Ryan Joyce is into a second PDC major semi-final after dumping out one of the favourite for the title in
Rob Cross at the
World Grand Prix. He now faces Mike de Decker for a spot in the final.
A real chance for either not only to make it to the Grand Slam potentially but also a major final, Joyce edged past Cross 3-2 in sets on Friday evening and continues his relentless run.
He previously reached the semi-finals of the Players Championship Finals last year so this also does a helping hand in defending that money before he plays that tournament next month.
It wasn't a great start from either as neither player really came out of the traps with any sort of world class darts. But breaking throw to seal the set, Cross took the early impetus with a 140 and 82 checkout on double 16.
The second set was a lot better for Joyce as he gained a foothold in the tie holding the throw in the decider for a 1-1 set scoreline leaving 68. He missed chances but Cross couldn't hit 118 and the Geordie ace hit double two for the set.
It looked for all the will in the world that Joyce would win it in the next set as he sat on 104 for the win. But Cross stayed in it pinning 104 to claim the set and make it 2-2.
But it was Joyce's race to run from there. He went 2-1 up after Cross missed darts for 1-1. Cross missed two darts to stay in it and Joyce who was on 64 was clinical and took aim sealing the deal going treble eight, double 20 straight away to claim a 3-1 final set and the win.
