3, before coming through.

Both players missed chances to win the opening leg, but Newton landed double three to lead.

Lloyd took out a 90 finish to level, before Newton broke throw once again after Lloyd has missed three darts to win the leg.

The man from Essex hit-back to win the fourth, and fifth legs in 13, and 14 darts respectively, to lead 3-2.

But Newton took the next two legs, capitalising on five missed doubles in each leg by Lloyd to go one leg away from victory.

Lloyd recovered to take the eighth leg to send the game into a deciding leg by hitting double top.

In the deciding-leg Newton hit a superb 170 to leave 32, and he managed to land double sixteen on the last dart, with his opponent waiting on 20.

“Standard-wise it was a poor game but I’ll take a win any day of the week,” said Newton. “We didn’t find our range up on stage but I hung in there.

“Over the last month or so I’ve played really well and I am expecting a lot from myself this week, and I’ll take this win and try to build on it.”

Taylor showed no mercy in seeing off the former BDO World Championship runner-up with a 107.36 average, and used 15 darts or less in every leg.

“It’s a great start and I know I can look forward to the next two group games now,” said Taylor. “I put Phill under pressure from the start and kept it up.”

The afternoon session of the first day also featured a win for PDC World Champion John Part, who overcame a dodgy start to defeat Women’s World Champion Anastasia Dobromyslova 5-1.

The female Russian star missed nine darts at a double in the first two legs to let Part off the hook, and the Canadian eventually powered to victory.

“I lost my first game last year and still won the group so Anastasia has still got a chance,” said Part.

Dobromyslova now has to defeat the loser of the clash between Wayne Mardle and Kevin McDine to stay in the tournament, and said: “I missed my doubles and that was the difference - it’s the most important part of the game and I know I can do better.”

Mark Webster, the BDO World Champion, suffered the biggest upset of the opening afternoon with a 5-4 defeat to Colin McGarry.

Northern Ireland’s McGarry, an ITV Wildcard Qualifier, took a 3-0 lead and held off the Welshman’s comeback to claim a memorable victory.

“I started slowly and it’s very hard to come back from being 3-0 down,” said Webster. “I didn’t play well at all and I have to rectify that on Sunday and Monday or I’ll be going home early.”

2007 Grand Slam of Darts runner-up Andy Hamilton hit an impressive 105 average in defeating Brian Woods 5-3, while Denis Ovens defeated Adrian Lewis 5-2 with a strong opening display which leaves Group G, which also includes James Wade and Niels de Ruiter, wide open.

America’s Darin Young came from 3-0 down to defeat Terry Jenkins in a deciding leg, while Darryl Fitton took three successive legs to secure a 5-2 win over Kevin Painter.

Scotland’s Robert Thornton overcame an injured Gary Mawson 5-3, with the American limping through the pain of a broken toe after injuring himself when his Harley Davidson motorbike fell on his foot recently.

Five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld begins his challenge in Saturday’s evening session when he meets PDC World Championship finalist Kirk Shepherd.

Gary Anderson, the WDF number one, and PDC world number three James Wade are also in action when they take on Australia’s Paul Nicholson and Holland’s Niels de Ruiter respectively.

PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts
First Round (Group Stage)
Saturday November 15
Afternoon Session (12pm-5pm)
Denis Ovens 5-2 Adrian Lewis
Andy Hamilton 5-3 Brian Woods
Robert Thornton 5-3 Gary Mawson
John Part 5-1 Anastasia Dobromyslova
Phil Taylor 5-0 Phill Nixon
Colin McGarry 5-4 Mark Webster
Darryl Fitton 5-2 Kevin Painter
Darin Young 5-4 Terry Jenkins

Evening Session (6pm-11pm)
Vincent van der Voort v Andy Jenkins
Wayne Mardle v Kevin McDine
James Wade v Niels de Ruiter
Gary Anderson v Paul Nicholson
Raymond van Barneveld v Kirk Shepherd
Alan Tabern v Simon Whitlock
Mervyn King v Michael van Gerwen
Colin Lloyd v Wes Newton

DENIS OVENS 5-2 ADRIAN LEWIS
DENIS OVENS punished a below-par showing from Adrian Lewis to make an ideal start to the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-2 victory.

Lewis, the runner-up in the recent European Championship, kicked off the contest with a 24 score and never hit his stride to leave himself needing wins over James Wade and Niels de Ruiter in his remaining games to progress.

Ovens took out 94 to win the opening leg and then double ten to move 2-0 up before Lewis landed a maximum to set up a 43 finish, which he clinically finished with his first dart.

While double 12 pushed Ovens 3-1 up, Lewis replied with a 12-darter, including a 180, to pull back to one leg behind.

Ovens moved a leg away from the win on double 18, and hit the same bed to secure victory after four missed darts at a double from the Stoke youngster.

“I’m very happy with the win,” said Ovens. “I started well and was pleased with my finishing, and it should be a great group now.”

Lewis admitted: “I never got going and instead of being a BMW I was a Ford Fiesta today!

“Denis played well and hit some good shots but it wasn’t the real me and it was a bad day. I know I have to win my next two games now and that’s the challenge for me.”

ANDY HAMILTON 5-3 BRIAN WOODS
ANDY HAMILTON overcame Brian Woods 5-3 to make a winning start in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

Hamilton who went all the way to the final before falling to Phil Taylor was in excellent form ending up with a three-dart average of 105.64.

Woods, making his debut in the event, started slowly and Hamilton took an early lead.

However Woods settled in the second leg converting a ‘Shanghai’ 120 finish to level at 1-1.

Hamilton hit a maximum in the third leg to regain the lead and hit a 12-darter completed by a 130 checkout to establish a 3-1 lead.

Woods hit-back with an 11-dart finish of his own, but Hamilton hit another 12 dart-leg, this time hitting a 136 finish.

Woods took the seventh leg with a ’showpiece’ 90 finish which included two double tops. He then had a dart at double top to take the match into a deciding leg.

But he failed to convert and Hamilton landed double ten at the first time of asking to end the plucky challenge of Woods.

ROBERT THORNTON 5-3 GARY MAWSON
ROBERT THORNTON overcame the challenge of American Gary Mawson in the opening Group E clash in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

The American made the better start taking the opening leg with a two dart 60 finish.

But the Scotsman, who reached the Semi-Finals of the European Darts Championship a couple of weeks ago, took the next two legs, landing double four on both occasions.

He then stepped up a gear hitting a 124 finish on the bull to build a 3-1 lead.

Mawson, who was playing through the pain of a broken toe, took the fifth leg and landed a fantastic 152 checkout to level the game at 3-3.

But Thornton powered through the next two legs hitting a 104 checkout and a two dart 65 finish to come through.

“The toe wasn’t a factor, Robert was better than me,” said Mawson, who suffered the injury when his Harley Davidson motorbike fell on his foot.

“It’s not over though, it’s a round robin format and tomorrow’s another day. I’ve beaten Barney before so he won’t hold any fear when we eventually meet and I’ve got my own destiny in too much.”

JOHN PART 5-1 ANASTASIA DOBROMYSLOVA
JOHN PART won the battle of the World Champions with Anastasia Dobromyslova - but not without some nervous moments.

The Russian-born Women’s World Champion threatened to cause a major upset when she was first to a finish in the opening two legs of the contest - only to miss a total of nine darts at a double.

Part stepped in to win both legs for a 2-0 lead, and won the third before Dobromyslova landed double 16, ironically at the first time of asking after a 110 score left 32, to get off the mark.

But Part took the next two legs to ensure an opening victory, with Wayne Mardle and Kevin McDine to follow in Group D.

“I missed my doubles and that was the difference,” said Dobromyslova. “It’s the most important part of the game and I know I can do better, and I’ll be back on the practice board.”

Part was full of support for Dobromyslova, saying: “I lost my first game last year and still won the group so Anastasia has still got a chance.

“In the same way I’m not through with one win, but I’m very happy to have that win and can settle down for the next game now.”

PHIL TAYLOR 5-0 PHILL NIXON
DEFENDING CHAMPION Phil Taylor made a brilliant start to his challenge in the 2008 PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a whitewash of Phill Nixon.

Taylor showed no mercy in seeing off the former BDO World Championship runner-up with a 107.36 average, and used 15 darts or less in every leg.

A 177 set up a double 12 finish for a 13-darter in the opening leg, with double 16 and double nine following as he moved 3-0 up - with Nixon’s only chance being one missed dart at a double for a 116 finish.

He missed doubles in the fourth before double 18, for a 13-darter, gave him a 4-0 lead, and he secured the win with a superb 113 checkout, ending once more on double 18.

“I had the shot at the 116 finish but other than that Phil didn’t give me a chance,” admitted Nixon. “I must do better and have to win my next two games now, it’s as simple as that.”

Taylor said: “I put Phill under pressure from the start and am very happy with my performance. It’s good to get off to a winning start and I can relax now.”

COLIN McGARRY 5-4 MARK WEBSTER
NORTHERN IRELAND’S Colin McGarry defeated reigning BDO World Champion Mark Webster in a final-leg decider in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

Webster who failed to through the group-stages in last year’s inaugural event will now face a tough challenge to reach the knock-out phase.

McGarry, making his first TV appearance since the 2004 PDC World Championships, came out fast and established a 3-0 lead.

He took the first leg with throw and then broke the Welshman after he missed three darts at doubles.

A 71 finish increased McGarry’s advantage before Webster opened his account in the match landing double ten.

Webster hit the only maximum of the contest in the fourth leg, which he won on double ten. He then levelled matters by landing double top.

McGarry, who won a place in this tournament by finishing as runner-up in last month’s ITV Wildcard Qualifier took the seventh leg to stop Webster’s winning streak.

But Webster hit an 80 finish to ensure the game would go the full-distance.

McGarry had advantage of throw, and the man from Larne made that count by getting to the double first and landing double top to record an excellent win.

After the match Webster said: “I started slowly and it’s very hard to come back from 3-0 down. I didn’t play well at all and I have to rectify that on Sunday and Monday or I’ll be going home early.”

“Colin has a great chance now if he plays like that in his remaining games and he’ll be full of confidence, but I’ve got to pull something out of the bag,” Webster added.

DARRYL FITTON 5-2 KEVIN PAINTER
DARRYL FITTON defeated Kevin Painter 5-2 in the opening clash of Group H in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.

Painter missed key doubles at crucial moments and will now have to work hard to gain one of the qualification places from his group.

Fitton broke throw in the opening leg after both players missed numerous chances to win it.

The man from Stockport then doubled his lead when he hit double top.

However, Painter quickly hit back. He won the third leg after his opponent missed opportunities to take a 3-0 lead, and then levelled the match when he landed double sixteen.

Painter failed to take out doubles to level the match again in the sixth leg and Fitton landed double twelve to regain the lead.

The Stockport man then landed double top for a 4-2 lead, to go one leg away from the match.

Both players hit maximums in the seventh leg but it was Fitton who hit double top for an 80 finish to register a debut victory in the Grand Slam.

DARIN YOUNG 5-4 TERRY JENKINS
DARIN YOUNG caused a major upset at the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a deciding-leg victory over the world number five Terry Jenkins

Jenkins, who reached the Quarter-Finals last year appeared to be coasting to a comfortable victory when he led 3-0. But Young took five of the next six legs to snatch victory.

The American was unable to make much impression in the early exchanges as the man from Ledbury took out finishes of 60 and 80 in taking the first three legs.

Young then began to hit his stride. He hit a 174 to leave double twelve, which he duly converted to win his first leg.

He then hit a fabulous 11-darter in the fifth leg followed by a maximum in the sixth to level the game at 3-3.

Jenkins stopped the rot by breaking throw for a 4-3 lead, but Young immediately broke back by landing double ten.

And with advantage of throw in the deciding-leg, Young took out a 79 finish to round of an amazing win.

“Terry gave me some chances there and I managed to take advantage,” said Young. “I hit some good darts and to beat a man of his calibre means a lot to me.”

Jenkins said: “I started well and everything was going well for me but Darin played some brilliant darts to come back.

“It’s going to be hard now but I’m playing well and just can’t seem to win. It’s frustrating but I’ll keep trying and hopefully I can get back winning.”

Backley, a three-time Olympic medallist, swapped his javelin for a set of darts in the ITV4-televised tournament, featuring eight celebrities paired with darts stars.

Having defeated the pairings of Peter Manley and poker ace David “Devilfish” Ulliott in the quarter-finals and Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Tufnell in the semis, Backley landed the winning dart to defeat Phil Taylor and Neil Ruddock and claim glory.

“I took a step back during the final and looked around because I was in awe of playing with Phil Taylor and James Wade” said Backley.

“I didn’t think it could get any better, and then I hit the winning double!

“It was a fantastic experience, Phil Tufnell has been a big hero of mine for many years, and Neil Ruddock’s a legend so it was great to play with them.

“I felt I got better as the tournament went on, and that showed in the final.”

Backley added: “I think darts should be included in the Olympics. It’s not too late to get it in there for 2012 in London and I’d love to see that!”

Wade, the PDC world number three, added: “I was certainly drawn with the right partner. Steve was pretty good and it was good for him to get the winning double.”

Wade and Backley each took home £8,000 as winners of the Pro-Celebrity Challenge, with Taylor and former England footballer Ruddock winning £6,000 each.

Ruddock had hit a winning double top in their quarter-final win over six-time World Snooker champion Steve Davis and Anastasia Dobromyslova, the Women’s World Champion.

They then defeated the pairing of Wayne Mardle and actor Michael Le Vell in the semis, coming from 1-0 down to win 3-1, thanks in part to a 156 finish from Taylor.

Taylor also hit a 145 finish in the final to level at two-all, before Backley applied the finishing touch.

Mardle and Le Vell opened the tournament with a 3-0 whitewash of PDC World Champion John Part and former boxer Barry McGuigan.

England rugby star Mike Tindall and BDO World Champion Mark Webster were the other first round losers, going down in a deciding leg to van Barneveld and Tufnell.

The Pro-Celebrity Challenge preceded the start of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts, which features 32 stars of the sport battling for £356,000 in prize money over the next nine days in Wolverhampton.

PartyPoker.com Pro-Celebrity Darts Order of Play
Quarter-Finals
Wayne Mardle & Michael Le Vell 3-0 John Part & Barry McGuigan
Phil Taylor & Neil Ruddock 3-1 Anastasia Dobromyslova & Steve Davis
James Wade & Steve Backley 3-1 Peter Manley & David Ulliott
Raymond van Barneveld & Phil Tufnell 3-2 Mark Webster & Mike Tindall

Semi-Finals
Phil Taylor & Neil Ruddock 3-1 Wayne Mardle & Michael Le Vell
James Wade & Steve Backley 3-0 Raymond van Barneveld & Phil Tufnell

Final
James Wade & Steve Backley 3-2 Phil Taylor & Neil Ruddock
All games the best of five legs of 501, with the celebrity throwing first.

Quarter-Finals
Wayne Mardle & Michael Le Vell 3-0 John Part & Barry McGuigan
Wayne Mardle led the way in the opening game of the PartyPoker.com Pro-Celebrity Challenge by leading Michael Le Vell to a 3-0 win over John Part & Barry McGuigan.

Mardle took the game’s first leg on double nine, and hit the bull for a 73 finish in the second, before bringing the Wolves Civic crowd to its feet with a 19- in leg three.

Le Vell missed double top to seal the win, but McGuigan and Part were unable to stay in the contest as Mardle took double eight for the win.

Phil Taylor & Neil Ruddock 3-1 Anastasia Dobromyslova & Steve Davis
Neil Ruddock helped 13-time World Champion Phil Taylor into the semi-finals of the PartyPoker.com Pro-Celebrity Challenge.

Former footballer Ruddock showed his prowess on the dartboard - honed in practice with top pro Adrian Gray in Hastings over the past week - by hitting double top at the first time of asking to win the opening leg of his game against Davis & Dobromyslova.

The Russian lady star won leg two on double seven, while Davis hit a 140 score in the third before Taylor hit double top to put him and Ruddock 2-1 up.

Taylor then denied six-time World Snooker champion Davis and the female star with double two to put his heavyweight pairing into the last four.

“It was great fun but it doesn’t feel like your own arm up there on stage!” said Davis. “I hit the 140 and that’s the one moment I felt totally in control, but nothing I did mattered after Neil hit the double top, what a tremendous shot!”

James Wade & Steve Backley 3-1 Peter Manley & David Ulliott
James Wade and Steve Backley arrowed into the semi-finals of the PartyPoker.com Pro-Celebrity Challenge with a comeback win over Peter Manley and David “Devilfish” Ulliott.

Poker star Devilfish made a confident start to help his team to the first leg, which Manley won with a 105 checkout.

Wade hit a 180 in the second, with double top from the world number three seeing his side draw level, before both Backley and Devilfish missed doubles in the next, which Wade won on double two.

Devilfish also had a chance in the next, hitting treble 17 when on 71 but missing two darts at double ten, as well as matching Manley in bursting his score on five.

Backley missed two darts at double ten himself, but Wade secured the win.

“I grew into it and got more comfortable as the game wore on and am looking forward to the semi-finals now,” said Backley.

Devilfish added: “It was disappointing to lose and I’m kicking myself for not keeping us in the match - the 51 was lovely but I couldn’t hit double ten!”

Raymond van Barneveld & Phil Tufnell 3-2 Mark Webster & Mike Tindall
Former England cricketer Phil Tufnell helped bowl himself and Raymond van Barneveld into the semi-finals of the PartyPoker.com Pro-Celebrity Challenge in a final-leg shoot-out.

England World Cup-winning rugby star Tindall helped partner Mark Webster - the BDO World Champion - to win the first leg, before the chalk-and-cheese partnership of Tufnell and van Barneveld came back strongly,

Van Barneveld landed a 180 and double four as they won the second leg, and Tufnell scored 160 in setting up a 100 checkout from the Dutchman as they led 2-1.

The fourth leg ended akin to a pub league match, with both teams left on double one after missing a host of doubles before Webster finally hit the finish.

Van Barneveld hit another maximum in the fifth and deciding leg, before double four sealed a place in the last four - leaving Tufnell celebrating in a similar manner to his bouncing walk-on to House of Pain’s “Jump Around”.

“I thought the walk-on may be my only one so I enjoyed it - and I get to do it again now!” said Tufnell.

“The 160 score on its own meant I can go home a happy man but it’s great fun - what a buzz!”

Tindall - who will report back for training with Gloucester RU on Saturday - admitted: “That was tremendous fun but it’s a shame to come so close and lose.

“Even when I calmed down after my walk-on, my hand was still shaking and it shows how good these professionals are. You have to give them credit for going up there and playing so well in front of such a great crowd.”

Semi-Finals
Phil Taylor & Neil Ruddock 3-1 Wayne Mardle & Michael Le Vell
Phil Taylor and Neil Ruddock came from behind to book their place in the PartyPoker.com Pro-Celebrity Challenge Final.

The lively pairing of Wayne Mardle and Michael Le Vell made an ideal start to the semi-final, with double top giving them the lead.

Taylor, stung perhaps by losing a leg, hit back with a two-dart 77 finish and fired his side into the lead with the night’s biggest finish of 156.

He then hit a 180 to leave Ruddock on a 117 finish in leg four - with the former footballer hitting 19 and treble 20 before missing the double 19.

But Taylor ensured a place in the final with a double 16 finish to end the Coronation Street star’s hopes.

“I didn’t go for us in that game,” said Le Vell. “I’d hit something like 47 and Wayne would hit 53 - and he’s the pro!

“But it was a great experience to play with these guys on stage.”

James Wade & Steve Backley 3-0 Raymond van Barneveld & Phil Tufnell
Phil Tufnell’s PartyPoker.com Pro-Celebrity Challenge dream was shattered by James Wade & Steve Backley with a 3-0 semi-final loss.

Ex-England cricketer Tufnell had helped put himself and Raymond van Barneveld into the last four, but having hit a 160 score in the win over Mark Webster & Mike Tindall failed to reproduce that scoring.

Wade powered home double eight and double four to help himself and three-time Olympic medallist Backley into a 2-0 lead.

The former javelin star almost claimed glory when he missed two darts at double seven for the game, but Wade showed him the way to land in the same bed and set up a final against Phil Taylor & Neil Ruddock.

“I had a great time but I didn’t want to let Raymond down,” said Tufnell. “I’ve got my walk-on sorted and just need to practice my darts now!”

King defeated Raymond van Barneveld 3-2 in the final to claim the £5,000 winner’s cheque, following up his victory in April’s Scottish Players Championship with another title to jump up to 12th in the PDC Order of Merit.

He defeated Mensur Suljovic, Adrian Gray and Wes Newton in the early stages and then recorded 3-1 wins over Robert Thornton and Colin Lloyd to reach the final.

King took the first set of the final without reply before van Barneveld replied in Kind to level matters, only for the Norfolk man to edge the third in a deciding leg.

A 118 finish put him in front in the fourth, but two missed match darts allowed van Barneveld to level in the next leg before the Dutchman took out 156 for the set.

But King landed a fourth maximum of the game in winning the final set’s opener, and pounced on a missed double 14 from his opponent to seal the victory.

Van Barneveld came from a set down to win his semi-final against Andy Hamilton, having only dropped two sets in earlier wins over Robert Watson-Lang, Steve Maish, Mark Dudbridge and Colin Osborne.

Jelle Klaasen recorded a nine-dart leg in his win over Terry Jenkins, earning him a £4,800 bonus as the first player to achieve the feat in a Players Championship since John MaGowan in August.

Klaasen went on to lose to Denis Ovens in the last 16, while his compatriot Michael van Gerwen - who is closing on a place in the world’s top 32 - was a narrow quarter-final loser to Hamilton.

Sunday’s second Players Championship event at the Holiday Inn in Leiden, Holland will be the final event of 2008 to count towards qualification for the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship via the Players Championship Order of Merit and Continental Europe Order of Merit.

It will also be decisive in confirming the top 32 players in this year’s Players Championship Order of Merit, who will compete in January’s inaugural Players Championship Finals at the Circus Tavern.

PartyPoker.net Dutch Darts Trophy (Saturday)
Preliminary Round
Robert Watson-Lang 3-0 Leroy Kwadijk
Jasper Smidt 3-1 Darren Johnson
Mark Dudbridge 3-0 Jim Leighton
Jeffrey Stigter 3-1 Kees Slokkers
Ron de Pijpar 3-0 Lee White
Andree Welge Bye (Bernhard Kraus)
Rocco Maes 3-0 Tomokazu Onoda
Jan van der Rassel 3-0 Kevin Wensink
Toon Greebe 3-0 Erwin Extercatte
Michael Rosenauer 3-0 Matt Jackson
Shane Passey 3-0 Steve Randall
Peter Manley 3-0 Mike Herold
Carlos Rodriguez 3-0 Paul Cooper
Jamie Caven 3-2 Willem Kralt
Wim Mink 3-1 John Quantock
David Platt Bye (Alan Warriner-Little)
Kevin Painter 3-0 Steve Cusick
Jacko Barry 3-1 Martyn Turner
Ben Burton 3-0 Diana van Houten
Louis Blundell 3-0 Boyd Meijer
Robert Thornton 3-0 Dave Ladley
Vincent van der Voort 3-1 Steve Hine
Dave Honey Bye (Olaf Fiss)
Colin Monk 3-2 Co Stompe
Nick Fulwell 3-1 Peter Aleman
Hannes Schnier Bye (Danny de Haas)
Mensur Suljovic 3-1 Ian Jopling
Andrew Davies 3-1 Dylan Duo
Jonathan Overton 3-2 Huseyin Zengin
Olaf Tupuschis 3-1 Mark Carter
Ronnie Baxter 3-1 Felix McBrearty
Freddy de Geus 3-2 Rolf Kaiser
Tomas Seyler 3-1 Edward Steggerda
Peter Wright 3-2 Remco van Eijden
James Keogh 3-0 John Lokken
Denis Ovens 3-0 Kevin Harris
Chris Thompson 3-0 Elmer Kralt
Justin Pipe 3-1 Wayne Atwood

First Round
Raymond van Barneveld 3-0 Robert Watson-Lang
Steve Maish 3-0 Jasper Smidt
Mark Dudbridge 3-1 Jeffrey Stigter
Mark Walsh 3-0 Ron de Pijpar
Dennis Priestley 3-1 Andree Welge
Steve Beaton 3-0 Rocco Maes
Colin Osborne 3-0 Jan van der Rassel
Toon Greebe 3-0 Tony Eccles
Wayne Mardle 3-2 Michael Rosenauer
Michael van Gerwen 3-0 Shane Passey
Peter Manley 3-0 Carlos Rodriguez
Jamie Caven Bye (Andy Smith)
Andy Hamilton 3-1 Wim Mink
David Platt 3-0 Matt Clark
Jacko Barry 3-2 Kevin Painter
Barrie Bates 3-0 Ben Burton
James Wade 3-1 Louis Blundell
Robert Thornton 3-2 Kevin McDine
Vincent van der Voort 3-0 Dave Honey
Kirk Shepherd 3-1 Colin Monk
Alan Tabern 3-1 Nick Fulwell
Wes Newton 3-1 Hannes Schnier
Mervyn King 3-0 Mensur Suljovic
Adrian Gray 3-0 Andrew Davies
Colin Lloyd 3-0 Jonathan Overton
Mick McGowan 3-1 Olaf Tupuschis
Ronnie Baxter 3-0 Freddy de Geus
Tomas Seyler 3-2 Wayne Jones
Terry Jenkins 3-1 Peter Wright
Jelle Klaasen 3-2 James Keogh
Denis Ovens 3-1 Chris Thompson
Andy Jenkins 3-0 Justin Pipe
Losers £75

Second Round
Raymond van Barneveld 3-2 Steve Maish
Mark Dudbridge 3-2 Mark Walsh
Dennis Priestley 3-2 Steve Beaton
Colin Osborne 3-2 Toon Greebe
Michael van Gerwen 3-1 Wayne Mardle
Jamie Caven 3-0 Peter Manley
Andy Hamilton 3-0 David Platt
Jacko Barry 3-2 Barrie Bates
Robert Thornton 3-2 James Wade
Kirk Shepherd 3-2 Vincent van der Voort
Wes Newton 3-2 Alan Tabern
Mervyn King 3-0 Adrian Gray
Colin Lloyd 3-0 Mick McGowan
Ronnie Baxter 3-2 Tomas Seyler
Jelle Klaasen 3-2 Terry Jenkins ** Nine-darter from Klaasen
Denis Ovens 3-0 Andy Jenkins
Losers £150

Third Round
Raymond van Barneveld 3-0 Mark Dudbridge
Colin Osborne 3-1 Dennis Priestley
Michael van Gerwen 3-0 Jamie Caven
Andy Hamilton 3-2 Jacko Barry
Robert Thornton 3-1 Kirk Shepherd
Mervyn King 3-2 Wes Newton
Colin Lloyd 3-0 Ronnie Baxter
Denis Ovens 3-2 Jelle Klaasen
Losers £300

Quarter-Finals
Raymond van Barneveld 3-0 Colin Osborne (2-0, 2-0, 2-0)
Andy Hamilton 3-2 Michael van Gerwen (2-1, 1-2, 1-2, 2-1, 2-0)
Mervyn King 3-1 Robert Thornton (2-0, 0-2, 2-0, 2-1)
Colin Lloyd 3-1 Denis Ovens (1-2, 2-0, 2-0, 2-0)
Losers £600

Semi-Finals
Raymond van Barneveld 3-1 Andy Hamilton (1-2. 2-1, 2-0, 2-0)
Mervyn King 3-1 Colin Lloyd (2-0, 2-1, 0-2, 2-0)
Losers £1,250

Final
Raymond van Barneveld 2-3 Mervyn King (0-2, 2-0, 1-2, 2-1, 0-2)
Winner £5,000
Runner-Up £2,500

News Updates
Preliminary Round
Jan van der Rassel defeats Kevin Wensink in straight sets, with Belgium’s Rocco Maes defeating Japanese hopeful Tomokazu Onoda by the same scoreline.
Chris Thompson and Nick Fulwell open with wins over Elmer Kralt and Peter Aleman respectively.
Mensur Suljovic, a second round loser in the European Championship last weekend, defeats Ian Jopling 3-1.
Carlos Rodriguez and Wim Mink knock out York duo Paul Cooper and John Quantock.
Robert Watson-Lang earns clash with Raymond van Barneveld after straight sets defeat of former World Championship qualifier Leroy Kwadijk.
Colin Monk edges out Holland’s Co Stompe in five sets.
Toon Greebe wins the all-Dutch battle with Erwin Extercatte 3-0, while Jacko Barry defeats Martyn Turner 3-1.
Peter Wright defeats Holland’s Remco van Eijden in five sets, with Freddy de Geus also claiming a 3-2 win.
Robert Thornton defeats Dave Ladley in straight sets, while Ron de Pijpar overcomes Lee White by the same scoreline.
Andrew Davies moves into last 64 with 3-1 defeat of Gibraltar’s Dylan Duo.
Jasper Smidt overcomes Darren Johnson 3-1, and Jonathan Overton edges past Huseyin Zengin in five sets.
Mark Dudbridge defeats Jim Leighton in straight sets, and Ben Burton overcomes Diana van Houten in the same manner.
Jamie Caven takes 3-2 win over Willem Kralt, and with Andy Smith absent through illness progresses into last 32.
Peter Manley defeats Mike Herold in straight sets, with Shane Passey defeating Steve Randell 3-0.
Kevin Painter and Ronnie Baxter defeat Steve Cusick and Felix McBrearty respectively to move into round one.

First Round
Dennis Priestley defeats Germany’s Andree Welge 3-1, and Alan Tabern overcomes Nick Fulwell by the same scoreline.
David Platt and Colin Osborne move into last 32 with straight sets wins over Matt Clark and Jan van der Rassel respectively.
James Wade and Mervyn King defeat Louis Blundell and Mensur Suljovic to reach second round.
Holland’s Toon Greebe overcomes Tony Eccles 3-0.
Kirk Shepherd and Wes Newton take 3-1 wins over Colin Monk and Hannes Schnier.
Steve Beaton’s win over Rocco Maes sets up clash of World Champions in last 32 against Dennis Priestley.
Terry Jenkins defeats Peter Wright 3-1, and Wayne Mardle sees off Michael Rosenauer in five sets.
Adrian Gray and Steve Maish win their opening games without dropping a set against Andrew Davies and Jasper Smidt.
Peter Manley and Barrie Bates see off Carlos Rodriguez and Ben Burton 3-0.
Vincent van der Voort sets up meeting with Kirk Shepherd after 3-0 defeat of Dave Honey.
Mark Dudbridge meets Mark Walsh in last 32 after 3-1 win over Jeffrey Stigter.
Robert Thornton edges past Kevin McDine in five sets, and now meets James Wade in last 32.
Colin Lloyd defeats Jonathan Overton in straight sets, with Andy Jenkins seeing off Justin Pipe by the same score.
Jelle Klaasen moves into round two with