Van Gerwen averages 111 in topping Group A with victory over Smith, Thornton strengthens qualification hopes with victory over Suzuki

Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton are the next players to claim victory on the final night of group action at the Grand Slam of Darts.

Van Gerwen breezed through his tie against Ross Smith - with the latter of course claiming victory over him recently in the European Championship but it was MVG this time who emerged the winner with an 111 average.

Mighty Mike started exceptionally with a 100 checkout for a 12-dart opening leg against Smith and he increased his average only further from there going up to 122 as he opened up a 3-0 lead over 'Smudger'.

Smith himself was averaging around the 112 mark but couldn't get near him as he trailed 3-1. Van Gerwen went 4-1 up from there smashing in a 110 checkout and despite a consolation leg, MVG came out on top which sees him reach the summit of Group A with maximum points.

Thornton on the other hand was pushed massively by Mikuru Suzuki who once again showed how good she is despite not picking up a win. For 'The Thorn', it massively strengthens his chances of making it through.

Suzuki was 1-1 in the early going pouncing on missed doubles at times from Thornton but he responded in style smashing in a 130 checkout to move 2-1 up.

Thornton missed tops to break throw and Suzuki as a result returned for double nine to move 2-2. The former once again went clear with a 103 checkout but Suzuki continued to pressure the Scot at 3-3.

A 13 darter saw him go towards the brink though and that seemed to be the catalyst for victory as Thornton just got over the line.

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Grand Slam of Darts 2019 schedule
Day Four
Ian White (97.09) 5-4 (97.66) Wesley Harms (B)
James Wade (86.66) 4-5 (91.73) Steve Lennon (B)
Michael van Gerwen (111.38) 5-2 (101.1) Ross Smith (A)
Robert Thornton (94.25) 5-3 (85.6) Mikuru Suzuki (C)
21:10 Gerwyn Price v Dimitri Van den Bergh (C)
21:40 William O’Connor v Dave Parletti (D)
22:10 Gary Anderson v Darren Webster (D)
22:40 Adrian Lewis v Jim Williams (A)

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