"I don't think I have to qualify next year now, get in there": Martin Lukeman already ticks one box in reaching Grand Slam of Darts final

Martin Lukeman is into the final of the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts taking down Mickey Mansell to continue his dream debut run in Wolverhampton.

Again he fell behind early, something he can't afford to do against a certain Luke Littler or Gary Anderson. But he credited Mansell saying that like him, he scraps down in the bottom rings of the PDC ladder and isn't handed chances like the big boys.

"I went behind again but you know me I'm a bit of a bulldog. I'm a bit of a fighter so I weren't worried especially the first to 16. Mickey I put my hand up to him, he's an absolutely awesome player. He's coming from where I am down the bottom of these last 32's. We're scrapping for everything down there without the big boys. But I wish him all the best, great opponent, great match. Get in there," said Lukeman on Sky Sports.

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But when asked about his top moments in the tie, he said that he doesn't remember any of it and that it is difficult to keep focus on the task at hand with millions watching on TV and thousands in the venue.

"I don't remember, it's a bit of blur. I'm just going leg by leg. I don't know what's going on. I'm just going like win win, he came back and started leveling. I had a bit of a lead then he come back again and I thought just get in front and stay in front."

"It's hard, got 1,000's of people behind you. Millions of people watching you on TV but you've got to zone out and just focus."

But one tick he already crosses is the fact he can return next year without qualifying which he called a bonus as he will be underdog whoever he faces.

"I don't think I have to qualify next year now, get in there. That's a bonus as well."

If he does win though, he will get that photo on stage with his wife. Something that given off the oche struggles will likely mean the world to 'Smash' but he said that he won't be downhearted if it doesn't happen and knows it will someday.

"If it doesn't happen, it will soon. That's all I will say."