Aspinall sweeps aside Sherrock, Ross Smith seals dominant win over Rafferty at Grand Slam of Darts

Nathan Aspinall and Ross Smith were expected to get through their groups at the start of play yesterday but after their openers didn't go to plan at the Grand Slam of Darts, they have their first points on the board in dominant successes.

Aspinall pounced on costly misses from Fallon Sherrock who won't have a fairytale run to the latter stages like last year and bows out after another 5-1 loss. While for 'The Asp', he gets a pivotal victory in a tight group.

Sealing the opening leg, Sherrock missed 116 to break at 2-1 down and Aspinall eased into a 3-1 lead. The chances did come though on her own throw with a dart missed at 121 and then chasing around the board allowing the recent World Grand Prix finalist back for 89.

Before he then sealed the deal on double five. These missed darts were evidenced in the doubling statistics with Sherrock sat on 1/9 (11.1%), while for Aspinall, it was clinical with a 93 average and 55.6% on the outer ring.

It was also clinical from 'Smudger' with the recent European Champion easing past Nathan Rafferty in style with a 5-2 win.

The flourish came at the end with a 107 checkout to seal it with a break at 3-2 on 72 with Rafferty sat on double 20 proving pivotal and he held from there on double 10 before producing that superb finish.

In a group which includes Michael van Gerwen and Luke Woodhouse, a big win for MVG going into their tie tomorrow could play into the hands of Smith due to Woodhouse already having points on the board. But it was a 94 average and 62.5% on the doubles for Smith tonight in a superb win.