The action has begun at the 2021 Grand Slam of Darts with Ryan Joyce up and running in Group D with victory over Stephen Bunting in their opener.
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For Joyce though, he defied a 106.7 average from Bunting and survived a match dart in a closely fought affair which went all the way to a decider but it was 'Relentless' who took the points on the board.
Bunting led 2-1 at the start after the legs were initially shared but missed darts at double allowed Joyce back in to make it 3-2. But again, parity was there with 87 making it 3-3.
It was Joyce's time to miss match darts and Bunting took out 62 to send it all the way at 4-4. Before a 148 checkout was missed which allowed Joyce in for the win.
While in a game that was mooted to be close. Krzysztof Ratajski breezed past Martin Schindler in a 5-1 victory as he began Group A with a clinical display.
Ratajski punished only 1/10 on the doubles against Schindler who has been one of the in-form players on the ProTour this season.
It was a 94 average for Ratajski who in comparison to 'The Wall's doubling stats produced 5/12.
Next up will be the winner of Gerwyn Price and Nathan Rafferty for 'The Polish Eagle' who lays down an early marker in Group A.
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𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬!
Stephen Bunting averages almost 107 and LOSES! 😲
Ryan Joyce holds his throw in the deciding leg to close out a very hard-fought 5-4 success!