REPORTS and results from the final day of first round games in Groups E-H at the 2008 PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.
The final four groups will come to a conclusion with eight matches, to be followed by the historic nine-dart shoot-out between Andy Hamilton and Alan Tabern - who could be joined by others dependant on results on Tuesday evening.
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 E-H Final Games
Terry Jenkins 5-0 Wes Newton
Darin Young 5-2 Colin Lloyd
Denis Ovens 5-0 Niels de Ruiter
Raymond van Barneveld 5-3 Gary Mawson
Gary Anderson 5-4 Darryl Fitton
James Wade 5-3 Adrian Lewis
Robert Thornton 5-4 Kirk Shepherd
Kevin Painter 5-4 Paul Nicholson
Followed by
Nine-Dart Shoot-Out:
Alan Tabern 169 (85,41,43) Andy Hamilton 265 (125,140)
Photo Gallery
Click here for a PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts Photo Gallery
TERRY JENKINS 5-0 WES NEWTON
TERRY JENKINS won a place in the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts, with a 5-0 whitewash of Wes Newton ensuring he tops Group F.
Jenkins showed no mercy to leave previously unbeaten Newton's hopes hanging by a thread - with the ITV Wildcard Qualifier needing Colin Lloyd to defeat Darin Young to keep him in the competition.
Newton was restricted to just two darts at a double during the contest, with Jenkins making an ideal start on double top in the first leg before landing double nine for the second.
He landed 180s in the next two, which included a 12-darter, before wrapping up a comprehensive win on double 18.
"I'm delighted with my display because I was under a lot of pressure," said Jenkins, who averaged 98.88.
"Wes is a good friend and it's difficult to do that to him, but friendship goes out of the window when you're up on stage and you've got to be selfish."
Newton admitted: "It's annoying but it's out of my own hands now.
"I'm very frustrated because I'm playing really well in practice but not taking it up on stage and it's disappointing."
Match Stats
DARIN YOUNG 5-2 COLIN LLOYD
DARIN YOUNG booked his last 16 berth in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts at the expense of Wes Newton with a 5-2 victory over Colin Lloyd.
The American needed a win from his final Group F match, and obliged with a strong display to condemn Lloyd to a third successive loss.
Young landed a 180 in taking the opening leg before stepping in on a missed bullseye from Lloyd for a 161 finish to take the second on double top.
A two-dart 65 finish got Lloyd off the mark in leg three, but he was off target on double 12 in the next as Young moved 4-1 up on double top.
Lloyd hit tops himself to win leg six, but a miss in the next gave Young his chance to seal victory, which he did on double eight.
"I didn't know what would happen when I came here tonight but all I could do was go up there and play," said Young. "When you know if you lose you're out it's a different pressure but it's lovely to get through.
"Colin threatened to come back at me and you know that he can do that, so I could never ease off. I didn't play brilliantly but I'm through and that's all that matters."
Lloyd ended the tournament with no wins in the group phase, and admitted: "It's frustrating because I'm playing well in practice and in the non-televised events but not producing it in the majors.
"I'll go away from this, get back on the practice board and look forward to the World Championship now in December."
Match Stats
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 5-3 GARY MAWSON
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD remained unbeaten to progress to the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts as the Group E winner following a 5-3 defeat of Gary Mawson.
Van Barneveld avenged defeats to Mawson in the US Open and UK Open this year with a third successive win of the Grand Slam, although some shaky finishing allowed Mawson to threaten a comeback.
Van Barneveld hit a maximum in taking the first leg, and a second 180 also helped him on his way to the second, before a double five finish moved him 3-0 up.
Mawson landed a 180 in taking the fourth in 14 darts, and he also won the fifth in 15 darts to reduce the arrears to one leg.
A 14-darter from van Barneveld put him close to the win, only for Mawson to match that on double top and stay in the game.
But after the pair traded 180s in the next, Mawson's missed doubles cost him as van Barneveld wrapped up victory on double eight.
"Gary has beaten me twice this year so I'm very pleased to have beaten him once this year," said van Barneveld.
"I was very focused but once I went 3-0 up I lost concentration and he came back well, but he had chances to make it 4-4 and let me in.
"The group games are really hard and I'm just happy to finish top and move into the knockouts now."
Mawson, who is left needing a Kirk Shepherd win over Robert Thornton if he is to qualify for round two, said: "My doubles cost me and I missed my chances, but Raymond was the better man."
Match Stats
GARY ANDERSON 5-4 DARRYL FITTON
GARY ANDERSON defeated Darryl Fitton in their final Group H game at the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts - but faces a nervous wait to see if he will join Fitton in the second round.
2007 semi-finalist Anderson needed to win to keep alive his hopes of progressing, but a 5-0 win over Paul Nicholson in his final game against Kevin Painter would force a nine-dart shoot-out.
Fitton won enough legs to secure his spot in the last 16, but was unable to close out the win as the Scot took the last two legs.
Anderson made an ideal start, hitting a 180 in winning the first leg before missed doubles cost him in the second, with a two-dart 85 finish from Fitton levelling before double ten put him in front.
Double four from Anderson gave him leg four, before the next two legs were shared, including a two-dart 94 finish from the WDF number one.
But he suffered for further misses in the next leg, with three off-target darts for double top allowing Fitton a reprieve before he hit the same bed.
But the Stockport man was the next to suffer, with a missed double seven for an 82 finish and victory allowing Anderson to hit double 16 before two misses at double top in the decider were punished by Anderson, who took the win on double top.
"I was very nervous because I knew I needed three legs and in the last couple of games I've had against Gary I haven't even got that many!" said Fitton.
"Gary missed a few chances and I stepped in but am disappointed I didn't get the win."
Match Stats
JAMES WADE 5-3 ADRIAN LEWIS
JAMES WADE knocked Adrian Lewis out of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-3 victory in their final Group G game.
Lewis needed to win the contest with the reigning UK Open champion just to stay in the hunt for a second round berth - and even that may not have been enough to put him through.
But eventually he came undone by a display of strong finishing from Wade, who ends the group stage unbeaten.
After Wade took the opening leg on double top, Lewis finished 127 on the bull for a 12-darter, and then took out double 18 to win leg three in 13 darts and lead.
Back-to-back 14-darters from Wade edged him back in front, and he took a 4-2 lead on double top with Lewis waiting on a finish.
Another 14-darter from Lewis gave him the seventh leg, but Wade landed four ton-plus scores in the next to set up a double top finish for the win.
"I'm over the moon to win my group," said Wade "It was a massive game for both of us and I capitalised on a few bad shots from Adrian.
"We're great friends but I could only look out for myself and progress to the second round. I can improve my game and am looking forward to the rest of the tournament."
Lewis eventually paid the price for a loss to Denis Ovens on the opening day, and admitted: "It was always uphill after the first game.
"I got better as the tournament went on but I left it too late and next time I'll have to get out of the blocks quicker.
"James deserved to go through and, as always, he went out and did a good job."
Match Stats
ROBERT THORNTON 5-4 KIRK SHEPHERD
ROBERT THORNTON won a place in the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a final-leg victory over Kirk Shepherd.
Thornton went into his final Group E game needing a win to edge out Gary Mawson, who was left to cheer on Shepherd to a victory.
Thornton began well, with legs of 14 and 11 darts putting him 2-1 up, with Shepherd having hit a 13-darter in leg two and then stepped in to win two in a row and lead 3-2.
The Scot began the sixth leg with back-to-back maximums, but after a potential nine-darter went begging he missed six darts at a double and Shepherd took out 70 in two darts to move further ahead.
Double nine saw Thornton stay in the game, with Shepherd waiting on 40 for the win, and he then hit a 180 to leave double 18 and take the match into a decider.
Misses at double 18 and double nine gave Shepherd a chance in the final leg, but he missed double five for a 90 finish and Thornton claimed the win.
"I nearly threw my lucky teddy at the board at the end, but I'm just so relieved to win," said Thornton.
"Kirk brought the best out of me and it was a tremendous game of darts."
Shepherd said: "I've been poor in my first two games and all I wanted to do was play well and win, so I'm pleased to at least have played well.
"I've had a lot of criticism this year and wanted to prove to the critics that I can play good darts, and I did that."
Match Stats
KEVIN PAINTER 5-4 PAUL NICHOLSON
KEVIN PAINTER ended his PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts campaign with a final-leg win over Paul Nicholson.
Painter had only pride to play for in his final league game, and came from 3-1 down to claim victory over the Australian number one.
Nicholson started superbly, with legs of 15, 15 and 14 darts helping him into a 3-1 cushion before a 12-darter from Painter kick-started his challenge.
Misses at double top and ten from Nicholson in the sixth allowed Painter to level with a two-dart 78 finish, only for a missed double top to cost him the seventh.
Painter took a 12-darter for the eighth to send the match into a decider, with two misses at double 16 giving Nicholson a chance.
But the English-born Australian missed at the same bed, and double eight gave Painter the win.
"I played well for the first time this week and though it's good to finish with a win, I'm disappointed to be out.
"The first game against Darryl Fitton cost me and in a way I regret changing my darts before that game to try a new set, which back-fired.
"Paul has played some great darts and it's a shame for him that he won't go through."
Nicholson needed to win 5-0 to force a nine-dart shoot-out with Gary Anderson, and admitted: "It was hard to keep my focus after Kevin won a leg.
"I wanted to go through but wasn't good enough and Kevin deserved the win. I can look forward to playing in the PDC World Championship now next month."
Match Stats
The final four groups will come to a conclusion with eight matches, to be followed by the historic nine-dart shoot-out between Andy Hamilton and Alan Tabern - who could be joined by others dependant on results on Tuesday evening.
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 E-H Final Games
Terry Jenkins 5-0 Wes Newton
Darin Young 5-2 Colin Lloyd
Denis Ovens 5-0 Niels de Ruiter
Raymond van Barneveld 5-3 Gary Mawson
Gary Anderson 5-4 Darryl Fitton
James Wade 5-3 Adrian Lewis
Robert Thornton 5-4 Kirk Shepherd
Kevin Painter 5-4 Paul Nicholson
Followed by
Nine-Dart Shoot-Out:
Alan Tabern 169 (85,41,43) Andy Hamilton 265 (125,140)
Photo Gallery
Click here for a PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts Photo Gallery
TERRY JENKINS 5-0 WES NEWTON
TERRY JENKINS won a place in the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts, with a 5-0 whitewash of Wes Newton ensuring he tops Group F.
Jenkins showed no mercy to leave previously unbeaten Newton's hopes hanging by a thread - with the ITV Wildcard Qualifier needing Colin Lloyd to defeat Darin Young to keep him in the competition.
Newton was restricted to just two darts at a double during the contest, with Jenkins making an ideal start on double top in the first leg before landing double nine for the second.
He landed 180s in the next two, which included a 12-darter, before wrapping up a comprehensive win on double 18.
"I'm delighted with my display because I was under a lot of pressure," said Jenkins, who averaged 98.88.
"Wes is a good friend and it's difficult to do that to him, but friendship goes out of the window when you're up on stage and you've got to be selfish."
Newton admitted: "It's annoying but it's out of my own hands now.
"I'm very frustrated because I'm playing really well in practice but not taking it up on stage and it's disappointing."
Match Stats
|
Terry Jenkins |
5-0 |
Wes Newton |
|
3 |
100+ |
3 |
|
5 |
140+ |
3 |
|
2 |
180 |
0 |
|
32.96 |
Ave1 |
26.94 |
|
98.88 |
Ave3 |
80.83 |
|
64 |
High Finish |
- |
DARIN YOUNG 5-2 COLIN LLOYD
DARIN YOUNG booked his last 16 berth in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts at the expense of Wes Newton with a 5-2 victory over Colin Lloyd.
The American needed a win from his final Group F match, and obliged with a strong display to condemn Lloyd to a third successive loss.
Young landed a 180 in taking the opening leg before stepping in on a missed bullseye from Lloyd for a 161 finish to take the second on double top.
A two-dart 65 finish got Lloyd off the mark in leg three, but he was off target on double 12 in the next as Young moved 4-1 up on double top.
Lloyd hit tops himself to win leg six, but a miss in the next gave Young his chance to seal victory, which he did on double eight.
"I didn't know what would happen when I came here tonight but all I could do was go up there and play," said Young. "When you know if you lose you're out it's a different pressure but it's lovely to get through.
"Colin threatened to come back at me and you know that he can do that, so I could never ease off. I didn't play brilliantly but I'm through and that's all that matters."
Lloyd ended the tournament with no wins in the group phase, and admitted: "It's frustrating because I'm playing well in practice and in the non-televised events but not producing it in the majors.
"I'll go away from this, get back on the practice board and look forward to the World Championship now in December."
Match Stats
|
Colin Lloyd |
2-5 |
Darin Young |
|
8 |
100+ |
8 |
|
3 |
140+ |
4 |
|
0 |
180 |
2 |
|
29.08 |
Ave1 |
29.38 |
|
82.25 |
Ave3 |
88.15 |
|
65 |
High Finish |
84 |
DENIS OVENS 5-0 NIELS DE RUITER
DENIS OVENS marched into round two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-0 whitewash of Niels de Ruiter.
Ovens picked up a second win of the group stage with a comprehensive defeat of the Dutchman, who ends the tournament without a victory.
De Ruiter produced his best display, but was punished for missed doubles by Ovens' clinical finishing.
Ovens took the first leg before stepping in to finish 79 in two darts in the second, after de Ruiter had landed a 180 but missed double 12 for a 101 finish.
A 116 checkout then saw Ovens move 3-0 up, before four missed darts at a double cost the Dutchman dear as he saw another leg slip away.
Ovens then sealed his win on double 18 to ensure a spot in the knockout last 16.
"I'm through and I'm happy with that," said Ovens. "Niels scored well but left me a few chances and luckily I took them, but I knew I had to win to guarantee my spot.
"It's knockout now and there are no second chances so I'll look forward to it. Nobody would have expected me to get through this group but I'm still here and could go all the way."
Match Stats
|
Denis Ovens |
5-0 |
Niels de Ruiter |
|
13 |
100+ |
8 |
|
3 |
140+ |
2 |
|
0 |
180 |
1 |
|
30.18 |
Ave1 |
28.71 |
|
90.54 |
Ave3 |
86.12 |
|
116 |
High Finish |
- |
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 5-3 GARY MAWSON
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD remained unbeaten to progress to the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts as the Group E winner following a 5-3 defeat of Gary Mawson.
Van Barneveld avenged defeats to Mawson in the US Open and UK Open this year with a third successive win of the Grand Slam, although some shaky finishing allowed Mawson to threaten a comeback.
Van Barneveld hit a maximum in taking the first leg, and a second 180 also helped him on his way to the second, before a double five finish moved him 3-0 up.
Mawson landed a 180 in taking the fourth in 14 darts, and he also won the fifth in 15 darts to reduce the arrears to one leg.
A 14-darter from van Barneveld put him close to the win, only for Mawson to match that on double top and stay in the game.
But after the pair traded 180s in the next, Mawson's missed doubles cost him as van Barneveld wrapped up victory on double eight.
"Gary has beaten me twice this year so I'm very pleased to have beaten him once this year," said van Barneveld.
"I was very focused but once I went 3-0 up I lost concentration and he came back well, but he had chances to make it 4-4 and let me in.
"The group games are really hard and I'm just happy to finish top and move into the knockouts now."
Mawson, who is left needing a Kirk Shepherd win over Robert Thornton if he is to qualify for round two, said: "My doubles cost me and I missed my chances, but Raymond was the better man."
Match Stats
|
Raymond van Barneveld |
5-3 |
Gary Mawson |
|
10 |
100+ |
12 |
|
6 |
140+ |
3 |
|
3 |
180 |
3 |
|
31.08 |
Ave1 |
31.54 |
|
93.25 |
Ave3 |
94.63 |
|
60 |
High Finish |
78 |
GARY ANDERSON 5-4 DARRYL FITTON
GARY ANDERSON defeated Darryl Fitton in their final Group H game at the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts - but faces a nervous wait to see if he will join Fitton in the second round.
2007 semi-finalist Anderson needed to win to keep alive his hopes of progressing, but a 5-0 win over Paul Nicholson in his final game against Kevin Painter would force a nine-dart shoot-out.
Fitton won enough legs to secure his spot in the last 16, but was unable to close out the win as the Scot took the last two legs.
Anderson made an ideal start, hitting a 180 in winning the first leg before missed doubles cost him in the second, with a two-dart 85 finish from Fitton levelling before double ten put him in front.
Double four from Anderson gave him leg four, before the next two legs were shared, including a two-dart 94 finish from the WDF number one.
But he suffered for further misses in the next leg, with three off-target darts for double top allowing Fitton a reprieve before he hit the same bed.
But the Stockport man was the next to suffer, with a missed double seven for an 82 finish and victory allowing Anderson to hit double 16 before two misses at double top in the decider were punished by Anderson, who took the win on double top.
"I was very nervous because I knew I needed three legs and in the last couple of games I've had against Gary I haven't even got that many!" said Fitton.
"Gary missed a few chances and I stepped in but am disappointed I didn't get the win."
Match Stats
|
Gary Anderson |
5-4 |
Darryl Fitton |
|
8 |
100+ |
8 |
|
9 |
140+ |
7 |
|
2 |
180 |
1 |
|
30.24 |
Ave1 |
28.03 |
|
90.72 |
Ave3 |
84.08 |
|
94 |
High Finish |
61 |
JAMES WADE 5-3 ADRIAN LEWIS
JAMES WADE knocked Adrian Lewis out of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-3 victory in their final Group G game.
Lewis needed to win the contest with the reigning UK Open champion just to stay in the hunt for a second round berth - and even that may not have been enough to put him through.
But eventually he came undone by a display of strong finishing from Wade, who ends the group stage unbeaten.
After Wade took the opening leg on double top, Lewis finished 127 on the bull for a 12-darter, and then took out double 18 to win leg three in 13 darts and lead.
Back-to-back 14-darters from Wade edged him back in front, and he took a 4-2 lead on double top with Lewis waiting on a finish.
Another 14-darter from Lewis gave him the seventh leg, but Wade landed four ton-plus scores in the next to set up a double top finish for the win.
"I'm over the moon to win my group," said Wade "It was a massive game for both of us and I capitalised on a few bad shots from Adrian.
"We're great friends but I could only look out for myself and progress to the second round. I can improve my game and am looking forward to the rest of the tournament."
Lewis eventually paid the price for a loss to Denis Ovens on the opening day, and admitted: "It was always uphill after the first game.
"I got better as the tournament went on but I left it too late and next time I'll have to get out of the blocks quicker.
"James deserved to go through and, as always, he went out and did a good job."
Match Stats
|
James Wade |
5-3 |
Adrian Lewis |
|
14 |
100+ |
10 |
|
8 |
140+ |
7 |
|
0 |
180 |
1 |
|
32.46 |
Ave1 |
32.61 |
|
97.39 |
Ave3 |
97.83 |
|
80 |
High Finish |
127 |
ROBERT THORNTON 5-4 KIRK SHEPHERD
ROBERT THORNTON won a place in the second round of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts with a final-leg victory over Kirk Shepherd.
Thornton went into his final Group E game needing a win to edge out Gary Mawson, who was left to cheer on Shepherd to a victory.
Thornton began well, with legs of 14 and 11 darts putting him 2-1 up, with Shepherd having hit a 13-darter in leg two and then stepped in to win two in a row and lead 3-2.
The Scot began the sixth leg with back-to-back maximums, but after a potential nine-darter went begging he missed six darts at a double and Shepherd took out 70 in two darts to move further ahead.
Double nine saw Thornton stay in the game, with Shepherd waiting on 40 for the win, and he then hit a 180 to leave double 18 and take the match into a decider.
Misses at double 18 and double nine gave Shepherd a chance in the final leg, but he missed double five for a 90 finish and Thornton claimed the win.
"I nearly threw my lucky teddy at the board at the end, but I'm just so relieved to win," said Thornton.
"Kirk brought the best out of me and it was a tremendous game of darts."
Shepherd said: "I've been poor in my first two games and all I wanted to do was play well and win, so I'm pleased to at least have played well.
"I've had a lot of criticism this year and wanted to prove to the critics that I can play good darts, and I did that."
Match Stats
|
Robert Thornton |
5-4 |
Kirk Shepherd |
|
10 |
100+ |
12 |
|
6 |
140+ |
5 |
|
6 |
180 |
1 |
|
31.16 |
Ave1 |
29.89 |
|
93.49 |
Ave3 |
89.66 |
|
48 |
High Finish |
70 |
KEVIN PAINTER 5-4 PAUL NICHOLSON
KEVIN PAINTER ended his PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts campaign with a final-leg win over Paul Nicholson.
Painter had only pride to play for in his final league game, and came from 3-1 down to claim victory over the Australian number one.
Nicholson started superbly, with legs of 15, 15 and 14 darts helping him into a 3-1 cushion before a 12-darter from Painter kick-started his challenge.
Misses at double top and ten from Nicholson in the sixth allowed Painter to level with a two-dart 78 finish, only for a missed double top to cost him the seventh.
Painter took a 12-darter for the eighth to send the match into a decider, with two misses at double 16 giving Nicholson a chance.
But the English-born Australian missed at the same bed, and double eight gave Painter the win.
"I played well for the first time this week and though it's good to finish with a win, I'm disappointed to be out.
"The first game against Darryl Fitton cost me and in a way I regret changing my darts before that game to try a new set, which back-fired.
"Paul has played some great darts and it's a shame for him that he won't go through."
Nicholson needed to win 5-0 to force a nine-dart shoot-out with Gary Anderson, and admitted: "It was hard to keep my focus after Kevin won a leg.
"I wanted to go through but wasn't good enough and Kevin deserved the win. I can look forward to playing in the PDC World Championship now next month."
Match Stats
|
Kevin Painter |
5-4 |
Paul Nicholson |
|
8 |
100+ |
11 |
|
12 |
140+ |
7 |
|
2 |
180 |
2 |
|
32.68 |
Ave1 |
29.04 |
|
98.05 |
Ave3 |
87.11 |
|
91 |
High Finish |
60 |
NINE-DART SHOOT-OUT
ALAN TABERN 169 (85,41,43) ANDY HAMILTON 265 (125,140)
ANDY HAMILTON won the historic nine-dart shoot-out with Alan Tabern to move into round two of the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts - where he will meet Phil Taylor in a repeat of the 2007 final.
Hamilton and Tabern returned to the Wolverhampton Civic to play off for a place in the last 16 after finishing level on points and leg difference in Group B.
Tabern won the bull and opted to throw first - but scores of 85, 41 and 43 were not enough, with scores of 125 and 140 meaning Hamilton only needed six darts to progress.
"I just focused on the treble 20 and took one dart at a time," said Hamilton. "There was a lot of pressure and opening with a good score was a bonus.
"I'll look forward to playing Phil on Wednesday night and it should be a great game. I'm a better player this year, more experienced, and I'll be ready for him."