SMITH & LEWIS END FORDHAM FAIRYTALE IN SINGHA BEER GRAND SLAM
MICHAEL SMITH and Adrian Lewis held their nerve to end Andy Fordham's dream at the SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts on Tuesday night, as Michael van Gerwen and Martin Adams ended the Group Stage unbeaten.
Former Lakeside Champion Fordham had given himself a chance of qualifying for the knockout last 16 of the £400,000 tournament at the Wolves Civic when he defeated Wayne Jones on Sunday evening.
A win over Smith in their final Group C contest could have seen Fordham's fairytale return to the big time completed - but the former World Youth Champion wrecked that dream with a brilliant display of finishing.
Smith took out 160 and 150 to win his opening two legs against Fordham and then finished 61 and 112 to take a 4-0 lead without missing a dart at a double, and though the popular Charlton thrower hit back with a brace of double eight checkouts, the St Helens youngster took a 5-2 win.
"Andy's the people's champion but I'm just so glad that I won," said Smith. "I had three big ton-plus checkouts and my finishing was great - I've shown that I'm not just a big scorer but I can finish as well.
"This is two years running that I've won all three group matches and I want to kick on now.
"I've got Dave Chisnall next and I can't wait - he's my best friend away from darts and he taught me how to play, but on that stage he's just another darts player and he's in my way!"
Fordham said: "I've absolutely loved it. I was very nervous but I've really enjoyed it and I'd love to come back. The crowd was absolutely fantastic."
Smith was joined in qualifying from Group C by Lewis, who held off the challenge of Wolverhampton's Jones to take a 5-3 victory, despite the local favourite producing his best display of the Group Stage, which included a 106 checkout.
"There was a huge amount of pressure because I knew I had to win to get through, and it was even tougher playing the local star," said Lewis.
"Wayne played really well and could have been 3-0 up, but luckily he let me in there and once I got ahead I managed to stay there.
"I've never been great in the short format so it's a relief to get through and now I'm in the groove I can look forward to the last 16.
"Once I get through the groups I usually do well - I've reached two semi-finals before and hopefully I can go further this week."
PDC world number one Michael van Gerwen secured unbeaten passage from Group A, picking up his third win of the round-robin phase with a 5-3 defeat of Steve West.
Van Gerwen replied to West taking the opening leg with a 116 checkout by missing double 12 for a nine-dart finish in leg two, as legs of 12 and 11 darts helped to put the Dutchman into a 3-1 lead.
West hit back to level, but van Gerwen pulled away to win the next two to seal the win with an average of 105.38.
"I did what I had to do but it was hard knowing that I was already through," admitted van Gerwen. "I still had a good average and was close to a nine-darter.
"I'm better in long formats and I want to play well in the next games. This is a format that I like and I'm up for it, it gives me great confidence."
Kim Huybrechts joined van Gerwen in winning through Group A, with the Belgian defeating Mark Oosterhuis 5-2 as he landed a 160 checkout to deny the Dutch debutant a consolation win.
"It wasn't my best game but I did what I had to and won the game," said Huybrechts. "I feel very relaxed and focused and I'm looking forward to the next round."
Three-time Lakeside Champion Martin Adams topped Group B as he edged out Steve Beaton 5-4 to claim his third win of the Group Stage, although the former Wolverhampton semi-finalist also qualify for the second round despite the loss.
Adams replied to Beaton's 117 checkout with a 118 finish and led 4-1 before being pegged back, but double top in the decider means he heads Group B and progresses to meet Huybrechts in the last 16.
"I'm very pleased to have won three out of three because I've played three great players," said Adams. "I've known Steve for many, many years and it was great to play him, he's a hard competitor still.
"I've seen Kim around but I don't think I've played him in a Singles game, I remember him from playing Pairs when he partnered his brother Ronny, which will be a first.
"There are no mugs here and you can all do it. If it comes out on the day, any player can win anything."
That result meant that Ian White's 5-1 win over Jelle Klaasen, which included checkouts of 121 and 103 as he came from a leg down to storm to victory, came in vain as he was eliminated from the event.
Peter Wright secured qualification for the second round with a 5-3 defeat of Mervyn King in their shoot-out, with the number four seed claiming the only break of throw in the game in leg seven before sealing victory.
"It was easier knowing that it was a straight shoot-out like a normal knockout tournament and I knew what I had to do," said Wright, who now plays Lewis. "My scoring wasn't great but there was a lot of respect there between us.
"I've still only been playing steady darts, so I can wake up in the next round and relax over a longer distance now."
The win meant that Wright tops Group D ahead of Dave Chisnall, who had qualified after his first two wins before losing out 5-1 to Scott Mitchell, as the Lakeside Champion produced a fine display to earn a consolation win.
"I knew I was out after Sunday night but everything's been great and I've really enjoyed being a part of this tournament," said Mitchell. "Fingers crossed one day I'll get to come back."
The second round of the tournament kicks off on Wednesday, including reigning champion Phil Taylor up against Terry Jenkins in a repeat of the 2008 final.
PDC World Champion Gary Anderson faces Mark Webster, James Wade takes on 2012 champion Raymond van Barneveld and October's World Grand Prix winner Robert Thornton faces Robbie Green.
The second round will conclude on Thursday with the remaining four matches as the battle to claim the £100,000 first prize continues
Tickets for the SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts can still be purchased in person from the Wolves Civic Box Office, by calling 0870 320 7000 or online at www.wolvescivic.co.uk, - LIMITED AVAILABILITY FOR ALL SESSIONS .
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SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts
Tuesday November 10
Groups A-D Final Games
Dave Chisnall 1-5 Scott Mitchell (D)
Ian White 5-1 Jelle Klaasen (B)
Kim Huybrechts 5-2 Mark Oosterhuis (A)
Adrian Lewis 5-3 Wayne Jones (C)
Michael van Gerwen 5-3 Steve West (A)
Peter Wright 5-3 Mervyn King (D)
Steve Beaton 4-5 Martin Adams (B)
Michael Smith 5-2 Andy Fordham (C)
League Tables
Group A
|
|
P |
W |
L |
+/- |
Pts |
|
Michael van Gerwen (Q) |
3 |
3 |
0 |
+11 |
6 |
|
Kim Huybrechts (Q) |
3 |
2 |
1 |
+2 |
4 |
|
Steve West |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Mark Oosterhuis |
3 |
0 |
3 |
-13 |
0 |
Group B
|
|
P |
W |
L |
+/- |
Pts |
|
Martin Adams (Q) |
3 |
3 |
0 |
+5 |
6 |
|
Steve Beaton (Q) |
3 |
1 |
2 |
+1 |
2 |
|
Ian White |
3 |
1 |
2 |
-2 |
2 |
|
Jelle Klaasen |
3 |
1 |
2 |
-4 |
2 |
Group C
|
|
P |
W |
L |
+/- |
Pts |
|
Michael Smith (Q) |
3 |
3 |
0 |
+7 |
6 |
|
Adrian Lewis (Q) |
3 |
2 |
1 |
+3 |
4 |
|
Andy Fordham |
3 |
1 |
2 |
-4 |
2 |
|
Wayne Jones |
3 |
0 |
3 |
-6 |
0 |
Group D
|
|
P |
W |
L |
+/- |
Pts |
|
Peter Wright (Q) |
3 |
2 |
1 |
+2 |
4 |
|
Dave Chisnall (Q) |
3 |
2 |
1 |
+1 |
4 |
|
Mervyn King |
3 |
1 |
2 |
-1 |
2 |
|
Scott Mitchell |
3 |
1 |
2 |
-2 |
2 |
MATCH INFORMATION
Dave Chisnall v Scott Mitchell
0-1 - Mitchell kicks off with a 180 and Chisnall also lands a maximum in the leg before the Lakeside Champion takes out tops to win the opening leg.
0-2 - Chisnall lands another 180, but misses double 16 to allow Mitchell in to finish 60 on double ten for a break.
0-3 - Three missed doubles from Chisnall, across two visits, allow Mitchell in on double eight for his third leg.
1-3 - Double ten sees Chisnall win his first leg of the match.
1-4 - Mitchell hits two 180s in the leg before finishing double eight to move a leg away from a consolation win.
1-5 - Chisnall hits his third 180 of the game, but misses double 14 to continue his revival, allowing Mitchell to land double 18 to seal the win.
Match Stats
| Dave Chisnall | 1-5 | Scott Mitchell |
| 4 | 100+ | 10 |
| 4 | 140+ | 4 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 3 |
| 98.41 | Average | 93.60 |
| 40 | High Finish | 60 |
| 0 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 1/9 - 11% | Checkout % | 5/12 - 42% |
Ian White v Jelle Klaasen
0-1 - Klaasen takes out double nine to win the opening leg.
1-1 - White finishes 121 as he levels.
2-1 - The Stoke ace takes out 103 on double 16 to move ahead.
3-1 - Double 16 gives White a third successive leg.
4-1 - White fires in a 180 and finishes tops for a 14-darter.
5-1 - White seals the win by finishing double 18 for a 13-darter.
Ian White requires Martin Adams to defeat Steve Beaton 5-0 if he is to qualify.
Match Stats
| Ian White | 5-1 | Jelle Klaasen |
| 13 | 100+ | 4 |
| 3 | 140+ | 4 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 1 | 180 | 0 |
| 97.96 | Average | 86.56 |
| 121 | High Finish | 18 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 0 |
| 5/9 - 56% | Checkout % | 1/4 - 25% |
Kim Huybrechts v Mark Oosterhuis
1-0 - Huybrechts takes out a superb 160 finish to claim the opening leg.
2-0 - A superb 174 score for Huybrechts sets up double eight as he moves two legs up.
2-1 - Huybrechts misses double 18, allowing the Dutchman to win his first leg of the tournament by taking out 60 on double ten.
3-1 - Huybrechts hits a 180 before finishing 72 on double 18.
3-2 - Oosterhuis lands two 140s in the leg, with Huybrechts' 180 coming in vain as the Dutchman finishes double nine.
4-2 - A 74 finish sees Huybrechts regain his two-leg lead.
5-2 - Huybrechts fires in a 180 before sealing the win on double ten.
Huybrechts' win means that he qualifies if Michael van Gerwen defeats Steve West. If West wins, West qualifies alongside van Gerwen.
Match Stats
| Kim Huybrechts | 5-2 | Mark Oosterhuis |
| 8 | 100+ | 7 |
| 2 | 140+ | 4 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 0 |
| 96.20 | Average | 86.38 |
| 160 | High Finish | 60 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 0 |
| 5/8 - 63% | Checkout % | 2/5 - 40% |
Adrian Lewis v Wayne Jones
0-1 - Jones finishes tops to claim the opening leg.
1-1 - The local favourite misses two darts to double his lead, allowing Lewis back in on tops.
2-1 - Jones' miss at double four allows Lewis in to hit the same bed and move in front.
2-2 - Lewis lands a 180, but Jones levels with a 52 checkout.
3-2 - Lewis fires in another maximum and finishes tops for a 14-darter.
4-2 - Lewis finishes 96 on double eight to move a leg away from victory.
4-3 - Lewis misses tops for the win, and Jones finishes 106 to keep his hopes alive.
5-3 - Lewis seals victory, and qualification for the knockout phase, by finishing 70 on tops.
Lewis has now qualified for the second round, but his finishing position within Group C depends on the result of Michael Smith v Andy Fordham.
Match Stats
| Adrian Lewis | 5-3 | Wayne Jones |
| 11 | 100+ | 15 |
| 5 | 140+ | 7 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 2 | 180 | 0 |
| 96.30 | Average | 93.77 |
| 96 | High Finish | 106 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 5/10 - 50% | Checkout % | 3/6 - 50% |
Michael van Gerwen v Steve West
0-1 - West finishes 116 to take the opening leg in style.
1-1 - MICHAEL VAN GERWEN MISSES DOUBLE 12 FOR A NINE-DART FINISH. The Dutchman scores 180 and 177 to leave 144, and lands two more treble 20s before missing double 12 for a perfect leg, although he wins the leg in 12 darts on double six.
2-1 - Tops sees van Gerwen take the lead.
3-1 - van Gerwen hits a 180 in a superb 11-darter to break throw for a two-leg lead.
3-2 - West finishes 68 to respond with a 14-darter.
3-3 - Both players land 180s before West punishes two misses from van Gerwen by landing double five to level.
4-3 - van Gerwen opens with a 180 before finishing 88 to move back into the lead.
5-3 - van Gerwen posts double five to seal the win and a third successive group win.
Michael van Gerwen and Kim Huybrechts qualify from Group A.
Match Stats
| Michael van Gerwen | 5-3 | Steve West |
| 9 | 100+ | 9 |
| 3 | 140+ | 6 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 5 | 180 | 1 |
| 105.38 | Average | 92.31 |
| 88 | High Finish | 116 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 5/16 - 31% | Checkout % | 3/5 - 60% |
Peter Wright v Mervyn King
1-0 - Wright lands a 180 and double four to win the opening leg.
1-1 - King finishes 81 on double six to level.
2-1 - Wright takes out 56 on tops to move back ahead.
2-2 - King responds with a 68 checkout.
3-2 - Wright hits a 180 in a 14-darter to hold throw once more.
3-3 - Wright misses three darts at double 16 to break throw, and King lands tops to level.
4-3 - Double ten sees Wright regain the lead.
5-3 - Wright claims the game's first break of throw as tops secures victory and a second round place.
Peter Wright qualifies and tops Group D, with Dave Chisnall in second place on leg difference.
Match Stats
| Peter Wright | 5-3 | Mervyn King |
| 8 | 100+ | 7 |
| 9 | 140+ | 4 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 2 | 180 | 0 |
| 94.02 | Average | 81.50 |
| 76 | High Finish | 81 |
| 1 | Breaks of Throw | 0 |
| 5/14 - 36% | Checkout % | 3/6 - 50% |
Steve Beaton v Martin Adams
0-1 - Both players land 180s in the opening leg, which Adams wins by finishing 80 on double ten for a 14-darter.
1-1 - Adams misses the bull for a 129 checkout, and Beaton finishes 118 on tops to level.
1-2 - Adams finishes 118 on tops as he regains the lead.
1-3 - Both players initially miss doubles for ton-plus checkouts before Adams returns on double ten to break throw.
1-4 - Beaton misses tops to take out 118, and Adams capitalises by finishing 56 on tops.
2-4 - Double five sees Beaton respond.
3-4 - Beaton breaks throw by hitting tops.
4-4 - Beaton lands a 180 as he sends the game into a decider.
4-5 - Double top sees Adams claim victory to top Group B unbeaten.
Martin Adams tops Group B, with Steve Beaton qualifying in second place.
Match Stats
| Steve Beaton | 4-5 | Martin Adams |
| 17 | 100+ | 11 |
| 5 | 140+ | 8 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 2 | 180 | 1 |
| 96.78 | Average | 95.63 |
| 117 | High Finish | 118 |
| 1 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 4/11 - 36% | Checkout % | 5/9 - 56% |
Michael Smith v Andy Fordham
1-0 - Smith finishes 160 to claim the opening leg in brilliant fashion.
2-0 - The former World Youth Champion takes out 150 to win his second leg of the game.
3-0 - A 61 checkout, ending on tops, sees Smith move three legs up without missing a dart at a double - also ending Fordham's hopes in the event, with the former Lakeside Champion having needed to win 5-2 or better to qualify.
4-0 - Smith this time finishes 112 on double 16 to continue his brilliant doubling.
4-1 - Double eight sees Fordham win his first leg of the game.
4-2 - Smith lands a 180, but misses two darts at doubles for the match as Fordham returns from a missed bullseye to finish double eight.
5-2 - Smith hits tops to complete the win and seal progression with three wins from as many games.
Michael Smith tops Group C, with Adrian Lewis qualifying in second place.
Match Stats
| Michael Smith | 5-2 | Andy Fordham |
| 9 | 100+ | 13 |
| 5 | 140+ | 4 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 1 | 180 | 0 |
| 92.36 | Average | 84.11 |
| 160 | High Finish | 32 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 5/8 - 63% | Checkout % | 2/6 - 33% |