REPORTS and results from the final round of games in Groups A-D at the 2008 PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.
The first four groups will come to a conclusion with eight matches, including decisive games for defending champion Phil Taylor and BDO World Champion Mark Webster.
DartsTV
Highlights from all sessions will be available on a 24-hour delay in DartsTV.
Live audio commentary is available for DartsTV subscribers, along with a free live scorecentre - click here.
PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts
Monday November 17 (5.30pm-10.30pm)
Group A-D Final Games
Phill Nixon 5-3 Andy Jenkins
Alan Tabern 5-1 Brian Woods
Michael van Gerwen 5-1 Colin McGarry
Mervyn King 5-3 Mark Webster
Wayne Mardle 5-3 John Part
Phil Taylor 5-1 Vincent van der Voort
Simon Whitlock 5-1 Andy Hamilton
Kevin McDine 5-2 Anastasia Dobromyslova
Photo Gallery
Click here for a PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts Photo Gallery
Final Tables
PHILL NIXON 5-3 ANDY JENKINS
PHILL NIXON came from 3-1 down to finish the group phase of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a flourish thanks to a 5-3 win over Andy Jenkins.
Nixon had lost his opening two matches in the tournament, to Phil Taylor and Vincent van der Voort, and was unable to qualify for the last 16, but gained consolation with a good win.
Jenkins began the game in the same manner which saw him defeat Phil Taylor on Sunday, hitting a 180 in the opening leg and taking the third and fourth to open up a 3-1 lead.
He included a 180 and a two-dart 96 finish in a 14-darter in the fourth, and had missed doubles in the leg he lost.
However, he was a different player after the break, with Nixon capitalising to take out double 18 for leg five, double 16 to break throw and then landing in the same bed to move 4-3 up.
Nixon then took out double ten to wrap up a consolation victory.
"Andy has been playing brilliantly so it's good to beat him", said Nixon. "I wanted to win one game and finish on a high, and I've managed to do that."
Jenkins admitted: "I've already qualified so I had nothing to play for and it was hard to keep my concentration.
"It's disappointing to lose but I can look forward to the knockout side of the tournament now on Wednesday."
Match Stats
ALAN TABERN 5-1 BRIAN WOODS
ALAN TABERN finished the group stage of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 victory over Brian Woods.
Tabern is left waiting on the result of Simon Whitlock's clash with Andy Hamilton later on Monday evening, and could still miss out on a place in the last 16 if Whitlock wins 5-2, 5-3 or 5-4.
Woods missed double seven to win the game's opening leg, mirroring the wayward finishing which has blighted his previous two matches, before Tabern took out double ten to lead.
Tabern also won the next two before punishing three missed doubles from the Cumbrian to land double six for a 4-0 cushion.
A missed bullseye from Tabern gave Woods a chance in the fifth, and the BDO World Championship semi-finalist hit double ten to get off the mark - showing his relief with a smile to the Wolverhampton Civic crowd.
But Tabern hit a 180 in the next before a two-dart 71 finish wrapped up his win.
"I just wanted to win and even though I felt I didn't play too well I'm quite pleased," said Tabern. "I've never been as nervous going into the game because it was so important to win.
"I know Brian is a better player than he's shown in this event and I was waiting for him to turn it, and we both didn't play how we can.
"I gritted my teeth and got through it, and when I was given a chance I took it."
Woods admitted: "I've not done myself justice in this event and missed so many doubles. I've missed so many doubles and it's been frustrating seeing so many darts land on the wire."
Match Stats
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 5-1 COLIN McGARRY
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN ended Colin McGarry's hopes of qualifying for the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 victory.
ITV Wildcard Qualifier McGarry needed to take victory in his final group game to keep alive his bid to reach the last 16, but came unstuck against the determined Dutchman.
Van Gerwen had lost his opening two games in the tournament and could not progress, but gained a consolation victory in style.
Both players missed doubles in the opening leg before the teenager landed double eight, with double top seeing McGarry level.
But the Northern Irishman was punished for misses in the next two as van Gerwen pulled clear at 3-1.
Double 12 moved him to the brink of victory, and double top ensured the teenager ended the tournament with a smile on his face.
"I've not played my best darts this weekend and I wanted to get the win," said van Gerwen. "I lost my first two games and it was very painful for me, and it's important for me to go home with confidence."
McGarry had defeated Mark Webster in his opening game, and added: "I'm very disappointed not to have qualified after the start I made.
"I couldn't get going against Michael but full credit to him for a good performance, he did the business."
Match Stats
MERVYN KING 5-3 MARK WEBSTER
MERVYN KING remains unbeaten following a 5-3 win over Mark Webster which sees him top Group C at the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.
King followed up his wins over Michael van Gerwen and Colin McGarry with a strong display to defeat the BDO World Champion - who also qualifies for the last 16.
Webster took the game's opening leg on double ten, having also landed a maximum, before King, aided by a 122 finish, won three in a row to lead 3-1.
A 117 finish for a 12-darter, including a second maximum of the game, saw King move a leg away from victory before Webster took the next two on double nine and double 12 to stay in the contest.
But a third maximum from King pushed him clear in leg eight, and he landed double eight for victory.
"It was a good game and I'm very happy with my performance," said King, who averaged 97. "Mark's a class player and it's great to beat him.
"It's knockout format from here and I think the averages will get better because it's a difference kind of pressure.
"A lot of players, me included, have been below-par but the second round will bring out the best in people."
Webster said: "I'm disappointed to lose but the primary aim tonight was to get through, and I've done that.
"I enjoyed the game, Mervyn gave me a lesson in finishing but I need to get better for the rest of the tournament."
Match Stats
WAYNE MARDLE 5-3 JOHN PART
WAYNE MARDLE held off John Part's fightback to increase his chances of qualifying for the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.
Mardle had lost his first game 5-0 to Kevin McDine, but followed up his narrow defeat of Anastasia Dobromyslova with another victory to leave him needing a McDine defeat to the Russian in their later game if he is to qualify.
Mardle started confidently, hitting a 180 and 100 finish in the opening leg and a second successive 15-darter to double his lead.
Double 19 put him 3-0 in front before he hit another maximum in taking a 4-0 cushion into the break without Part having had a chance at a double.
The PDC World Champion kicked into gear with a 180 after the restart, taking leg four on double 16 and hitting further maximums in winning the next two.
But Mardle wrapped up the win with a sensational 158 checkout.
"John came back brilliantly and if I'd not hit that 158 I don't think I would have won," admitted Mardle.
"I'm delighted with the win and my confidence is lifted again now.
"Losing 5-0 to Kevin McDine and then almost being beaten in my second round had made it one of the worst weeks of my life but I've got a win against the World Champion."
Part said: "I wanted to win and knock Wayne out because I could meet him later in the tournament, but he came out fiercely and took advantage of my lazy start.
"After that I was good and I'm feeling good about my game. Everything's coming together."
Match Stats
PHIL TAYLOR 5-1 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
PHIL TAYLOR powered into the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 demolition of Vincent van der Voort.
The defending champion had suffered defeat to Andy Jenkins on Sunday, but produced an outstanding display in his winner-takes-all clash with the Dutchman.
Taylor opened the match with a maximum and took the opening leg in 14 darts, before three missed doubles allowed the Dutchman in to level.
But Taylor landed a third maximum of the game in taking the third, and a 14-darter put him 3-1 up.
Taylor then took out 121 on the bull to deny van der Voort, who had hit a 180, in the fifth before sealing the win by taking advantage of five missed doubles from the Dutchman in the next.
"I was very disappointed to lose on Sunday but I had a point to prove and did that," said Taylor. "I kicked in at the start with a 180 and knew I was on for a cracker.
"I made a dream start but missed three darts at double in the second leg and was putting myself under pressure to get a big win. I relaxed then and came through.
"Now I'm through I will relax a bit more and hopefully my best darts will come out in the next few days.
"It's hard for Vincent because he's a great professional and obviously it knocks him out - but it's dog-eat-dog and I'm gunning to keep my title."
Van der Voort, who had lost in his opening game to Andy Jenkins, admitted: "It's very disappointing.
"I felt good going up on stage but I started badly and Phil started brilliantly. He was great and put a lot of pressure on me.
"It's been a great experience playing in the Grand Slam of Darts and I'll go away and practice hard now for the World Championship next month."
Match Stats
SIMON WHITLOCK 5-1 ANDY HAMILTON
SIMON WHITLOCK secured a place in round two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 win over Andy Hamilton - leaving the Stoke man facing a nine-dart shoot-out on Tuesday.
Australian Whitlock will now top Group B in the tournament after a second victory in the first round, and takes on Andy Jenkins in the last 16.
But a 5-1 win means Hamilton now faces off with Alan Tabern on Tuesday night in a nine-dart shoot-out - with the player scoring the most from nine dart finishing second in the group and moving through.
"It will be new for me and I'll be ready," said Hamilton. "I'm a big scorer anyway and it will be different!"
A 5-0 defeat would have eliminated Hamilton, while Tabern - who defeated Brian Woods earlier in the night - knew a 5-2 win for Whitlock would put him through on leg difference.
But a sensational Whitlock start saw him look more likely to produce a whitewash result.
Hamilton missed double four for the first leg, with Whitlock stepping in to take the lead before landing a 180 on his way to leg two.
Double 12 pushed Whitlock 3-0 up before a 109 checkout pushed the Australian a leg away from the win.
Hamilton landed a 180 in the next, and double six got him the leg he needed to stay alive in the competition - but a second would not follow when Whitlock took out double four for the match.
"I knew I had to win and that was my only concern," said Whitlock. "I did what I had to do and I'm looking forward to the second round now.
"Andy was awesome in his first two games and he played pretty well again but I'm very pleased with my display."
Hamilton, who averaged 103, added: "Simon threw very well and didn't give me many chances. I was top of the group but now I'm fighting to stay in the tournament and it's very exciting."
Match Stats
KEVIN McDINE 5-2 ANASTASIA DOBROMYSLOVA
KEVIN McDINE won his place in round two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-2 defeat of Anastasia Dobromyslova.
McDine had been left needing a victory from his third match after Wayne Mardle defeated John Part earlier on Monday, and the 2007 Grand Slam semi-finalist obliged with his best display of the first round.
Although he missed three darts for the first leg, which the Russian took on double top, the youngster replied with a 107 checkout and a 14-darter against the throw to lead 2-1.
Although Dobromyslova levelled, taking out double 18 after McDine missed at double top, the Englishman took out double four and double five to crucially pull clear to 4-2.
McDine then landed a key 180 in the next leg, and took out 64 to ensure his place in the last 16.
"I was very nervous and just glad I got through," said McDine. "Anastasia didn't play as well as she had against Wayne on Sunday, but it was a tough game."
Dobromyslova finished her participation with three losses, and said: "It has been a great experience but I expected more from myself.
"To lose three games is not what I wanted and I'll work to improve on that."
Match Stats
Wednesday Evening's Second Round Order of Play
After 5.30
Simon Whitlock v Andy Jenkins
John Part v Mark Webster
Break
After 9.35pm
Phil Taylor v Andy Hamilton/Alan Tabern
Mervyn King v Kevin McDine
The first four groups will come to a conclusion with eight matches, including decisive games for defending champion Phil Taylor and BDO World Champion Mark Webster.
DartsTV
Highlights from all sessions will be available on a 24-hour delay in DartsTV.
Live audio commentary is available for DartsTV subscribers, along with a free live scorecentre - click here.
PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts
Monday November 17 (5.30pm-10.30pm)
Group A-D Final Games
Phill Nixon 5-3 Andy Jenkins
Alan Tabern 5-1 Brian Woods
Michael van Gerwen 5-1 Colin McGarry
Mervyn King 5-3 Mark Webster
Wayne Mardle 5-3 John Part
Phil Taylor 5-1 Vincent van der Voort
Simon Whitlock 5-1 Andy Hamilton
Kevin McDine 5-2 Anastasia Dobromyslova
Photo Gallery
Click here for a PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts Photo Gallery
Final Tables
|
GROUP A |
P |
W |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
Phil Taylor |
3 |
2 |
1 |
14 |
6 |
4 |
|
Andy Jenkins |
3 |
2 |
1 |
13 |
13 |
4 |
|
Vincent van der Voort |
3 |
1 |
2 |
10 |
11 |
2 |
|
Phill Nixon |
3 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
13 |
2 |
|
GROUP B |
P |
W |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
Simon Whitlock |
3 |
2 |
1 |
13 |
6 |
4 |
|
Andy Hamilton |
3 |
2 |
1 |
11 |
9 |
4 |
|
Alan Tabern |
3 |
2 |
1 |
11 |
9 |
4 |
|
Brian Woods |
3 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
15 |
0 |
|
GROUP C |
P |
W |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
Mervyn King |
3 |
3 |
0 |
15 |
7 |
6 |
|
Mark Webster |
3 |
1 |
2 |
12 |
10 |
2 |
|
Michael van Gerwen |
3 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
11 |
2 |
|
Colin McGarry |
3 |
1 |
2 |
9 |
14 |
2 |
|
GROUP D |
P |
W |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
John Part |
3 |
2 |
1 |
13 |
7 |
4 |
|
Kevin McDine |
3 |
2 |
1 |
11 |
7 |
4 |
|
Wayne Mardle |
3 |
2 |
1 |
10 |
12 |
4 |
|
Anastasia Dobromyslova |
3 |
0 |
3 |
7 |
15 |
0 |
PHILL NIXON came from 3-1 down to finish the group phase of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a flourish thanks to a 5-3 win over Andy Jenkins.
Nixon had lost his opening two matches in the tournament, to Phil Taylor and Vincent van der Voort, and was unable to qualify for the last 16, but gained consolation with a good win.
Jenkins began the game in the same manner which saw him defeat Phil Taylor on Sunday, hitting a 180 in the opening leg and taking the third and fourth to open up a 3-1 lead.
He included a 180 and a two-dart 96 finish in a 14-darter in the fourth, and had missed doubles in the leg he lost.
However, he was a different player after the break, with Nixon capitalising to take out double 18 for leg five, double 16 to break throw and then landing in the same bed to move 4-3 up.
Nixon then took out double ten to wrap up a consolation victory.
"Andy has been playing brilliantly so it's good to beat him", said Nixon. "I wanted to win one game and finish on a high, and I've managed to do that."
Jenkins admitted: "I've already qualified so I had nothing to play for and it was hard to keep my concentration.
"It's disappointing to lose but I can look forward to the knockout side of the tournament now on Wednesday."
Match Stats
|
Andy Jenkins |
3-5 |
Phill Nixon |
|
9 |
100+ |
12 |
|
2 |
140+ |
6 |
|
1 |
180 |
1 |
|
28.35 |
Ave1 |
29.26 |
|
85.05 |
Ave3 |
87.79 |
|
96 |
High Finish |
68 |
ALAN TABERN 5-1 BRIAN WOODS
ALAN TABERN finished the group stage of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 victory over Brian Woods.
Tabern is left waiting on the result of Simon Whitlock's clash with Andy Hamilton later on Monday evening, and could still miss out on a place in the last 16 if Whitlock wins 5-2, 5-3 or 5-4.
Woods missed double seven to win the game's opening leg, mirroring the wayward finishing which has blighted his previous two matches, before Tabern took out double ten to lead.
Tabern also won the next two before punishing three missed doubles from the Cumbrian to land double six for a 4-0 cushion.
A missed bullseye from Tabern gave Woods a chance in the fifth, and the BDO World Championship semi-finalist hit double ten to get off the mark - showing his relief with a smile to the Wolverhampton Civic crowd.
But Tabern hit a 180 in the next before a two-dart 71 finish wrapped up his win.
"I just wanted to win and even though I felt I didn't play too well I'm quite pleased," said Tabern. "I've never been as nervous going into the game because it was so important to win.
"I know Brian is a better player than he's shown in this event and I was waiting for him to turn it, and we both didn't play how we can.
"I gritted my teeth and got through it, and when I was given a chance I took it."
Woods admitted: "I've not done myself justice in this event and missed so many doubles. I've missed so many doubles and it's been frustrating seeing so many darts land on the wire."
Match Stats
|
Alan Tabern |
5-1 |
Brian Woods |
|
8 |
100+ |
4 |
|
5 |
140+ |
3 |
|
1 |
180 |
0 |
|
30.20 |
Ave1 |
24.34 |
|
90.61 |
Ave3 |
73.03 |
|
71 |
High Finish |
40 |
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 5-1 COLIN McGARRY
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN ended Colin McGarry's hopes of qualifying for the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 victory.
ITV Wildcard Qualifier McGarry needed to take victory in his final group game to keep alive his bid to reach the last 16, but came unstuck against the determined Dutchman.
Van Gerwen had lost his opening two games in the tournament and could not progress, but gained a consolation victory in style.
Both players missed doubles in the opening leg before the teenager landed double eight, with double top seeing McGarry level.
But the Northern Irishman was punished for misses in the next two as van Gerwen pulled clear at 3-1.
Double 12 moved him to the brink of victory, and double top ensured the teenager ended the tournament with a smile on his face.
"I've not played my best darts this weekend and I wanted to get the win," said van Gerwen. "I lost my first two games and it was very painful for me, and it's important for me to go home with confidence."
McGarry had defeated Mark Webster in his opening game, and added: "I'm very disappointed not to have qualified after the start I made.
"I couldn't get going against Michael but full credit to him for a good performance, he did the business."
Match Stats
|
Michael van Gerwen |
5-1 |
Colin McGarry |
|
8 |
100+ |
10 |
|
4 |
140+ |
3 |
|
0 |
180 |
0 |
|
28.17 |
Ave1 |
25.52 |
|
84.51 |
Ave3 |
76.55 |
|
52 |
High Finish |
40 |
MERVYN KING 5-3 MARK WEBSTER
MERVYN KING remains unbeaten following a 5-3 win over Mark Webster which sees him top Group C at the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.
King followed up his wins over Michael van Gerwen and Colin McGarry with a strong display to defeat the BDO World Champion - who also qualifies for the last 16.
Webster took the game's opening leg on double ten, having also landed a maximum, before King, aided by a 122 finish, won three in a row to lead 3-1.
A 117 finish for a 12-darter, including a second maximum of the game, saw King move a leg away from victory before Webster took the next two on double nine and double 12 to stay in the contest.
But a third maximum from King pushed him clear in leg eight, and he landed double eight for victory.
"It was a good game and I'm very happy with my performance," said King, who averaged 97. "Mark's a class player and it's great to beat him.
"It's knockout format from here and I think the averages will get better because it's a difference kind of pressure.
"A lot of players, me included, have been below-par but the second round will bring out the best in people."
Webster said: "I'm disappointed to lose but the primary aim tonight was to get through, and I've done that.
"I enjoyed the game, Mervyn gave me a lesson in finishing but I need to get better for the rest of the tournament."
Match Stats
|
Mark Webster |
3-5 |
Mervyn King |
|
12 |
100+ |
14 |
|
4 |
140+ |
4 |
|
1 |
180 |
3 |
|
30.74 |
Ave1 |
32.38 |
|
92.21 |
Ave3 |
97.14 |
|
25 |
High Finish |
122,117 |
WAYNE MARDLE 5-3 JOHN PART
WAYNE MARDLE held off John Part's fightback to increase his chances of qualifying for the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.
Mardle had lost his first game 5-0 to Kevin McDine, but followed up his narrow defeat of Anastasia Dobromyslova with another victory to leave him needing a McDine defeat to the Russian in their later game if he is to qualify.
Mardle started confidently, hitting a 180 and 100 finish in the opening leg and a second successive 15-darter to double his lead.
Double 19 put him 3-0 in front before he hit another maximum in taking a 4-0 cushion into the break without Part having had a chance at a double.
The PDC World Champion kicked into gear with a 180 after the restart, taking leg four on double 16 and hitting further maximums in winning the next two.
But Mardle wrapped up the win with a sensational 158 checkout.
"John came back brilliantly and if I'd not hit that 158 I don't think I would have won," admitted Mardle.
"I'm delighted with the win and my confidence is lifted again now.
"Losing 5-0 to Kevin McDine and then almost being beaten in my second round had made it one of the worst weeks of my life but I've got a win against the World Champion."
Part said: "I wanted to win and knock Wayne out because I could meet him later in the tournament, but he came out fiercely and took advantage of my lazy start.
"After that I was good and I'm feeling good about my game. Everything's coming together."
Match Stats
|
John Part |
3-5 |
Wayne Mardle |
|
3 |
100+ |
10 |
|
3 |
140+ |
6 |
|
3 |
180 |
2 |
|
31.49 |
Ave1 |
31.81 |
|
94.47 |
Ave3 |
95.44 |
|
82 |
High Finish |
158,100 |
PHIL TAYLOR 5-1 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
PHIL TAYLOR powered into the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 demolition of Vincent van der Voort.
The defending champion had suffered defeat to Andy Jenkins on Sunday, but produced an outstanding display in his winner-takes-all clash with the Dutchman.
Taylor opened the match with a maximum and took the opening leg in 14 darts, before three missed doubles allowed the Dutchman in to level.
But Taylor landed a third maximum of the game in taking the third, and a 14-darter put him 3-1 up.
Taylor then took out 121 on the bull to deny van der Voort, who had hit a 180, in the fifth before sealing the win by taking advantage of five missed doubles from the Dutchman in the next.
"I was very disappointed to lose on Sunday but I had a point to prove and did that," said Taylor. "I kicked in at the start with a 180 and knew I was on for a cracker.
"I made a dream start but missed three darts at double in the second leg and was putting myself under pressure to get a big win. I relaxed then and came through.
"Now I'm through I will relax a bit more and hopefully my best darts will come out in the next few days.
"It's hard for Vincent because he's a great professional and obviously it knocks him out - but it's dog-eat-dog and I'm gunning to keep my title."
Van der Voort, who had lost in his opening game to Andy Jenkins, admitted: "It's very disappointing.
"I felt good going up on stage but I started badly and Phil started brilliantly. He was great and put a lot of pressure on me.
"It's been a great experience playing in the Grand Slam of Darts and I'll go away and practice hard now for the World Championship next month."
Match Stats
|
Phil Taylor |
5-1 |
Vincent van der Voort |
|
5 |
100+ |
6 |
|
8 |
140+ |
5 |
|
3 |
180 |
2 |
|
34.84 |
Ave1 |
30.74 |
|
104.51 |
Ave3 |
92.21 |
|
121 |
High Finish |
63 |
SIMON WHITLOCK 5-1 ANDY HAMILTON
SIMON WHITLOCK secured a place in round two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-1 win over Andy Hamilton - leaving the Stoke man facing a nine-dart shoot-out on Tuesday.
Australian Whitlock will now top Group B in the tournament after a second victory in the first round, and takes on Andy Jenkins in the last 16.
But a 5-1 win means Hamilton now faces off with Alan Tabern on Tuesday night in a nine-dart shoot-out - with the player scoring the most from nine dart finishing second in the group and moving through.
"It will be new for me and I'll be ready," said Hamilton. "I'm a big scorer anyway and it will be different!"
A 5-0 defeat would have eliminated Hamilton, while Tabern - who defeated Brian Woods earlier in the night - knew a 5-2 win for Whitlock would put him through on leg difference.
But a sensational Whitlock start saw him look more likely to produce a whitewash result.
Hamilton missed double four for the first leg, with Whitlock stepping in to take the lead before landing a 180 on his way to leg two.
Double 12 pushed Whitlock 3-0 up before a 109 checkout pushed the Australian a leg away from the win.
Hamilton landed a 180 in the next, and double six got him the leg he needed to stay alive in the competition - but a second would not follow when Whitlock took out double four for the match.
"I knew I had to win and that was my only concern," said Whitlock. "I did what I had to do and I'm looking forward to the second round now.
"Andy was awesome in his first two games and he played pretty well again but I'm very pleased with my display."
Hamilton, who averaged 103, added: "Simon threw very well and didn't give me many chances. I was top of the group but now I'm fighting to stay in the tournament and it's very exciting."
Match Stats
|
Andy Hamilton |
1-5 |
Simon Whitlock |
|
8 |
100+ |
7 |
|
6 |
140+ |
6 |
|
1 |
180 |
1 |
|
34.35 |
Ave1 |
32.95 |
|
103.04 |
Ave3 |
98.86 |
|
84 |
High Finish |
109 |
KEVIN McDINE 5-2 ANASTASIA DOBROMYSLOVA
KEVIN McDINE won his place in round two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-2 defeat of Anastasia Dobromyslova.
McDine had been left needing a victory from his third match after Wayne Mardle defeated John Part earlier on Monday, and the 2007 Grand Slam semi-finalist obliged with his best display of the first round.
Although he missed three darts for the first leg, which the Russian took on double top, the youngster replied with a 107 checkout and a 14-darter against the throw to lead 2-1.
Although Dobromyslova levelled, taking out double 18 after McDine missed at double top, the Englishman took out double four and double five to crucially pull clear to 4-2.
McDine then landed a key 180 in the next leg, and took out 64 to ensure his place in the last 16.
"I was very nervous and just glad I got through," said McDine. "Anastasia didn't play as well as she had against Wayne on Sunday, but it was a tough game."
Dobromyslova finished her participation with three losses, and said: "It has been a great experience but I expected more from myself.
"To lose three games is not what I wanted and I'll work to improve on that."
Match Stats
|
Kevin McDine |
5-2 |
Anastasia Dobromyslova |
|
8 |
100+ |
11 |
|
5 |
140+ |
3 |
|
1 |
180 |
0 |
|
30.81 |
Ave1 |
26.77 |
|
92.44 |
Ave3 |
80.30 |
|
107 |
High Finish |
40 |
Wednesday Evening's Second Round Order of Play
After 5.30
Simon Whitlock v Andy Jenkins
John Part v Mark Webster
Break
After 9.35pm
Phil Taylor v Andy Hamilton/Alan Tabern
Mervyn King v Kevin McDine