Mickey Mansell denies Cameron Menzies in gruelling Grand Slam of Darts clash to reach maiden major semi-final

Mickey Mansell went through surgery and had to regain his Tour Card but it is worth it for nights like these for the 'Clonoe Cyclone' as he has reached his maiden major semi-final at the Grand Slam of Darts in a 16-15 win over Cameron Menzies.

Mansell and Menzies both struggled at times including in getting over the line. But in the war of attrition, it was Mansell who weathered it the best. He won through the marathon tie with 11 180's and will now face the winner of Martin Lukeman or Rob Cross.

Either who win through will fancy their chances when it comes to the semi-final with Mansell likely to be a huge underdog but given recent wins for Mike de Decker and Ritchie Edhouse, he isn't one to be counted out.

Menzies settled the quicker of the two in the contest as he led comfortably taking the first four legs before Mansell finally got off the mark at 4-1 down. He took out 114 to restore his three leg lead and keep Mansell very much at arms length at 5-2.

Menzies maintained a two leg advantage at the second interval with Mansell sitting down at 25% on the doubles. Despite impeccable scoring power, he was down 6-4. Albeit Menzies started to falter.

Mansell's scoring increased and he closed the gap to one at 8-7. He took out 96 in leg 15 with both players closer than ever. Menzies continued to edge ahead but Mansell got on level terms at 10-10 and 11-11 with Menzies needing to produce a 126 checkout to restore parity.

He took out 130 then to continue this streak of needing the big finishes to haul himself back ahead. He did so at 13-12. Mansell though won three legs in a row to move to within one of the finishing line at 15-14 up.

Menzies made it 15-15 hitting double four but Mansell was throwing for the win. Both couldn't hit a barn door though and it had to be some late treble excellence from the Clonoe Cyclone hitting 121 to leave 59 as he broke new ground.