Rob Cross hits back to defeat Martijn Kleermaker as Krzysztof Ratajski edges through James Wade opener

PDC
Saturday, 11 November 2023 at 21:13
rob cross
The first two openers in Group A and Group G have gone the way of Krzysztof Ratajski and Rob Cross at the 2023 Grand Slam of Darts as both prevailed in narrow wins in Wolverhampton.
Ratajski was first up as he saw off the in-form James Wade who dazzled in Dortmund and it was only a timely 11-darter from 'The Polish Eagle' that proved vital.
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He averaged 99.3 in the end in a polished display. But it could've been different, Ratajski started off superbly with two ton plus checkouts including a 120 checkout. Only for Wade to hit back and go one away with missed darts from Ratajski.
But Ratajski pulled it out the bag with Wade missing bull for the win and the former hit 41.
While Rob Cross prevailed against Martijn Kleermaker who has stated that he is likely to step away from the sport after this tournament due to personal problems.
But if it is his last, he will rue a missed chance against Cross. 'Voltage' came from 4-2 down to win the deciding leg on throw 5-4.
Initially Kleermaker had Cross who failed to motor on the ropes going 4-2 up. But heading towards defeat, it was Cross who relaxed to the task and sent it all the way.
He was left bemused as Cross hit double 10 to the early lead in Group G and take the early impetus. Wade and Kleermaker thinking on the other hand what if.