Former finalists Rob Cross and James Wade were amongst the six players to progress to the knockout stages of the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts on Monday.
The third day of the event saw Groups A-D conclude at Wolverhampton’s WV Active Aldersley, as three-time runner-up Peter Wright saw his hopes of qualification quashed by Cross.
Ritchie Edhouse and Mickey Mansell had already confirmed their qualification prior to Monday’s play, and they were joined in the last 16 by a host of established names.
Wade will feature in the knockout stages for the 16th time in 17 appearances after sweeping aside Rowby-John Rodriguez in their winner-takes-all Group A showdown, sealing the deal with a terrific 121 finish.
“Rowby-John didn’t play at his best there, and I made the most of it,” admitted three-time Grand Slam runner-up Wade, who ended world champion Luke Humphries’ hopes of progressing from Group A on Sunday.
“I’m really happy to be through, and I’m looking forward to the next one!”
Humphries rounded off a difficult campaign in positive fashion, averaging 101 in a 5-1 thumping of Mansell.
The world number one was playing for pride in his final round-robin game, although he signed off from this year’s event in style, following up a brilliant 11-darter with a 135 checkout to triumph.
Following an incredible conclusion to Group B, Danny Noppert progressed alongside Cameron Menzies, who will compete in the last 16 of a TV ranking event for the first time.
Women’s World Matchplay champion Beau Greaves stormed to a 5-1 victory over Menzies, which left Martin Schindler needing just three legs against Noppert to join the Dutchman in the last 16.
Nevertheless, despite averaging 109, Schindler squandered four darts for qualification in a thrilling finale, as Noppert wrapped up a 5-2 success with a 106 average to send Menzies through.
BRILLIANT BEAU BEATS MENZIES!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 11, 2024
What a performance from Beau Greaves, who signs off from the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 demolition of Cameron Menzies!
📺 https://t.co/lkfAqflnXa#2024GSOD pic.twitter.com/omg794b6qo
“Beau played really well,” reflected Menzies, who will play Wade for a place in the quarter-finals. “Beau under no pressure is a scary Beau. She battered me to be fair.
“I think I got caught up thinking ‘just win, just win’. I’m very lucky to get through, but I guess that’s just darts for you!”
Cross needed to win just two legs against Wright to progress, and the 2023 runner-up ran out a comfortable 5-1 winner over the Scot to join Martin Lukeman in the knockout stages.
“I was playing a legend of the game,” reflected Cross, who has made it through the group stage in each of his eight Grand Slam appearances.
“Peter’s not at his best. He’s a two-time World Champion, he’s a great man and he’s given a lot to the game. I hope he can come back. I hope he can rebuild.
“I wasn’t at my best tonight, but it’s great to be through. It’s a longer format now so I can relax a little bit, and I’ll be ready to go on Wednesday.”
Elsewhere, Grand Slam debutant Lukeman made it three wins from three in Group C with a 5-3 victory against Leonard Gates, defying a mid-game rally from the American to prevail.
Lukeman will now meet Ross Smith for a place in the quarter-finals, after the former European Champion whitewashed a profligate Connor Scutt to confirm second spot in Group D.
Edhouse produced a terrific display to claim top spot in Group D, averaging 105 and landing five 180s to inflict a third straight defeat on Dave Chisnall, wrapping up proceedings with a ten-dart leg.
The Grand Slam of Darts group stage will conclude on Tuesday, as the final round-robin matches in Groups E-H take place at WV Active Aldersley.
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Saturday November 9
Afternoon Session (1pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Group Matches (Best of 9 legs)
Evening Session (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Group Matches (Best of 9 legs)
Sunday November 10
Afternoon Session (1pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Group Matches (Best of 9 legs)
Evening Session (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Group Matches (Best of 9 legs)
Monday November 11 (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Group Matches (Best of 9 legs)
Tuesday November 12 (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Group Matches (Best of 9 legs)
Wednesday November 13 (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Second Round (Best of 19 legs)
Thursday November 14 (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Second Round (Best of 19 legs)
Friday November 15
Evening Session (1pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Quarter-finals (Best of 31 legs)
Saturday November 16
Evening Session (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Quarter-finals (Best of 31 legs)
Sunday November 17
Afternoon Session (1pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Semi-finals (Best of 31 legs)
Evening Session (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Final (Best of 31 legs)
Every session of the Grand Slam of Darts will be televised live on Sky Sports.