For the players in Groups A to D, the group stage of the
Grand Slam of Darts is over. The first eight names have secured their spots in the last sixteen, but the defending champion is not among them.
Michael Smith became the biggest casualty in the final group matches on Monday night.
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. Wade handled the pressure best and beat 'Bullyboy' 5-1, taking him through to the knockout stage with Ratajski.
In Group B, Josh Rock remained unbeaten after wins over Chris Dobey, Jonny Clayton, and Berry van Peer. In his wake, Dobey clinched second place by beating Clayton in the third-group match.
Luke Humphries proved untouchable in Group C.
Gary Anderson managed to trounce Dirk van Duijvenbode in the battle for second place, while Steve Lennon finished tightly at the bottom of this pool.
Gerwyn Price conceded just two legs in Group D. With six points and a leg balance of +13, he towered high above the rest in the pool. Ryan Searle came second in this group after he managed to throw a nine-darter for a win over Nathan Rafferty. Gian van Veen could not record a win on his debut at the Grand Slam of Darts and finished last in Group D.
Final standings Grand Slam of Darts
Group A
2. Krzysztof Ratajski 4pts (+4)
3. Michael Smith 4pts (0)
4. Nathan Girvan 0pts (-10)
Group B
1. Josh Rock 6pts (+11)
2. Chris Dobey 4pts (0)
3. Jonny Clayton 2pts (-3)
4. Berry van Peer 0pts (-8)
Group C
1. Luke Humphries 6pts (+11)
2. Gary Anderson 4pts (+1)
3. Dirk van Duijvenbode 2pts (-2)
4. Steve Lennon 0pts (-10)
Group D
1. Gerwyn Price 6pts (+13)
2. Ryan Searle 4pts (-2)
3. Nathan Rafferty 2pts (-3)
4. Gian van Veen 0pts (-8)