Gian van Veen produces sensational 110 average to deny Josh Rock as Stephen Bunting defies 106 from Wessel Nijman

The Grand Slam of Darts has begun and if the opening two games are anything to go by, we are in for some week in Wolverhampton. Group H has begun with the high quality foursome starting their campaigns.

It was Stephen Bunting who has just become a dad again showing form as he denied Wessel Nijman 5-4. The match of missed chances from the Dutchman. He hit a 103 average and 5/8 on the doubles as he defied a 106.5 from Nijman.

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Nijman started well and bookended it with a break of throw on double 18 for 1-0. He missed 170 for 2-0 after Bunting hit a 180 to leave 81. He missed chances to break back but got a let-off as Nijman missed two darts to make it 2-0.

Nijman showed a razor sharp retort though with a 142 checkout for 2-1. He missed 74 for 3-1 and that blockbuster checkout was erased as Bunting made it 2-2.

Nijman missed another opportunity and Bunting finally broke the break streak to make it 3-2. Nijman held finally himself for 3-3. Bunting hit 114 to make it 4-3.

Nijman hit a 118 checkout to send it to a decider. Bunting hit a 180 to leave 61. Nijman pressured but Bunting hit double 18 to seal the win.

But it was Gian van Veen who romped past Josh Rock who was the star. He hit a 110 effort to see off the former World Youth Champion 5-2. He hit a 127 checkout to win it alongside four 180's and 5/6 on the doubles.

Van Veen hit double 16 to open up. He was averaging 138 early on in a blistering start. Rock missed two darts to break on 73. He did not return with Van Veen’s bull shooting on 126 coming in clutch for 2-1.

He hit 41 after breaking to hold and go 4-1 up as he was surging towards the finishing line in rapid fashion. Rock pressured with a 64 checkout and also attacked his throw. But Van Veen produced a show stopping 127 checkout to seal the win 5-2.