Gary Anderson overcomes Michael van Gerwen as Luke Littler continues impressive Grand Slam of Darts debut

Gary Anderson has already secured a spot in the last sixteen at the Grand Slam of Darts at the expense of Michael van Gerwen. Mighty Mike has another chance to reach the knockout stage on Tuesday.

Both former world champions had started Saturday's Grand Slam of Darts with a big win. Van Gerwen triumphed 5-0 against Noa-Lynn van Leuven, while Anderson was 5-1 too strong for Ryan Joyce.

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Scoring-wise, Anderson was phenomenal against Van Gerwen. 'The Flying Scotsman' reached an average of 105.19 thanks to 24 scores of 100 or more in nine legs. Only on the doubles did Anderson fail at times; a finishing percentage of 38.5 percent, compared to 57.1 percent for Van Gerwen. Van Gerwen started the match hopeful. Anderson missed two doubles, after which 'Mighty Mike' hit 70 for a break. However, the 35-year-old from the Netherlands wasted two darts at double, after which Anderson secured the rebreak via double 10.

Another break for Van Gerwen followed in the third leg, after a fine 104 finish. However, the three time world champion again failed to capitalize on the break. Anderson levelled the score again with a 15-darter. The Scot then turned on the turbo for a while, taking the lead for the first time in the match with a 12-darter. Anderson then failed to break Van Gerwen, before the world number three threw out 80 to make it 3-3. Anderson produced another 12-darter in the seventh leg, but saw Van Gerwen force a deciding leg with an 88 checkout. In nervous leg from both players, but it was Anderson who took the win his way with a 16-darter.

As a result of this result, Noa-Lynn van Leuven is definitely eliminated from the group stage of the Grand Slam of Darts, while Anderson will definitely advance to the last sixteen. 'The Flying Scotsman' can secure a group win against Van Leuven. Van Gerwen faces an important duel against Joyce on Tuesday, as the winner of that match will advance to the knockout stage along with Anderson.

After first-round exits at ranking majors World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and the European Darts Championship, Luke Littler has made it to the second round at the Grand Slam of Darts. 'The Nuke' won convincingly 5-1 over Dimitri van den Bergh in his group match.

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