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Grand Slam of Darts – Night One Round-Up
Mark Webster, Michael van Gerwen, Simon Whitlock and Robert Thornton all grabbed opening night victories at the Grand Slam of Darts, while Arron Monk and Mervyn King also got off to winning starts in Wolverhampton.
Webster hit finishes of 131 and 104 in a 5-3 success over 2010 champion Scott Waites in Group A.
The Welsh star, who has struggled to find his form this year, faces Phil Taylor in his second group game on Sunday evening.
“Maybe that can be the turning point now,” said Webster.
“I’ve got a bit more confidence just from winning that game.”
van Gerwen stormed to a 5-2 triumph over Steve Beaton in Group B.
‘Mighty Mike’, who averaged over 103, will face Thornton on Saturday night, after the Scotsman whitewashed Ted Hankey 5-0.
“To win the first game is very hard and also very important,” said van Gerwen.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow night. Both Robert and I are fast players and it is always a good game between us.”
Thornton said: “I was confident of winning but to beat Ted 5-0 is a big boost.
“I enjoyed the win and I’ll rest up now ready for tomorrow night.”
Whitlock enjoyed a 5-2 victory against the impressive James Hubbard in Group C.
‘The Wizard’ faces Kevin Painter in his second match on Saturday evening, while Hubbard will take on Dean Winstanley.
He said: “James is a great player. I practise with him sometimes and I’m very proud of him so I’m pleased with that result.
“Kevin is always tough to play and we always have good games but hopefully I can get the better of him.”
Monk and King will face each other in the second round of matches in Group D after opening night triumphs.
Monk defeated James Wade 5-1, while King saw off Jan Dekker by the same scoreline.
Wade will face Dekker on Sunday night.
Sunday afternoon sees Groups E to H play out their first round of matches, with Paul Nicholson and Raymond van Barneveld both in action.
‘The Asset’ is up against Brendan Dolan, with ‘Barney’ facing Mark Walsh.
By Chris Murphy
Click the links for full match reports on the following results:-
Robert Thornton 5-0 Ted Hankey
Michael van Gerwen 5-2 Steve Beaton
Simon Whitlock 5-2 James Hubbard
Images courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
William Hill Grand Slam of Darts Draw
The draw for the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts was made on Monday evening as the eight groups for the £400,000 event at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall from November 10-18 were decided.
Mark Webster and Co Stompe were drawn in Group A with the previous two winners of the tournament, Phil Taylor and Scott Waites.
In from pair Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton, who have both won maiden PDC major titles this year, will compete in Group B alongside Ted Hankey and Steve Beaton.
Simon Whitlock, who has also won his first PDC premier event in 2012, heads Group C, which includes PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion James Hubbard, Kevin Painter and Dean Winstanley.
Group D sees James Wade, Mervyn King and Arron Monk pitted together, along with Jan Dekker.
Paul Nicholson will face Andy Hamilton, Brendan Dolan and Barrie Bates in Group F.
Raymond van Barneveld was drawn in Group H with Christian Kist, Wayne Jones and Mark Walsh.
Group A
Phil Taylor
Scott Waites
Mark Webster
Co Stompe
Group B
Michael van Gerwen
Robert Thornton
Ted Hankey
Steve Beaton
Group C
Simon Whitlock
Kevin Painter
Dean Winstanley
James Hubbard
Group D
James Wade
Jan Dekker
Mervyn King
Arron Monk
Group E
Adrian Lewis
Gary Anderson
John Part
Tony O’Shea
Group F
Andy Hamilton
Paul Nicholson
Brendan Dolan
Barrie Bates
Group G
Wes Newton
Terry Jenkins
Wesley Harms
Martin Phillips
Group H
Christian Kist
Raymond van Barneveld
Mark Walsh
Wayne Jones
By Chris Murphy
