The final day of the group stage at the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts ended with excitement, as the last eight players secured their spots in the knockout stage.
The event featured top talent, including teenage prodigy Luke Littler, along with big names like Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith.
Gary Anderson Tops Group G
In the opening match, Jermaine Wattimena, who had already secured a spot in the last 16, faced Mensur Suljovic, who was already out of the tournament. Wattimena needed just three legs to secure the top spot in Group E, and he managed to do so, winning 5-4 in a closely contested match. This victory marked his third win out of three, maintaining his strong form from the recent European Championship.
Machine Gun Wattimena into the Last-16
In the fourth match of the night, the outcome didn’t matter as Gian van Veen had already secured his place in the last 16, while Wessel Nijman was eliminated. Nijman put up a strong fight, with a three-dart average over 104 in his previous two losses, but his form wasn’t enough. Van Veen won the tight match 5-4 to top Group H.
Luke Littler Dominant on Debut
Teenage sensation Luke Littler made his debut at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton and impressed the crowd. Having already secured his spot in the last 16 with wins over Dimitri Van den Bergh and Keane Barry, Littler aimed to top the group. Lourence Ilagen gave him a tough challenge, but Littler won 5-3. He hit a fantastic 130 three-dart checkout on the bullseye and almost completed a nine-darter, missing double 12.
Van Veen Edges Out Nijman
In a match where the result didn’t affect the standings, Gian van Veen and Wessel Nijman faced off. Van Veen had already secured his spot in the last 16, while Nijman had been eliminated. Despite a strong performance from Nijman, who had an average over 111, he couldn’t defeat Van Veen, who won 5-4 to finish at the top of Group H.
Dimitri Dances Past Keane Barry
In the first match of the night with everything to play for, reigning UK Open Champion Dimitri Van den Bergh faced Irish youngster Keane Barry for a place in the last 16. Van den Bergh impressed with a solid three-dart average over 104 and defeated Barry 4-1. Van den Bergh will now face Wattimena in the next round after finishing second in Group F.
