"Gary Anderson didn't like being labelled a part-time darts thrower" but part-time Mickey Mansell thriving at the Grand Slam of Darts

Mickey Mansell has provided something of a surprise at the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts. The Northern Irishman, who after a torrid year managed to qualify for this major via the last chance qualifying tournament, is now already certain of a place in the knockout phase after winning his opening two group matches.

Mansell did excellent business by following up his 5-3 victory over James Wade with a 5-3 win over Rowby-John Rodriguez. After Wade then beat Luke Humphries later in the night, the Northern Irishman's progression was secured even before he has to face the world champion and world number one this Monday night.

"I'm delighted!" Mansell, who defeated Gerwyn Price in the final round of the qualifier, remarks afterwards in conversation with Online Darts. "But for me, the Grand Slam didn't start today or yesterday. It started last week, so in the whole context of everything, I think this is my sixth game and I've played very, very well."

As mentioned, Mansell's results this year have been far from stellar, meaning even his qualification was something of a surprise. Something seems to have clicked for the 51-year-old veteran in recent weeks though. "I'm playing well but I wasn't getting the results or the rub of the green," he explains. "When the first qualifier started against Matt Campbell it was like bang! Game on here. Thankfully, touchwood, it hasn't stopped at the minute."

Mansell isn't the only elder statesman of the sport firing on all cylinders in Wolverhampton this week either. Gary Anderson backed up his destruction of Ryan Joyce with victory over his old rival Michael van Gerwen on Sunday night. According to Mansell, The Flying Scotsman felt he had a point to prove after Van Gerwen's recent comments. "Gary didn't like being labelled a part-time darts thrower by Michael!" Mansell says with a laugh, explaining his own part-time darts career. "I think I'm probably overachieving in these situations."