Defending champion Michael Smith has been knocked out of the Grand Slam of Darts after a shock 5-1 loss to former two-time winner James Wade.
Three missed darts at double 20 from St Helens star Smith in the crucial fifth leg of the match saw Wade capitalize and go 4-1 up.
“Bully Boy’s” loss resulted in “The Machine” Wade qualifying and finishing top of Group A alongside Krzysztof Ratajski who beat Nathan Girvan 5-1.
Luke Humphries continued his unbeaten start securing qualification and top spot in Group C in the tournament with a 5-1 victory against Dirk Van Duijvenbode.
“Cool hand Luke” attributed his experience and successes in previous darting majors such as winning the World Grand Prix this year in helping him play some of his best darts ever in tournaments he previously struggled with.
“Another semi-final in another major I made 5 or 6 before I think it was five, I made before I actually went on and won the Grand Prix so it’s just an added milestone in my career that has helped me get to where I am right now so yeah, I’ve worked really hard.
“Obviously I have good memories now the last two years before that I didn’t get out the group so last year has definitely helped me get out the group and this year, I’ve done it again.”
The Flying Scotsman Gary Anderson qualified as runner up of Group C after a 102 average and a 10-dart leg in the fourth saw the former two-time grand slam finalist beat Steve Lennon 5-1.
World number 16 Ryan “Heavy metal” Searle secured qualification from group D after hitting an astonishing nine dart leg to see off Nathan Rafferty 5-3.
Three-time Grand Slam of Darts winner Welshmen Gerwyn Price topped Group D after a remarkable 121 checkout from the “iceman” saw him cruise to a 5-1 victory against Gian Van Veen.
The 2022 world youth champion Josh Rock won Group B after a 5-1 win against Berry Van Peer.
After missing a match dart Chris Dobey defeated Johnny Clayton 5-3 in group B to qualify for the second round of the Grand Slam of Darts.
(Image courtesy of PDC)
