Four players with big aspirations complete the quarter-final set at the
Grand Slam of Darts.
Nathan Aspinall is looking for a first major win - or a first major final, if you don't count the Premier League. And no, I'm not starting that debate now. The Asp looked to have missed his chance to beat reigning Grand Slam champion Gerwyn Price, only for a late swing back in his favour. In the end, he outscored Price, but more importantly overcame his own self-doubt.
That was the key for
Dimitri van den Bergh, who previously would be someone you'd see physically shaking at the oche. You won't see that any more. The Belgian is stoic, secure and scoring sensationally right now. It's not that hard to see him following the World Matchplay with the Grand Slam. But every new game brings a new challenge. If Aspinall shakes off the loose visits that temper his heavy scoring, we could see a couple of ton-plus averages and, hopefully, a classic.
Simon Whitlock's had some fun against
Michael van Gerwen in recent times. At the World Matchplay, the Wizard was the 11-4 victor, in a game Van Gerwen never got close to winning. A 3-0 success followed at the World Grand Prix and again, Mighty Mike was made to look very ordinary. But it's worth remembering the context of both games - Whitlock was in great form and Van Gerwen was struggling.
The tables haven't fully turned, but Whitlock wasn't exactly fantastic against Adam Hunt. Van Gerwen, meanwhile, has added Gary Anderson to the growing list of obliterated opponents. The world number one feels good. In darts, a sport where mentality is often the deciding factor, that means a huge amount. That does also mean that Whitlock going into this game with the confidence of recent triumphs can be a contributing factor.
Grand Slam of Darts schedule
Sunday November 22
Quarter-Finals
Afternoon Session (13:00 GMT)
Michael Smith (95.74) 14-16 (98.65) Jose De Sousa
Damon Heta (98.57) 13-16 (102.37) James Wade
Evening Session (19:00 GMT)
19:10 Nathan Aspinall v Dimitri van den Bergh
20:45 Michael van Gerwen v Simon Whitlock