Smith produces third highest average in Grand Slam of Darts history in thrashing Aspinall, Chisnall battles past Cross to secure Last 16 spot

Also there was joy for fellow St Helens thrower Dave Chisnall as he moved through with an excellent victory over Rob Cross.

'Bully Boy' hit a 113.62 average against Aspinall in winning 5-1; he looked in ominous form in his tie against the UK Open Champion.

In terms of Chisnall's win, Rob Cross and Jamie Hughes will now face off in a shootout to decide the second player through; after he claimed the first spot.

Smith missed four darts to double his lead to begin the tie and Aspinall finished 94; which made it one a piece but from there, Smith went on a real tear smashing in four 180's in as many legs and an 11-darter which made it 3-1.

From there, Smith was threatening record average with his fourth 180 on his way to another 11 darter for a 4-1 lead with a 114 average.

Despite that though, he missed out on the record average due to him missing double four; but it was still the third highest average in Grand Slam history as he hit 113.62 in thrashing 'The Asp'.

Chisnall started well and accrued an early break of throw with an 11 checkout on seven, double four for a 2-1 lead. The St Helens ace held throw to make it into a 3-1 lead; but Cross himself held to go only one behind.

A 52 checkout from 'Chizzy' saw him go one away from the finishing line and a place in the next round. A 134 set up was null and void for Chisnall in the requisite leg; as Cross held throw. It was the St Helens ace though who had the throw.

Chisnall missed 151 for the match but was given another shot to claim victory; he duly delivered to secure passage to the next round.

Click here to view more information on the Grand Slam of Darts, the only cross-code tournament on the PDC calendar.

Brendan Dolan (91.56) 5-1 (79.76) Richard Veenstra (G)
Danny Noppert (97.5) 5-1 (92.46) Wayne Warren (F)
Jamie Hughes (94.42) 5-1 (86.8) Lisa Ashton (E)
Martin Schindler (88.74) 4-5 (89.52) Glen Durrant (H)
Daryl Gurney (100.8) 4-5 (97.43) Gabriel Clemens (G)
Peter Wright (101.11) 5-2 (86.34) Ryan Harrington (F)
Michael Smith (113.62) 5-1 (104.65) Nathan Aspinall (H)
Rob Cross (95.19) 3-5 (94.61) Dave Chisnall (E)

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