Sensational Smash: Martin Lukeman storms into Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals with Rob Cross win as dream debut continues

Martin Lukeman has previously reached multiple Quarter-Finals in majors but has broken new ground this week in Wolverhampton with a run to the semi-finals on debut. He routed last year's finalist Rob Cross 16-11 on Friday evening.

Lukeman now faces Mickey Mansell in another twist in the most unpredictable year of darts in many a year. With Ritchie Edhouse and Mike de Decker lighting the blue touch paper, Lukeman or Mansell could yet add some more fuel onto that fire.

He was too good for Cross during his win smashing in a 98.5 average for good measure as he lived up to the occasion and now has at least £50,000 to show for it and will be favourite to reach Sunday's showpiece final.

But Lukeman was all at sea early on as Cross took control with a 4-1 lead. His doubling in particular was heroic as he hit 4/6 including an 86 finish for 4-1.

But Lukeman clawed his way back from 5-1 down. He reeled off four legs on the spin to draw level. He took out 121 on the bull in the process to do so at 5-5.

He continued that streak. He reeled off eight out of the previous nine legs in a procession to lead 9-6 and extended his advantage towards the finishing line of 16 with an exquisite 144 checkout. Sending Cross off at the break in order to have to mount a comeback or he'd be heading home.

But Cross desperately cut the gap. He hit a 104 checkout to reduce the arrears down to 9-7 and his finishing returning brought in a 113 checkout to make it 9-8. It was his turn to win a barrage of legs as he made it 10-10.

Lukeman though wasn't about to let his golden opportunity to reach a maiden major semi-final slip as he hit a sumptuous 10-darter to make it 12-10 and head into a two-leg lead again. From the sumptuous to the utter sublime as he pinned 89 on the bull for 14-11.

He was one away and Lukeman left 114 with Cross hitting 27 with no pressure forthcoming and he set it up sealing the win with no nerves in sight.