Danny Noppert defeats Andrew Gilding, closes in on Grand Slam of Darts knockout stage spot as Chris Dobey keeps hopes alive

Danny Noppert won his second match at the Grand Slam of Darts. He defeated Andrew Gilding 5-3 after winning his first group match against Haruki Muramatsu (5-3).

It was solid what Noppert showed against the reigning UK Open champion. A 14-darter and a 68 finish gave 'The Freeze' a 4-1 lead. Gilding fought back and narrowed the gap to 4-3. Noppert then sealed the match with a 97 check-out.

With four points from two matches, Noppert now leads Group F. In his final group match against Brendan Dolan, he needs a maximum of four legs to finally advance to the knockout stage. If Muramatsu wins over Gilding, Noppert needs even fewer legs, depending on the result of the Japanese ace against Gilding.

Berry van Peer did not make it against Chris Dobey. He offered the winner of the Masters good resistance, but just could not produce a shock. By hitting 104 and 110, Van Peer was able to overcome a 3-1 deficit.

Both players then held, after which Dobey got to start the last leg. In the last leg Van Peer had a small lead, but he could not finish 101. Dobey meanwhile had reached 52 and this finish was hit via double 16.

Van Peer will face Josh Rock in his final group match on Monday. However, with two losses from two matches, sealing a spot in the knockout stage seems unlikely compared to Dobey who will now look to gain a late surge tomorrow.