Defending champion Michael Smith OUT of Grand Slam of Darts, sent packing by James Wade

James Wade has dethroned defending champion Michael Smith at the Grand Slam of Darts. 'Bullyboy' had won his first two group matches, but due to his defeat against 'The Machine', the world champion was dumped out.

Smith had not worked sufficiently on his leg balance with his wins against Krzysztof Ratajski (5-4) and Nathan Girvan (5-2). Because Ratajski had won 5-1 against Girvan earlier in the evening, the match between Wade and Smith suddenly turned into a decider.

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The difference was made on the doubles. Smith missed one chance in the second and third leg, and saw it go to Wade, who led 1-2 as a result. In leg four, Smith again missed a chance on the bullseye, after which Wade threw out 41 to make it 3-1.

Smith even had three chances in the fifth leg, but missed double 20 three times. Those misses proved fatal for him. Wade hit 50 for 4-1 and then sealed the verdict with a 14-darter.

In Group B, Chris Dobey finished second behind Josh Rock. In a straight shootout, Dobey was too strong for Jonny Clayton, who is dumped out also.

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WADE SENDS SMITH PACKING ⚙️ 18 wins on the trot in the group stages for Michael Smith, but the reigning Champion is OUT as he loses to James Wade! ❌ Wade tops the group, and Ratajski goes through in second place in Group A. 📺 bit.ly/GSODLive #GSOD | Group A

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DOBEY BATTLES INTO LAST 16 ⚪️⚫️ Chris Dobey gets the better of Jonny Clayton to reach the Last 16 and finish second in Group B. 📺 bit.ly/GSODLive #GSOD | Group B

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