"It will be a bonus if Littler goes out": Martin Lukeman oozes confidence with Grand Slam of Darts glory in his sights

Martin Lukeman is bullish about his chances of going all the way at the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts and certainly believes in his ability to do so. But it was a display that deserved the confidence as he saw off Rob Cross 16-11 to reach a maiden major semi-final and on his Wolverhampton debut.

Lukeman spoke afterwards to the media and said that he was dreaming as soon as he got out of the group and knew that when Cross faltered he needed to take his chance. But also that he used the long format to his advantage to sit back and wait for his chance when he fell behind early.

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"It was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. But there's still two more to go," said Lukeman post match.

"I was dreaming as soon as I got out of the group stages. It's a game of darts at the end of the day. Rob (Cross) I'd seen him hitting 1's and 5's tonight and I just thought be steady because I was poor the first three legs again against him. I started taking out my bull finishes and my big finishes and I thought come on, this is it. This is you. Then it went 10-10 and I was like just get another lead, get another lead."

"I knew with it being first to 16 that I had time, I wasn't going to panic. Sometimes I panic on the ProTour but I didn't tonight. I don't fear anyone anyway. I've beaten Michael van Gerwen on the European stage, I've been to finals. Alright Humphries gave me a bashing, that was the start of his legend. But hopefully this weekend is the start of mine."

"I knew from the start that he might have a lead. It might be 7-2, 7-3 because I am a slow starter. It takes me a while to get going, get focus and go from there. But I know first to 16, I've got time."

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Bullish but with a perfect scenario

But now it is about playing two games potentially on the Sunday and he is confident it will be two. "It will be two games touch wood. My family, friends and management will all be there behind me."

Going into his tie against Cross as expected as the underdog, he said that he relishes the idea that he can 'ruffle a few feathers'. But his perfect scenario on his route to glory would be not playing a certain teen prodigy Luke Littler in the final.

"I prefer to be the underdog. I've been the underdog the whole competition. I said at the start, I just go under the radar, ruffle a few feathers and just do my job."

"It will be a bonus if Littler goes out. Mickey Mansell's not an easy draw or anything. He's playing well, he's beaten quality players like Wade and Menzies. I've just got to do my job on Sunday afternoon and hopefully get through and get ready for the final."