Michael Van Gerwen targets a spot of revenge
Michael van Gerwen is on a revenge mission in the BoyleSports Grand Slam of Darts as he completes the group stage at the Aldersley Leisure Village against Ross Smith tonight.
Van Gerwen has already secured his place in the knockout stages of the Wolverhampton tournament after picking up wins over Jim Williams and Adrian Lewis over the weekend.
The world number one, though, will not be easing off as he faces Kent qualifier Smith in their Group A clash – after losing out 6-5 when the pair met in the European Championship last month.
“I’m through to the next round and I can look ahead to that, but I’ll still concentrate on the last group match,” said Van Gerwen. “Ross Smith beat me in the European Championship and of course I want to put that right.
“I’ve not been at my best so far but I’ve done what I needed to; win my matches. All I can do now is focus on my next game and work hard to make sure I perform.”
Reigning Grand Slam champion Gerwyn Price is bidding to secure his place in the last 16 when he plays World Youth Champion Dimitri Van den Bergh in their Group C decider.
Two-time finalists Gary Anderson and James Wade play Darren Webster and Steve Lennon respectively, while the winner of the tie between Lewis and Williams will progress from Group A.
Daryl Gurney held his nerve in Monday night’s winner-takes-all clash with Brendan Dolan to qualify from Group G alongside Gabriel Clemens, with the Northern Irish ace finishing 161 and 101 on his way to a 5-2 success.
Germany’s Clemens, meanwhile, completed the group stage with a third successive win by average 110 in his brilliant 5-2 win over Dutchman Richard Veenstra, who leaves Wolverhampton without a victory from his three matches.
Michael Smith topped Group H with a third straight win after coming from 4-2 down to defeat Martin Schindler 5-4, while Dave Chisnall claimed a third successive Group E win by sweeping aside Lisa Ashton 5-1.
Peter Wright booked his place in the last 16 after easing to victory over Danny Noppert.
Wright made it three wins from three in Group F as he beat the Dutchman 5-2, sealing his progress with a 10-darter.
And there was joy to for debutant qualifier Ryan Harrington as he thrashed BDO vereran Wayne Warren 5-1 to seal second spot in Group F and a place in the knockout stages.
