From qualifier to maiden major final: Martin Lukeman continues sensational Grand Slam of Darts run as Littler or Anderson awaits

An underdog no matter who he faces in the final but a role that Martin Lukeman has relished all week coming through as a qualifier to star in his group and now reach the final of the Grand Slam of Darts.

Amid the destruction that lay in wake with Humphries, Van Gerwen and Michael Smith among others bowing out, Lukeman was facing another surprise package in Mickey Mansell who is a veteran of the game and a player who has all but saved his Tour Card with this run this week.

Often looking over his shoulder at the top 64, he can now breathe a sigh of relief after producing a career best result. While Lukeman will look forward to a maiden major final. A destructive scoring power that starred in 2022, he hasn't produced that since with personal problems also off the oche, but he has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with and after Edhouse and De Decker in recent weeks, don't discount him as he faces either Luke Littler or Gary Anderson in the final.

Mansell had the early running as Lukeman fell behind early on going 3-0 down. But he produced a superb 122 checkout against the throw to get himself back on track at 3-2 down. He started to gain steam from there with 'Smash' winning six out of the previous seven legs to lead at the interval 6-4.

But as he looked to grab the match by the scruff of the neck, he had Lukeman consistently breathing down his shoulder. He was pegged back to 7-7 but took out 84 on the bull to edge back in front. It continued to be back and forth but Lukeman managed to streak away as he surged further into the lead. He sat at 12-8 up and was closing in on victory.

Lukeman kicked off the leg with six perfect darts but Mansell was on his tail as he reduced the deficit to 13-10 with an 11-darter. Mansell missed 114 to break though and Lukeman hit 56 for 14-10 and to go two away.

But Mansell was still fighting. He hit double 10 to make it 14-11 with Lukeman throwing to go one away. A 12-darter on 81 saw him make it 15-11. Mansell missed darts to stay in it but he returned to prolong it as Lukeman couldn't get a shot at 105. He missed the bull for 130 for the match. But he returned for the 25 shot on double eight as he looked elated in coming through the win albeit knowing a job is still there to be done.