Stars step up to the oche for darts Grand Slam
It has become one of the most popular events on the venue's calendar – and this year's Grand Slam of Darts at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall has kicked off with a bang.
Around 12,000 darts fans are expected at the venue over nine days to watch 32 players battle it out in the annual contest, with bosses estimating 45,000 pints of lager will be drunk during the course of the tournament. Fans got into the spirit of the competition when it kicked off on Saturday, with some fans donning fancy dress. Players from seven countries are taking part for the chance of getting their hands on the £400,000 prize fund including Wolverhampton's Wayne Jones who reached the 2010 Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals.
He took to the stage yesterday afternoon but lost 5-1 to Christian Kist. Among those who went along to the darts last night was 33-year-old Andy Matthews and Hayley Griffiths, aged 29, who are both from Oldbury. The pair have been going to the event for several years and last night were dressed as darts boards.
Mr Matthews said: "We are both big fans of the darts."Also in attendance were brothers Greg and Ian Markham and Steve and Craig Rollinson who were also in fancy dress for the contest.Mr Rollinson from Tipton said: "It is a great night out."
Phil Taylor, Simon Whitlock, Michael van Gerwen and Mervyn King all put one foot into the second round after they recorded their second wins last night.
Reigning champion Taylor won 5-2 against opponent Mark Webster. He said afterwards: "It was a difficult game tonight and I'm happy with that."
