Van Duijvenbode edges past Wright, Petersen impressive in White win

Two debutants in Dirk van Duijvenbode and Devon Petersen have claimed victories to finalise the first night of action at the Grand Slam of Darts.

Van Duijvenbode edged past Peter Wright in a deciding leg victory and breathed a huge sigh of relief after taking multiple visits to find double four to win it 5-4 and take home two points.

Wright began the tie by breaking the throw but Van Duijvenbode was straight back with a 79 to level up. He was far superior for most of the tie and found himself 4-3 up hitting a 12-darter to go one away.

But a third 180 and double 19 saved Wright and he sent it all the way but he could only pressure when Van Duijvenbode started to miss match darts and the World Grand Prix finalist sealed the deal.

Petersen on the other hand recovered from a slow start where neither 'The African Warrior' or Ian White could hit the requisite doubles to take the lead to win through in style claiming a 5-2 victory.

This was alongside six 180's and a 99.5 average as he showed some of the darts which has won him so many plaudits this year. It will now be Van Duijvenbode v Petersen tomorrow with Wright and White having work to do.

2020 Grand Slam of Darts Schedule

Monday November 16

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Jonny Clayton (94.15) 5-4 (97.06) Ryan Joyce (G)

Joe Cullen (99.28) 2-5 (99.91) Gabriel Clemens (A)

Krzysztof Ratajski (94.76) 4-5 (99.69) Jose De Sousa (C)

Michael Smith (102.51) 5-1 (87.98) Lisa Ashton (C)

Michael van Gerwen (105.85) 5-0 (88.14) Adam Hunt (A)

Gerwyn Price (88.28) 5-4 (87.24) Mikuru Suzuki (G)

Peter Wright (90.07) 4-5 (92.72) Dirk van Duijvenbode (E)

Ian White (86.94) 2-5 (99.35) Devon Petersen (E)