Grand Slam of Darts: James Wade and Rob Cross March On!
Ladies and gentlemen, darts is a sport, right? I mean, when you throw sharp objects at a circular board, and yet we find it can spark such heated competition and brilliant banter. Well, at the Grand Slam of Darts, James Wade certainly had his aim sorted—landing a whopping 5-1 victory over Rowby-John Rodriguez to snag the top spot in Group A. Bravo, James! Now, if only scoring at the bar was that easy, right?
Now, before we roll our eyes trying to decipher the complex maths of darts scoring, let’s talk about Wade. He went into this match with a rich history of being a three-time finalist. He even declared how lucky he felt after the match! A classic case where the player acknowledges that, indeed, it wasn’t just his skill, but perhaps a sprinkle of cosmic luck that got him there. “You should have doubted me by that performance; I was really lucky,” he told Sky Sports. Which prompts the question, James: who needs a four-leaf clover when you’ve got darts?
Meanwhile, while Wade was slinging arrows, Rob Cross, the fourth seed, was busy taking on Peter Wright. Cross scored a similar 5-1 victory, and while he certainly proved his worth, he was clearly more concerned about Wright’s sagging form, referring to him as a “legend of the game.” Cross might be aiming for victory, but it seems he’s also fielding a side gig in motivational speaking—or is he auditioning for a soap opera where everybody has a sob story?
The Big Names Shine, But Not Without a Fight!
The night wasn’t just reserved for shiny trophies and big names; the intensity was palpable! Martin Lukeman secured his spot in the knockout stages with a nail-biting 5-3 win over Leonard Gates. Lukeman snatched victory with a breathtaking 123 checkout. It’s like a high-stakes game of darts mixed with a dose of theatre—where every throw counts, and the drama is as rich as a fine wine!
But wait, let’s not forget Beau Greaves, who sent the crowd in Wolverhampton into a frenzy with her own 5-1 victory over Cameron Menzies! In the face of elimination, she showed sheer brilliance. Talk about having a more dramatic impact than an overzealous cat on a stage!
From Luck to Skill: James Wade Prepares for Cameron Menzies
As Wade advances, he’s looking ahead to the next challenge against Cameron Menzies, showing a mix of confidence and humility that’s just charming, isn’t it? Even after a solid win, Wade insists he’s got to improve. Maybe he’s sharing his dart-tastic tips or simply aiming for a “Wade-ighter” approach?
It Takes a Village… and an A-Team
With games running thick and fast, the Grand Slam of Darts doesn’t just rest on the shoulders of a few. Ritchie Edhouse swept through Group D, belting out a 5-2 victory over Dave Chisnall like he was ordering a cup of tea. “I’ll have it with a 148 check out, please!” And let’s not even talk about Ross Smith, who served up a delightful 5-0 whitewash against Connor Scutt, like a chef presenting the perfect soufflé—fluffy, light, and utterly dominant!
What Next for the Darts Fanatics?
So, what’s on the horizon? The Grand Slam of Darts continues to dazzle us mere mortals on Tuesday, November 12. More players are set to battle it out—Michael Smith, Gary Anderson, Michael van Gerwen—you know, just a casual afternoon in the darts arena. Are you in a populated pub downing pints while trying to not miss a throw?
You can catch all the action live on Sky Sports+ and Main Event from 7 pm. Don’t blink, or you might miss the next world-class finish!
And remember, keep your eyes on the board, and your drinks off it!
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James Wade secured the top spot in Group A, brilliantly defeating Rowby-John Rodriguez with a decisive 5-1 victory, thereby guaranteeing his place in the knockout stage of the Grand Slam of Darts.
Wade and Rodriguez faced off in a crucial match, with the outcome determining who would advance to the last 16. Wade’s earlier win against Luke Humphries heightened the stakes of this pivotal clash.
Two early breaks of throw provided the three-time finalist with valuable momentum, and Wade skillfully finished the match with a stunning 121 checkout to seal his victory.
“You should have doubted me by that performance, I was really lucky. The kid didn’t play very well,” Wade candidly remarked to Sky Sports, reflecting on his opponent’s performance.
“I’m really happy, I got lucky, I caught him when he wasn’t playing well. I’m looking forward to the next one.” Despite the strong showing, Wade acknowledged that improvements were essential for his upcoming match against Cameron Menzies.
In another impressive performance, Rob Cross secured his spot in the last 16, following a dominant 5-1 triumph over Peter Wright. After needing just two legs to progress, Cross clinched his second leg on D16 and then rattled off three consecutive legs to wrap up a comprehensive victory.
Cross expressed admiration for Wright, describing him as a “legend of the game,” while also displaying empathy for his struggles. “I love it when he’s at his best,” Cross stated, wishing to see Wright reclaim his former glory.
“I don’t like seeing people suffering. I felt for him. I knew I had to do the business, but tonight even I wasn’t there.”
Meanwhile, Beau Greaves electrified the Wolverhampton crowd with her commanding 5-1 victory over Cameron Menzies, concluding her Grand Slam campaign on a high note.
Although Greaves couldn’t qualify for the last 16, her performance impacted the group dynamics, leaving Menzies with a nervous wait regarding his progression as Martin Schindler needed to win three legs in his match.
In a dramatic turn of events, Schindler missed two darts that could have secured his spot in the next round. His eventual 5-2 loss to Group B leader Danny Noppert sealed the fate of the Scotsman, who advanced as the second player in the last 16.
Knowing his spot was confirmed, Cross took command of his match, winning three legs in quick succession.
Reigning champion Luke Humphries showcased his remarkable talent with a strong 5-1 defeat of Mickey Mansell in Group A, demonstrating form that had previously eluded him.
Humphries executed impressive checkouts of 100 and 135, establishing a commanding presence that left Mansell, who already secured his own place in the last 16, struggling on the doubles.
Martin Lukeman advanced to the knockout stages following a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Leonard Gates. Needing just one leg to secure his position, Lukeman accomplished this with a stylish 123 checkout in the opening leg.
Gates retaliated, narrowing the gap to 4-3 and even coming close to a nine-darter, but ultimately Lukeman clinched the win, boasting an impressive average of 103.
Ritchie Edhouse completed a clean sweep in Group D with a 5-2 victory against Dave Chisnall, hitting multiple 180s and a standout 148 checkout that propelled him into the final stages of the tournament.
Once the group stage concludes, James Wade will face Cameron Menzies, Rob Cross will meet Ritchie Edhouse, Danny Noppert will clash with Mickey Mansell, and Martin Lukeman will be seeking victory against his opponent.
What’s next?
The Grand Slam of Darts continues on Tuesday, November 12, featuring eight more electrifying matches as players like Michael Smith, Luke Littler, Gary Anderson, and Michael van Gerwen take center stage.
You can watch live on Sky Sports and Main Event from 7 pm.
Live Grand Slam of Darts
Tuesday 12th November 7:00pm
Ames Wade and Rob Cross will look to continue their impressive journeys in the knockout rounds.
As the Grand Slam of Darts unfolds, tensions and excitement continue to mount among the fans and players alike. Each match not only showcases the incredible skill and talent of the participants but also highlights the unpredictable nature of the game—a battle where both luck and precision are crucial.
Coming up next, Wade will face Cameron Menzies, who will be looking to capitalize on any opportunity to upset the three-time finalist. Wade’s acknowledgment of needing to improve speaks volumes about his focus and determination. It’s this blend of confidence and humility that has endeared him to the darting community.
Rob Cross, on the other hand, is proving to be a force in the tournament. His respect for fellow players and competitive spirit has set the stage for exciting matchups ahead. History shows that when Cross gets into a rhythm, he can dispatch his opponents with remarkable ease.
As the drama unfolds, it’s worth keeping an eye on emerging talents like Beau Greaves, who, despite not advancing, made her mark and left the crowd buzzing. The energy she brings is a testament to the growing inclusivity and dynamism of the darts scene.
Join us as we dive deeper into the action—who will emerge victorious? Will Wade finally break through for a title or can Cross reclaim his crown? With high stakes on the line and legends in the mix, the Grand Slam of Darts promises to be an exhilarating watch.
So, gather your friends, refill those pint glasses, and get ready to cheer on your favorites as we continue this electrifying journey through the Grand Slam of Darts!
