Marvellous Menzies makes strong start as Cross makes lightwork of wasteful Gates at Grand Slam of Darts

Onto Group B and C at the Grand Slam of Darts and for Cameron Menzies and Rob Cross, it was strong starts to their respective campaigns in Wolverhampton.

Menzies made light work of Martin Schindler who was seen as a real dark horse this week amid the influx of new winners featuring the likes of Mike de Decker and Ritchie Edhouse.

With his European Tour exploits, Schindler has perhaps got more of a cause to be an emerging name than those. But also he had a tough group. He opened up against Menzies who is having the best year of his career and eased through 5-2 with a 99 average to open his account.

The Scot who famously made his mark as a BDO player back in 2017 where he showed his darting talents off to the world returns for the first time since and it is a great start for him.

Rob Cross on the otherhand made lightwork of a wasteful Leonard Gates. Neither player set the dartboard alight but it was very much Gates misses and Cross hits.

He gains the early impetus in Group C with a 5-2 to win to open his account. Note of course Gates decided against playing and defending his World Seniors Darts Masters crown this weekend due to this tournament. Is that decision vindicated? His next tie will dictate that.

Gates missed the bull for 86 and Cross held throw for 1-0. Gates missed 78 for 1-1 before finally hitting double five to claim it after Cross missed a chance to break.

Gates pinned 52 and had two shots as Gates couldn’t pressure his throw. Cross did though as he hit an 89 checkout to go 3-1 up with Gates unable to hold. 171 left 94 for Cross. He pinned double 10 for 4-1. Gates pinned double 16 for 4-2. But Cross was throwing for the win. A win he sealed with a 73 checkout.