Tag: Tyler

Liverpool’s Mo Salah answers your fan questions, revealing his footballing idols, his love for chess and which one player he would bring to Anfield.

World Champion Michael Smith dumped out on opening day of the Players Championship Finals, as Michael van Gerwen kicked off his title defence with victory; we’re back for the World Darts Championship from December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports

World champion Michael Smith crashed out of the Players Championship in the first round after suffering a shock defeat to Richard Veenstra, while Michael van Gerwen kicked off his title defence with victory over Callan Rydz.

Smith, who missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish in the fourth leg, averaged just 85.35 and had a highest checkout of 36 in a worryingly off-colour performance just weeks ahead of the defence of his world title.

World No 83 Veenstra missed five match darts before eventually taking out double 20 to seal a fully-deserved 6-3 victory in Minehead.

Grand Slam of Darts winner Luke Humphries avoided another upset as he recovered from 4-2 down to beat Martin Lukeman 6-4, while Gerwyn Price thrashed Ricky Evans 6-0 and Michael Van Gerwen beat Callan Rydz 6-3.

Reigning champion Van Gerwen avoided a similar fate, averaging 97 to open his bid for a record-extending eighth Players Championship Finals title with a 6-3 win over an out-of-sorts Rydz.

The Dutch superstar will now meet eighth seed Ross Smith, after the former European Champion averaged 98 and produced 120 and 130 finishes to wrap up a 6-2 rout of Scott Williams.

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Six weeks after winning his first major darts title, Luke Humphries secured another with victory in the Grand Slam of Darts – could he now go one step further with victory at the World Championships?

Newly-crowned Grand Slam champion Luke Humphries survived a scare to see off Martin Lukeman, reeling off four straight legs from 4-2 adrift to extend his winning run to eight games.

“I struggled to find my range early on,” admitted Humphries, who averaged 99.67 to complete an impressive fightback.

“The belief is what has changed in my game. When I’m staring defeat in the face I am beginning to find ways to turn it around and win, and I never panicked at any point there.

“I’m a two-time major champion now, but I want to keep riding the crest of a wave, and my will to win is still greater than ever.”

Gerwyn Price is eyeing his first premier televised ranking title since October 2021

Elsewhere, top seed Gerwyn Price underlined his credentials with a whitewash win against Ricky Evans, as he eyes his first premier televised ranking title since October 2021.

“I know I’m playing really well. I’m flying,” insisted Price, who will now take on 2012 runner-up Kim Huybrechts, who fought back from 5-3 down to topple Martin Schindler.

“I’m practising well and every time I am losing, I’m averaging a ton-plus, and it’s taking someone to play really well to knock me out of the tournament.

“The first game is always tough, but I felt quite comfortable tonight and the crowd were brilliant.”

Ireland’s former World Cup finalist Steve Lennon claimed the scalp of UK Open champion Andrew Gilding, reeling off the last three legs without reply to triumph 6-3.

Players Championship Finals
Friday November 24
First Round
Afternoon Session
Main Stage
Ross Smith 6-2 Scott Williams
Ryan Searle 6-4 Boris Krcmar
Damon Heta 6-1 Jules van Dongen
Gian van Veen 6-1 Chris Landman
Rob Cross 6-3 Cameron Menzies
Josh Rock 6-4 Rowby-John Rodriguez
James Wade 6-2 William O’Connor
Jonny Clayton 6-4 Stephen Burton

Stage Two
Radek Szaganski 6-2 Ian White
Luke Woodhouse 6-4 Simon Whitlock
Ryan Joyce 6-3 Daniel Klose
Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-1 Mike De Decker
Ricardo Pietreczko 6-1 Christian Kist
Stephen Bunting 6-4 Mickey Mansell
Gabriel Clemens 6-3 Connor Scutt
Dimitri Van den Bergh 6-4 Jim Williams

Evening Session
Main Stage
Matt Campbell 6-5 Dylan Slevin
Chris Dobey 6-3 Raymond van Barneveld
Richard Veenstra 6-3 Michael Smith
Gary Anderson 6-5 Steve Beaton
Gerwyn Price 6-0 Ricky Evans
Michael van Gerwen 6-3 Callan Rydz
Luke Humphries 6-4 Martin Lukeman
Dave Chisnall 6-2 Lee Evans

Stage Two
Kevin Doets 6-5 Jose de Sousa
Maik Kuivenhoven 6-4 Krzysztof Ratajski
Brendan Dolan 6-4 Ritchie Edhouse
Steve Lennon 6-3 Andrew Gilding
Niels Zonneveld 6-3 Daryl Gurney
Kim Huybrechts 6-5 Martin Schindler
Jermaine Wattimena 6-3 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Joe Cullen 6-1 Jamie Hughes

Saturday November 25
Afternoon Session (1245-1700 GMT)
Second Round
Main Stage
Gary Anderson vs Dimitri Van den Bergh
Damon Heta vs Kevin Doets
Gerwyn Price vs Kim Huybrechts
Ross Smith vs Michael van Gerwen
Dave Chisnall vs Chris Dobey
Luke Humphries vs Radek Szaganski
Jermaine Wattimena vs Richard Veenstra

Stage Two
Stephen Bunting vs Gian van Veen
Ryan Searle vs Ricardo Pietreczko
Matt Campbell vs Mario Vandenbogaerde
Maik Kuivenhoven vs Brendan Dolan
Rob Cross vs Luke Woodhouse
Josh Rock vs Gabriel Clemens
Ryan Joyce vs Joe Cullen
Jonny Clayton vs Niels Zonneveld
James Wade vs Steve Lennon

When is the World Darts Championship?

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The World Darts Championship starts on Friday, December 15 – live on Sky Sports!

The sport’s biggest event will be held from December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024 as 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace.

You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the World Darts Championship from December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports. Stream your favourite sports and more with NOW

Sky Sports’ Pete Smith and Sam Blitz take a look at how Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics help Chelsea against the Premier League’s top sides.

Rob Cross missed 12 darts at a double before eventually hitting to win the third leg against Stephen Bunting.

Rob Cross wins 10 legs in a row to defeat Damon Heta while Stephen Bunting ends Stowe Buntz’s dreams in Wolverhampton; Watch the 17th staging of the Grand Slam of Darts at the WV Active Aldersley – live on Sky Sports

A classy performance from Rob Cross set up a semi-final showdown with Stephen Bunting at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

Cross, the 2018 World Champion, ran away with his quarter-final match with Australian No 1 Damon Heta after claiming 10 legs in a row from 6-6 to win, while an in-form Bunting defeated American newcomer Stowe Buntz 16-8.

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Watch the moment Cross reached the Grand Slam semi-finals for first time in his career

There will be a new name on the Eric Bristow Trophy in 2023, and Cross continued his bid for a fifth premier TV title with a comprehensive victory over Heta.

“Unfortunately Damon didn’t play how he could,” admitted Cross, who averaged 98 and pinned 46 per cent of his attempts at double to cap off another superb performance.

“I was averaging 97 at one stage and I didn’t even feel like I had turned up yet. In my head it was horrific! I couldn’t find that first dart.

“I wasn’t happy with my performance at the start, but I’ll take the win, wake up tomorrow and it’s a different day.

“Having the semi-finals and final in one day is going to be tough. I’ve never experienced it before so I can’t say I’ve had that luxury, but I feel in a really good place with my game.”

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Cross extended his lead over Heta with this 116 finish

Heta’s combination finishing was a feature of his last-16 victory against Michael van Gerwen on Thursday, and he continued from where he left off in the early exchanges against ‘Voltage’.

The former World Cup winner landed 120, 64 and 72 checkouts as the opening six legs were shared, although Cross seized the initiative at the second interval, producing a timely 12-darter to establish a 6-4 buffer.

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When he wakes up in the morning and realises it’s permanent marker…. Heta signs a fan’s head during his walk-on

Heta hit back to restore parity, but Cross punished a mid-game slump from the Australian to seize control, following a run of three straight legs with 116 and 89 checkouts to stretch his lead to 11-6.

Cross continued his relentless march towards victory as Heta’s game unravelled, and the Hastings thrower extended his winning run to 10 legs to ease through to his first Grand Slam semi-final.

The 2018 World Champion will now take on Bunting for a place in Sunday evening’s decider, after the Merseyside man produced a superb display of doubling to end Buntz’s remarkable campaign.

The American debutant won the pair’s Group E tussle last weekend, but Bunting avenged that result in some style, converting 62 per cent of his attempts at double to break new ground in Wolverhampton.

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Bunting made it through to the semi-finals of the Grand Slam after beating Stowe Buntz

“It means the world,” reflected the 38-year-old, who averaged 96 and crashed in six maximums to win through to his first premier televised semi-final since October 2021.

“There were some nerves tonight. I was a heavy favourite going into that game, and I still didn’t know what to expect from Stowe.

“I said to him at the end of the match, he’s a friend now. We’ve had two games on the stage, and I wish him all the best for the World Championship and the rest of his career.

“I’ve been putting in a lot of effort behind the scenes, but I couldn’t do it without the crowd cheering me on. I really appreciate the support and I cannot wait for the semi-finals now.”

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Bunting turned on the style with finishes of 101 and 126

Buntz missed darts at double for 147, 106 and 146 combinations in the early exchanges, and Bunting – aided by back-to-back 13-darters – capitalised to race into an early 4-1 lead.

The CDC Continental Cup champion responded to level at 6-6, but Bunting suddenly found his range midway through the contest, winning seven of the next eight legs to seize control at 13-7.

Bunting’s 12-dart break of throw in leg 14 provided the spark, and he converted clinical 93, 101, 126 and 97 finishes during a blistering spell to move to the cusp of a place in the semi-finals.

The former Lakeside champion fired in another 12-darter on the bull to extend his lead to 14-7, and he continued the procession to end Buntz’s record-breaking run.

What’s happening on Sunday at the Grand Slam?

Luke Humphries will take on James Wade in the first semi-final on Sunday afternoon

Sunday at the Grand Slam of Darts sees the semi-finals and final taking place on a bumper day of action.

Three-time finalist James Wade and Luke Humphries, who lifted TV silverware for the first time at October’s World Grand Prix, will meet in the first semi-final.

Wade defeated Josh Rock 16-15 in dramatic fashion, while Humphries beat Gary Anderson 16-14 on an unforgettable night of action.

And then four-time major winner Cross meets former Lakeside champion Bunting for a place in the evening’s showpiece, with a £150,000 top prize on offer to the eventual champion.

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Wayne Mardle previews Sunday’s Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals

When are the World Championships?

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The World Championship starts on Friday December 15 – live on Sky Sports Darts

The sport’s biggest event will be held from December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024 as 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace.

You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the 17th staging of the Grand Slam of Darts at the Aldersley Leisure Village. Stream your favourite sports and more with NOW

Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett and football journalist Peter Smith reflect on England’s unconvincing 2-0 victory over Malta in Euro 2024 qualifying.

England manager Gareth Southgate says Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon could be called up to the international squad soon, after rumours Scotland are trying to persuade Gordon to play for them.

Gary Anderson upsets Gerwyn Price while there were wins for Josh Rock, James Wade and a red-hot Luke Humphries; Watch the 17th staging of the Grand Slam of Darts at the WV Active Aldersley all this week – live on Sky Sports

Gary Anderson delivered a vintage performance to knock out three-time winner Gerwyn Price 10-6 and reach the last eight of the Grand Slam of Darts.

Anderson, a two-time runner-up at the Grand Slam, stole the headlines after prevailing in a repeat of the pair’s infamous 2018 final defying eight 180s and a 103 average from Price to continue his bid for an elusive Grand Slam crown on a high-quality night of action in Wolverhampton.

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Gary Anderson said that’s the most comfortable he’s felt on a TV stage for a long time after beating Gerwyn Price

Price – who registered consecutive 110 and 112 averages in the round-robin phase – drew first blood with a 14-dart hold, only for Anderson to seize the early initiative with a run of three straight legs.

The Welshman responded to restore parity at three apiece, only for ‘The Flying Scotsman’ to win four of the next five legs to regain control – sparked by a superb 12-dart break in leg seven.

Anderson maintained his charge by crashing in consecutive maximums to stretch his lead to 8-4, although Price refused to relent, registering back-to-back 13-darters to put himself back in contention.

Nevertheless, Anderson halted Price’s charge with a brilliant 11-darter in the penultimate leg, which he followed with a comfortable hold of throw via double six to cap off a virtuoso display.

“There’s life in the old dog yet,” quipped Anderson, who averaged 104.96 to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown against Luke Humphries.

“Gerwyn has been playing very well. Hitting 110 and 112 averages is a hard job to do, but I’ve hit a 102 and now a 104, so we’re getting there.

“I’m playing well on the practice board, I’m playing well on the floor, and that was the most comfortable I’ve felt on the stage for a while.”

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John Part says Anderson is going to relish taking on Humphries in the quarter-finals on Friday

Humphries sealed his place in the last eight with a superb 10-7 victory against Ryan Searle, defying three ton-plus checkouts from the Somerset star to triumph with a 105 average and nine 180s.

Searle, who landed a sensational nine-darter to seal his last 16 berth on Monday, remarkably led 3-2 at the first interval, despite averaging 15 points less than Humphries in the opening session.

However, the World Grand Prix champion won six of the next seven legs to assume control at 8-4, with a magnificent ten-darter in leg 12 typifying his relentless scoring power.

Searle – featuring in the knockout stages at the Grand Slam for the first time – prolonged the contest with 115, 112 and 94 combinations in the closing stages, but Humphries kept his cool to prevail.

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Luke Humphries described how his mentality has improved the last couple of years after beating best friend Ryan Searle

“That was a really tough game to play,” reflected the world No 4, who is eyeing his second televised ranking title in as many months.

“I felt really good there. I probably could have been 8-2 up but I wasn’t, and that’s just testament to how good Ryan is, because he pushes you.

“Ryan is one of the elite players in my opinion. I know what he is capable of, so when he started coming back at me there, I started to get a little worried!”

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James Wade and Chris Dobey put on a finishing masterclass, with five ton-plus finishes between them

Earlier in the night, three-time runner-up James Wade continued his resurgence after fending off a late rally from Masters champion Chris Dobey to move through to his sixth Grand Slam quarter-final.

Wade will take on Josh Rock next after the Northern Irishman produced an impressive display to see off Krzysztof Ratajski and move through to his first premier televised ranking quarter-final.

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Josh Rock described how he won on the ‘Rock Double Five’ and was thinking of his dad on the winning dart as he defeated Krzysztof Ratajski

“I knew I hadn’t got through to a quarter-final on the major stage before, but I managed to control the nerves and get the win, so I’m happy,” said the 2022 World Youth Champion.

What happens on Thursday at the Grand Slam?

Michael van Gerwen is aiming to win his fourth Grand Slam of Darts title

The second round action will conclude on Thursday, as three-time champion Michael van Gerwen takes on Australian No 1 Damon Heta for a place in the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall faces 2018 World Champion Rob Cross, world No 7 Danny Noppert plays a resurgent Stephen Bunting, while UK Open champion Andrew Gilding meets American newcomer Stowe Buntz.

When are the World Championships?

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The World Championship starts on Friday, December 15 – live on Sky Sports Darts

The sport’s biggest event will be held from December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024 as 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace.

Watch the seventeenth staging of the Grand Slam of Darts from 11-19 November at the Aldersley Leisure Village. Stream your favourite sports and more with NOW

Fallon Sherrock and Beau Greaves suffered losses against Rob Cross and Damon Heta respectively as their 2023 Grand Slam campaigns came to an end; Watch the Grand Slam of Darts at the WV Active Aldersley on Sky Sports – coverage continues at 7pm on Wednesday

Beau Greaves’ brilliant run at the Grand Slam was ended in a close 5-4 loss against Damon Heta.

Greaves started the match with a statement of intent as she took out 101 for the first leg but the ‘Heat’ fought back with some brilliant finishes, hitting 164, 130, and 105 to take the match in the last-leg decider, after Greaves had missed a match dart.

Heta will now face Michael van Gerwen in the next round but admitted he was a bag of nerves facing Greaves in an incredible contest.

“I hope she doesn’t get a Tour card playing like that or we will be in trouble,” said Heta.

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Damon Heta says he was ‘shaking like crazy’ during his dramatic win over Beau Greaves in Group H of the Grand Slam of Darts

“She [Greaves] was insane tonight. I was shaking like crazy. I am a fit dude, and I am never like that unless I am running a marathon or something.

“Fair play to Beau. I cheer her on when I watch the darts when she is playing so to play against her and just to get over that line is massive.”

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Rob Cross secured his progress to the Second Round of the Grand Slam of Darts with a win over Fallon Sherrock in Group G.

Fallon Sherrock’s hopes of making it out of Group E were ended by a relentless Rob Cross as he cruised to a 5-2 win in Group G to join Van Gerwen in the next stage.

Sherrock got an early break of throw for a 1-0 lead but the former world champion showed his class, a 98 average and brilliant 111 checkout aiding him on the way to a vital victory.

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Rob Cross is hoping his form improves even further after beating Fallon Sherrock in Group G of the Grand Slam of Darts

In another winner-takes-all match, Stephen Bunting defeated world No 2 Peter Wright in Group E to make it through to the next round.

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Stephen Bunting beat Peter Wright to progress to the Second Round of the Grand Slam of Darts and send Snakebite home

Bunting produced sensational 103, 101, and 107 checkouts to take a 3-1 but Snakebite fought back to bring the tie to 4-3, a brilliant 116 finish helping him on his way.

The St Helens man held on though and took out D16 for the win and to progress alongside Stowe Buntz in Group E.

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Stephen Bunting was full of respect for Peter Wright after beating Snakebite in Group E of the Grand Slam of Darts

Van Gerwen completed a clean sweep in Group G with a very scrappy 5-4 win over Martijn Kleermaker.

‘The Green Machine’ was not his usual dangerous self but fought back from 3-1 down to ultimately take the win.

Danny Noppert sealed top spot in Group F with a tough 5-4 win over Brendan Dolan.

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Danny Noppert hit a 124 checkout to beat Brendan Dolan in Group F of the Grand Slam of Darts

Dolan would have needed a 5-3 victory to qualify but Noppert held strong as the ‘History Maker’ rallied, clinching the win with a brilliant 121 checkout in the deciding leg.

Andrew Gilding also did what he needed to qualify from Group F with a 5-1 victory over Haruki Muramatsu.

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Andrew Gilding took out this impressive finish during his Group F game against Haruki Muramatsu at the Grand Slam of Darts as he progressed to the second round

Despite Muramatsu taking an early lead, Gilding brough his average up to 100 and fired in a brilliant 136 checkout on his way to victory and a spot in the next round.

Elsewhere, an already eliminated Dave Chisnall held on for a 5-4 victory against already qualified Stowe Buntz in Group E, while Ricardo Pietreczko rounded off his debut appearance at the Grand Slam with a 5-4 win over Nathan Aspinall in Group H.

What happens on Wednesday at the Grand Slam?

The top two players from each group will progress to the knockout stage, with the last 16 action beginning on Wednesday and running through to the semi-finals and final on Sunday.

Watch the seventeenth staging of the Grand Slam of Darts from 11-19 November at the Aldersley Leisure Village. Stream your favourite sports and more with NOW

Vicki Hodges is joined by Charlotte Marsh to ponder whether the gap between the top and bottom teams is closing in the Women’s Super League.

Fallon Sherrock, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries and defending champion Michael Smith all win at the Grand Slam of Darts on Sunday evening in Wolverhampton; Live coverage continues on Monday from 7pm on Sky Sports Arena

Fallon Sherrock, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries and defending champion Michael Smith all won on a bumper night at the Grand Slam of Darts on Sunday.

Sherrock won a last-leg shoot-out to defeat Dutchman Martijn Kleermaker to keep her hopes of making it through to the knockout stages of the tournament.

‘The Queen of the Palace’ joined Beau Greaves in delighting a packed out-crowd at WV Active Aldersley, on a landmark day which saw two female stars prevail in the same PDC premier televised event for the first time.

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Sherrock says that her ‘best darts come out under pressure’ after beating Martijn Kleermaker in a final leg decider

Sherrock, a Grand Slam quarter-finalist in 2021, returned to winning ways in Wolverhampton with a deciding-leg success against Kleermaker in her second Group G encounter.

The 29-year-old was beaten by an impressive Van Gerwen on Saturday’s opening night, although she kept her qualification hopes alive with a battling victory against Kleermaker.

“I was shaking near the end, but I got across the line,” reflected Sherrock, who will play 2018 World Champion Rob Cross for a place in the last 16 on Tuesday.

“I think when you put me in these pressure situations that is when my best darts come out, so hopefully I can produce something special in my next game.

“Michael [van Gerwen] produced his A-game against me and I felt like I dealt with that pretty well, and I expect Rob will do the same, but hopefully I can grind out a win!”

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Watch Rob Cross hit a 136 and 108 checkout against Michael van Gerwen

Van Gerwen sealed his qualification in dramatic style, rallying from 3-1 down to win a last-leg shoot-out against Cross, who landed 136 and 108 finishes before missing three match darts in the decider.

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Michael Smith apologised to the fans after his win over Krzysztof Ratajsk saying his performance wasn’t good enough

Defending champion Michael Smith, who is yet to confirm his place in the knockout stage, defeated Krzysztof Ratajski 5-4 to make it 18 straight wins in the group stage.

Ratajski averaged 101 and conjured up the first 170 checkout of the tournament, only for Smith to convert a nerveless 106 outshot in the final leg to retain top spot in Group A.

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Krzysztof Ratajski sticks ‘The Big Fish’ in the net against Michael Smith during the Grand Slam of Darts

The world No 1 will now take on James Wade in a crunch showdown on Monday, after the three-time finalist won five straight legs to defeat Nathan Girvan 5-2 and keep his qualification hopes alive.

World Grand Prix champion Luke Humphries is in pole position in Group C, averaging almost 101 to wrap up an emphatic 5-1 win against two-time finalist Gary Anderson in Sunday evening’s finale.

Humphries’ final round-robin fixture pits him against Dirk van Duijvenbode, who battled through the pain barrier to see off Steve Lennon with the aid of 139 and 136 finishes.

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After wins over Peter Wright and Stephen Bunting, Stowe Buntz has qualified from the group stages of the Grand Slam of Darts

American debutant Stowe Buntz guaranteed his progress from Group E with a clinical 5-3 success against Stephen Bunting, who missed double 12 for a nine-darter midway through the match.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, world No 2 Peter Wright will face Bunting in a straight Group E shoot-out, after winning through a topsy-turvy tie against Dave Chisnall to eliminate the 2014 runner-up.

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Stephen Bunting was so close to his first-ever televised nine-darter at the Grand Slam of Darts

What happens on Monday at the Grand Slam?

Groups A-D draw to a close on Monday evening, before players from Groups E-H continue their battle for qualification on Tuesday.

The top two players from each group will progress to the knockout stage, with the last-16 action set to begin on Wednesday November 15.

Watch the 17th staging of the Grand Slam of Darts from November 11-19 at the Aldersley Leisure Village. Stream your favourite sports and more with NOW

Sky Sports’ Cam Hogwood and Jason Bell review the Indianapolis Colts’ win over the New England Patriots in Frankfurt and discuss the future of the NFL’s international series.

Fallon Sherrock beaten by Michael van Gerwen in Wolverhampton while there were wins for Michael Smith and American debutant Stowe Buntz; watch the 17th staging of the Grand Slam of Darts from November 11-19 at the WV Active Aldersley – live on Sky Sports

Fallon Sherrock put on a resilient display but was eventually subdued by Michael van Gerwen as Michael Smith made a winning start to the defence of his Grand Slam of Darts title.

Despite three maximums from Sherrock, three-time former winner Van Gerwen ran away with a 5-1 success, while reigning champion Smith continued his incredible group-stage record at the event by seeing off Nathan Girvan 5-2.

American debutant Stowe Buntz caused the shock of the night, averaging 102.28 to defeat his darting idol Peter Wright 5-1.

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Fallon Sherrock’s three 180s were not good enough to avoid defeat against Michael van Gerwen

Van Gerwen began his bid for a fourth Grand Slam crown by beating ‘Queen of the Palace’ Sherrock, averaging 101.30 to sink the 2021 quarter-finalist, who registered three 180s in defeat.

Smith, who defeated Nathan Aspinall to lift the Eric Bristow Trophy last year, averaged almost 99 to topple Scottish debutant Girvan and celebrate a 17th consecutive group-stage victory at the Grand Slam.

“I love this event – I owe a lot to the Grand Slam, and hopefully it keeps being kind to me,” said Smith, who is bidding to become the fourth player to retain the coveted title.

“I’m really happy to be back. It’s the first time I’ve had to defend a TV title so there were a few butterflies, but I’m happy with how I performed.

“My scoring was great and my finishing was there when I needed it. I’m aware of my record [in the group stage], but I’m only focused on trying to top the group.”

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Stowe Buntz shared how much his win over his idol Peter Wright meant to him

Buntz caused a huge upset, producing a stunning display to dispatch world No 2 Peter Wright on his televised bow.

Buntz, who sealed his Grand Slam qualification with victory in last month’s CDC Continental Cup, turned on the style in a colourful clash against European champion Wright to cap off a dream TV debut.

The unheralded American fired in a sensational tops-tops 137 finish and took out 116 to race into a three-leg lead, before wrapping up a landmark 5-1 victory with a 13-dart hold.

“I don’t know what to say,” admitted a shell-shocked Buntz, who averaged 102.28 to defeat ‘Snakebite’. “It is phenomenal – Peter Wright’s a two-time world champion. He is a big inspiration for me, hence the [colourful] attire.

“To play against one of my idols, it’s like playing against Michael Jordan if you’re a basketball fan. I’m sure my phone is going to be blowing up after this!”

Buntz will play a resurgent Stephen Bunting, who denied Dave Chisnall in another nine-leg affair, pinning five of his seven double attempts to defy a 99 average from the 2014 runner-up.

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Brilliant Buntz pinned two ton-plus checkouts to beat Wright

Luke Humphries and Gary Anderson will collide in a blockbuster tussle on Sunday evening, after overcoming Steve Lennon and Dirk van Duijvenbode in their respective Group C tussles.

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Luke Humphries says he is feeling the best he has felt in a long time after comfortably beating Steve Lennon

World Grand Prix champion Humphries posted the first ton-plus average of the tournament in his 5-2 demolition of Lennon, with a 147 checkout in leg five the highlight of his victory.

Anderson, meanwhile, overcame a struggling Van Duijvenbode in a contest dominated by missed doubles, rallying from 4-2 down to triumph with finishes of 84, 74 and 76 in the latter stages.

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A look at Gary Anderson’s best moments from his comeback victory against Dirk van Duijvenbode

Sunday’s double session will see Saturday’s winning players facing off and the losing players also meeting each other, as Smith continues his title challenge against Poland’s No 1 Krzysztof Ratajski.

Ratajski edged out three-time runner-up James Wade in Saturday evening’s opener, beginning the match with 112 and 120 outshots before firing in a sublime 11-darter to prevail in a high-quality last leg.

Van Gerwen will face Rob Cross in his next Group G clash, after the 2018 world champion recovered from 3-1 and 4-2 deficits to defeat Dutch debutant Martijn Kleermaker with a 96 average.

What happens next at the Grand Slam?

The group stage continues on Sunday, with Saturday’s winning players facing off and the losing players also meeting each other, before the final round-robin games take place across Monday and Tuesday.

The top two players from each group will progress to the knockout stage, with the last-16 action beginning on Wednesday and running through to the semi-finals and final on Sunday.

Watch the 17th staging of the Grand Slam of Darts from November 11-19 at the Aldersley Leisure Village. Stream your favourite sports and more with NOW

Bangladesh 1st innings

Yet to bat

• Najmul Hossain Shanto
• Mushfiqur Rahim
• Mahmudullah
• Towhid Hridoy
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz
• Mahedi Hasan
• Nasum Ahmed
• Taskin Ahmed
• Mustafizur Rahman