Dream debut continues for Martin Lukeman, eases past Ross Smith into Grand Slam of Darts Quarter-Finals

Martin Lukeman has reached multiple Quarter-Finals in major tournaments mostly during his breakout 2022. But he has revived his form at the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts seeing off Ross Smith in Wolverhampton 10-5.

Lukeman has been one of the best players in Wolverhampton thus far having breezed through his group and now has a big opportunity awaiting him. Ritchie Edhouse or Rob Cross await in the Quarter-Finals with a potential semi-final against either Mickey Mansell or Cameron Menzies for the winner. After having to defend a huge chunk of ranking money, it could be 'Smash's time to shine.

It was a 95 average, six 180's and 40% on the doubles with Smith's poor 23% on the outer ring being his achilles heel despite finding his scoring boots at times.

It was scrappy early on between the pair with Lukeman leading 3-2. He missed 106 on double 18 but he returned with Smith unable to pin the tricky double 19. Lukeman himself missed double nine but again came back.

Smith continued to struggle hitting doubles and Lukeman hit double five last dart in hand for 5-3 and a break. It was very much when he got the throw he was making all use. He hit double 16 for 6-3 for an 11-darter.

Smith reduced arrears but it was the same story as Lukeman hit a 12-darter on double two for a 7-4 lead. A 121 sent him towards the brink at 8-5 and a break was the final nail in the coffin after Smith missed chances to hold.

Lukeman couldn't pin the 144 for the win straight away. But he set up double eight which he pinned first time for a spot in the last eight. Sweeping everyone aside thus far, he is the surprise package to be feared.