World Grand Prix darts results: Peter Wright and Mensur Suljovic cruise into quarter-finals
Peter Wright and Mensur Suljovic both stormed into the World Grand Prix with whitewash victories in Dublin on Wednesday night.
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Suljovic destroyed an in-form Ian White 3-0 in the opening second-round match of the night thanks to some devastating high finishing.
The Gentle, who defeated White on this stage last year, landed four 100+ checkouts of 129, 121, 116 and 101 while three of his finishes were on the bullseye as Diamond hit just one of his eight attempts at doubles.
Suljovic has reached the semi-finals of this unique double-start major twice before, including in 2017, and on this evidence will be extremely tough to beat. The Austrian also averaged 92 and hit four maximums.
Suljovic, who famously said he had no chance of winning the 2017 Champions League of Darts after every match of his victorious run, told www.pdc.tv: "This is the first time I have ever said this about a tournament but I think I can win this one. I think the checkouts on the bullseye killed Ian but if you give me chances I will take them.
"I don't care who I play in the rest of this tournament, I am focused only on my game."
The 46-year-old, who is chasing his second big TV major, will face Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals after the Welshman took out Rob Cross' conqueror Steve Beaton with a 3-1 triumph.
The world number 12 punished Beaton's 22 missed darts at finishing doubles, but having spurned 19 of his own and only averaging 86, he'll need to up his game to trouble Suljovic.
"I felt like I couldn't be myself and go for the big celebrations tonight because I have so much respect for Steve," said Price, who has reached the quarter-final here for the first time. "At key stages of the match I got a burst of energy that I just had to let go, I was so glad to see the double 11 go in for the second set after I missed three darts for it.
"Mensur believes he can win it just like I do or else I wouldn't be here. I'm going to try to out-do him on his favourite double 14!"
Peter Wright produced another demolition job as he dropped just two legs in a 3-0 victory over Jermaine Wattimena.
Snakebite wasn't quite as good as he was during his 2-0 win over Steve West two days ago when he didn't even allow his opponent an attempt at a double, but an average of 92 and a checkout percentage of 37.5% was more than good enough.
The Scot, who will take on James Wilson or Adrian Lewis in the quarter-finals, said: "Apparently this competition is all about Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson. We're just here to turn up apparently, so some commentators keep saying.
"It feels like sometimes we're not invited to the party but sorry guys I'm going to gatecrash that party - I'll be there in the final."
Wright will next meet James Wilson, who edged out Adrian Lewis 3-2 in a thrilling clash which ends Jackpot's hopes of making a real title tilt.
Lewis dug deep to see off Michael Smith in the tie of the round on Monday night but this time he came out the wrong side of a deciding set.
The highlight was undoubtedly Lethal Biscuit's 125 checkout which saw him hit two bullseyes either side of an outer bull, while he'd finished from 150 in the previous leg.
The Yorkshireman twice took the lead in sets only for runner-up Lewis to battle back and take the match to a decider.
Wilson pinned crucial doubles to go within a leg of victory and, with Lewis taking six darts to double-in, cruised to victory in the final leg to set up a last eight showdown with Wright.
"I can't believe it, I feel like I'm dreaming and anything is possible. I knew it was a massive game playing against Adrian, just like it was against Simon and I'm so happy to get through.
"I have to credit my wife for my recent form, she always supports me - the support I get from my family spurs me on to do bigger and better things.
"A few times tonight I miscounted but if you make a mistake you have to be able to laugh it off and go again. Now I know what I've got to do to beat Peter and hopefully I will do it."
World Grand Prix: Wednesday results & schedule
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Wednesday October 3 (7pm)
Second Round (Best of five sets)
- Mensur Suljovic 3-0 Ian White
- Steve Beaton 1-3 Gerwyn Price
- Peter Wright 3-0 Jermaine Wattimena
- James Wilson 3-2 Adrian Lewis
Thursday October 4 (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Quarter-Finals (Best of five sets)
- Mensur Suljovic v Gerwyn Price
- Peter Wright v James Wilson
- Daryl Gurney v Gary Anderson
- Michael van Gerwen v Dave Chisnall
CLICK HERE FOR QUARTER-FINAL PREDICTIONS, BEST BETS & ACCAS
Friday October 5 (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Semi-Finals (Best of seven sets)
- 2 x Matches
Saturday October 6 (8pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Final (Best of nine sets)
- Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2