Joyce defies 106 average from Bunting to win Group D opener, Ratajski breezes past Schindler in Group A rout

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.

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.