Peter Wright's misery continues with Martin Lukeman whitewash as Ritchie Edhouse makes light work of Ross Smith

Martin Lukeman continued Peter Wright’s utter misery as the debutant sent the two-time World Champion packing 5-0 as the first session of action at the Grand Slam of Darts is completed in Wolverhampton.

Lukeman thrashed Wright who has had a torrid season thus far while producing a stellar display himself. He hit a 98.8 average and 5/7 on the outer ring to set his stall out early. In a group that also features Rob Cross and Leonard Gates.

Cross won earlier today seeing off Gates, but with the American getting a few legs it sees ‘Voltage’ second and Gates third. While Wright is rooted to the bottom. He is not out of it just yet but gives himself a huge mountain to climb if he does want to progress out of the groups.

While Lukeman in giving Wright the thrashing he has is in pole position and will now face Cross tomorrow as the winners and losers battle. Wright will aim to bounce back against Leonard Gates.

Ritchie Edhouse came into this tournament for the first time as a major champion and he oozed the confidence that Dortmund brought him with a 5-1 thrashing of Ross Smith averaging 104.

'Madhouse' made light work of 'Smudger' who looked low on confidence in comparison as nothing went in for him. Edhouse gains the impetus and it is an emphatic display.

Edhouse has gained a new army of fans and a new status in the game and he faced a tough opener against Ross Smith.

He opened up with a break and backed it up with a 120 checkout for 2-0. Edhouse missed double 10 for 3-0 and another break but Smith skied a dart at double 20 for 2-1 and ‘Madhouse’ went two away.

It was an emphatic hold for Edhouse who pinned double 9 for 4-0. Edhouse missed 130 for the match on the bull and Smith spared his blushes hitting 78 to make it 4-1. A 47 checkout saw Edhouse complete the feat.