William Hill Grand Slam Day One

PHIL TAYLOR turned on the style as he kicked off his bid to win a fifth William Hill Grand Slam of Darts title with a whitewash of Stuart Kellett on Friday night, as Michael van Gerwen won the all-Dutch battle with Vincent van der Voort and reigning champion Raymond van Barneveld enjoyed a strong start to his title defence.

Four-time Wolves Civic champion Taylor was at his unstoppable best as he picked up a sensational first win of the round-robin phase, averaging 112.16 - a record for the event's group stage - and allowing Kellett just one dart at a double in the game.

Taylor took out finishes of 108 and 100 as he established a 3-0 lead, finishing an 11-darter in the process before adding legs of 14 and 12 darts to complete a brilliant performance.

Taylor, who now meets Paul Nicholson in Sunday night's second Group A game, had won The Masters in Edinburgh last weekend, and was delighted to take his imperious form to the Wolverhampton Civic Hall stage.

"I'm really pleased with that and to end the game with a 112 average sends a message out to the rest of the field that they are going to have to play very well to beat me right now," said Taylor.

"The main objective at this stage of the Grand Slam is to get through the group stage whatever way you can, and winning 5-0 against Stuart gives me a good leg difference, but I won't be relaxing and I'll aim for another 5-0 win tomorrow.

"It's a massive tournament but I'm under no pressure and I'm playing better for it. I'm comfortable, happy and I enjoy the competition and the players coming through."

Nicholson kicked off his challenge in the tournament with a 5-2 win against Kevin Painter, completing victory in the battle of former Players Championship Finals winners with a 125 checkout.

"I'm very happy with that because there was a lot riding on this game," said Nicholson. "It was an edgy game but I was glad I started well - I was very nervous because I knew what the game meant and it puts me in a good position.

"Kevin and I have become very close in the last few years and we practice together a lot, but he didn't play his best game and I took advantage.

"Kevin's a very tough competitor, he's tough to beat and I did the job. The 125 shot to win the match felt huge, and it shows I can take out big finishes under pressure."

2012 Grand Slam of Darts runner-up Michael van Gerwen bounced back to winning ways on the Wolverhampton stage with a 5-3 win over Vincent van der Voort, as the pair put aside their close friendship in a quick-fire contest.

Van der Voort led 2-1 as the Premier League Darts champion was punished for early missed doubles, before van Gerwen regained his range to win four of the final five legs to take victory.

"Nobody can understand how difficult the game was because we know each other so well," admitted van Gerwen. "I'm the world number two but I was still nervous because he's my best mate and he'll be the best man at my wedding!

"We don't like to play each other so I'm glad we played in the first game of the group, and I hope I can hit my doubles better in the next game now. He was a bit unlucky with missing the doubles to make it 3-3 and I took advantage.

"My tournament starts in the next game - I won't be as nervous and I can play my own game tomorrow."

Van Gerwen will face Dean Winstanley in their second Group D game, after the 2012 semi-finalist produced some brilliant darts to defeat in-form Kim Huybrechts 5-2.

"I feel fantastic and I'm over the moon to have come out of that game as the winner," said Winstanley. "I went up there and did a good, professional job and I'm happy to hit the winning double.

"Kim was a bit unfortunate and the 5-2 scoreline doesn't really reflect the game, he missed two doubles to go three-each and that's not like him because he's been in fantastic form for the last couple of months.

"I reached the semi-finals last year and the buzz I got playing in front of that crowd tonight felt like it did last year."

Two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis came from 2-1 down to win 5-2 against Richie George, the Lakeside Championship semi-finalist and son of Bobby George who was making his debut in the event.

"Everybody's under a bit of pressure in the first round here and I wasn't brilliant, but I'm happy to get over the winning line," said Lewis. "I know my form's good but it wasn't there tonight, but the most important thing was to get the two points."

Lewis' opponent in their second Group C contest will be Ronny Huybrechts, who enjoyed a 5-3 win over former Lakeside Champion Christian Kist.

Gary Anderson stormed to 5-1 win over Wesley Harms in their Group B opener, averaging 107.14 in a fine display which saw him win the first four legs without reply and also have darts to claim a whitewash, before hitting a 13-darter to deny the Dutchman a comeback.

"Wesley did really well here last year and you're always nervous going into the first game, so it's nice to get a win and to play the way I know I can on the big stage," said Anderson.

"Hopefully this is the start of a run of good games and that I can get some consistency. It's a hard group because Peter's been one of the most improved players this year and James Wade is world class, so it's good to get points on the board straight away."

Anderson now plays 2010 Grand Slam of Darts runner-up Wade, who opened his clash with Wright with checkouts of 130 and 160 before completing a superb 5-2 win over the debutant.

In Saturday's afternoon session, Raymond van Barneveld began the defence of his Grand Slam of Darts title with a fine 5-2 win over Ricky Evans, while rivals Simon Whitlock, Robert Thornton and Scott Waites all picked up victories.

Dutch star van Barneveld had ended a five-year wait for a major individual title when he overcame Michael van Gerwen 16-14 in last year's final of the cross-code event.

He continued his winning run on the Wolves Civic stage with a confident 5-2 victory over World Youth Championship finalist Ricky Evans in their Group E contest to kick off their challenge this time around.

"I felt great and I'm pleased to have come through my first game with a win and to get two points," said van Barneveld. "It's fantastic to be back here again and the crowd were awesome today - the atmosphere was unreal.

"Ricky is a young player coming through the ranks and I wasn't underestimating him, and he played good darts, so I'm happy to win that."

Van Barneveld now plays Tony O'Shea in their second Group E game on Sunday, after the Lakeside Championship finalist edged a thriller with Mervyn King 5-4, as the Norfolk ace came back from 4-1 down to force a decider.

"It's a dream start winning against Mervyn," said O'Shea. "I never seem to make it easy for myself and I was prepared for a battle - I knew that the game wasn't over when I got 4-1 up and Mervyn showed his class to come back the way he did.

"I've got a terrific reception on every occasion I've played at Wolverhampton and today was no different. I really enjoyed playing in front of that atmosphere."

2010 Grand Slam of Darts winner Scott Waites, the reigning Lakeside Champion, made a winning start to his challenge in Group H with a 5-3 defeat of Ted Hankey.

"It's always a tough game against Ted as you never quite know what you're going to get, but he got up there and threw some pretty good darts," said Waites.

"There were a few nervous moments and I had a couple of darts at a match-winning double and let Ted back in the game, but I got the job done in the end.

"I love the crowd and love the stage here, and for some reason when I come to Wolverhampton I up my game, so to get off to a win is fantastic."

Waites' second group game will now see him face World Youth Champion Michael Smith, who impressed with a 103 average in his 5-3 defeat of Dave Chisnall, who led 3-1 before the youngster hit legs of 11, 12, 14 and 13 darts to storm to victory.

"It's the best start I could have had," said Smith. "I'm over the moon to beat Dave, who's the number seven in the world and number one in St Helens and where I want to be.

"Since I won the World Youth Championship I knew I'd be in this, and I've been looking forward to it so much. My form dipped but it's coming back again now and I've got confidence in my game at the moment.

"This is just one game and I've got another two left now, and if I can get through the group then I'll concentrate on the knockout stages."

Former Lakeside Champion Mark Webster opened his challenge with a confidence boosting 5-2 win over Wes Newton, who led 2-0 early on only to see the Welsh ace, aided by a brilliant 164 checkout, to reel off five successive legs.

"It's a great win and to string five legs together against him is an achievement," said Webster. "Nobody beats Wes easily so I'm really happy with that.

"Wes made a good start and things weren't looking too good for me - maybe I was trying a bit too hard but you've got to take your chances and I managed to reel off five really solid legs there, and the 164 was a turning point.

"I've had a tough couple of years, so to come here and beat a player of the calibre of Wes is a big confidence boost. It's been a frustrating time for me but I hope I can kick on from here and bring the glory days back.

"The job's not done yet though - I learned the hard way last year when I won my first game and went out, so I've got to stay focused and concentrate for the rest of the group."

Webster will now take on Simon Whitlock in their second Group G game, with the Australian having been a 5-2 winner against Ross Smith, the Challenge Tour Order of Merit winner making his Wolverhampton debut.

"It's a great result for me and I played really solid darts there," said Whitlock. "I got on top of Ross early on and held that advantage.

"It could have been a little bit better - leg difference cost me last year and I don't want that to happen again. I need to continue my good form and concentrate on my next two games."

Former UK Open champion Robert Thornton kicked off the tournament with a superb whitewash of former semi-finalist Mark Walsh, hitting finishes of 126 and 140 in a fine display.

"To win 5-0 takes a lot of pressure off and if I can keep that going, then I'll be happy," said Thornton. "It wasn't as easy as it looked but I never gave Mark a chance to get going. and I'm very happy with that.

"If I can finish the way I did there then I'll stand a good chance - but I'll take one match at a time."

Thornton's second Group F opponent will be Justin Pipe, who celebrated his 42nd birthday with a 5-2 defeat of Andy Hamilton.

"It's a very nice feeling to win on my birthday," said Pipe. "Andy's a very tough player to beat, he's a real grinder, so to come through with a 5-2 win is very satisfying and I'm really pleased with that.

"I managed to get 4-1 up before Andy really started to produce some good scoring so I was glad to finish it when I did and if I can carry on that sort of finishing then I'll be okay."

Pipe had won through Monday's Wildcard Qualifier in Wigan, and added: "Coming through the Wildcard Qualifier on Monday was an achievement in itself.

"There were players like Terry Jenkins, Jamie Caven and Steve Beaton there and it was really hard, so I was pleased to get through that."

Sunday's play sees the second group matches split across two sessions at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall, with Groups E-H competing in the afternoon before Groups A-D play in the evening.

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William Hill Grand Slam of Darts
Saturday November 9
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Groups E-H First Games
Robert Thornton 5-0 Mark Walsh (F)
Andy Hamilton 2-5 Justin Pipe (F) - Justin Pipe Video
Scott Waites 5-3 Ted Hankey (H) - Scott Waites Video
Dave Chisnall 3-5 Michael Smith (H) - Michael Smith Video
Wes Newton 2-5 Mark Webster (G) - Mark Webster Video
Simon Whitlock 5-2 Ross Smith (G) - Simon Whitlock Video
Mervyn King 4-5 Tony O'Shea (E)
Raymond van Barneveld 5-2 Ricky Evans (E) - Raymond van Barneveld Video
Click here for Match Information & Round-Up

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Groups A-D First Games
Gary Anderson 5-1 Wesley Harms (B) - Gary Anderson Video
James Wade 5-2 Peter Wright (B)
Christian Kist 3-5 Ronny Huybrechts (C)
Adrian Lewis 5-2 Richie George (C) - Adrian Lewis Video
Kevin Painter 2-5 Paul Nicholson (A) - Paul Nicholson Video
Phil Taylor 5-0 Stuart Kellett (A) - Phil Taylor Video
Michael van Gerwen 5-3 Vincent van der Voort (D) - Michael van Gerwen Video
Kim Huybrechts 2-5 Dean Winstanley (D) - Dean Winstanley Video
Click here for Match Information & Round-Up

Sunday November 10
Afternoon Session (1.30pm-5.30pm)
Groups E-H Second Games
Mervyn King v Ricky Evans (E)
Andy Hamilton v Mark Walsh (F)
Wes Newton v Ross Smith (G)
Dave Chisnall v Ted Hankey (H)
Robert Thornton v Justin Pipe (F)
Scott Waites v Michael Smith (H)
Raymond van Barneveld v Tony O'Shea (E)
Simon Whitlock v Mark Webster (G)

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Groups A-D Second Games
Christian Kist v Richie George (C)
Wesley Harms v Peter Wright (B)
Kevin Painter v Stuart Kellett (A)
Kim Huybrechts v Vincent van der Voort (D)
Adrian Lewis v Ronny Huybrechts (C)
Phil Taylor v Paul Nicholson (A)
James Wade v Gary Anderson (B)
Michael van Gerwen v Dean Winstanley (D)

Match Information
Robert Thornton v Mark Walsh
1-0 - Walsh is first to a finish but is unable to take out 132, and Thornton finishes 92 on tops to break throw immediately.
2-0 - Thornton lands a 180 and wins the leg on double eight after Walsh is off-target with one dart at double top.
3-0 - The Scotsman continues his excellent form as he hits double six to complete a 126 checkout.
4-0 - Walsh is unable to make any impression on the game as Thornton lands the bullseye for a 76 finish.
5-0 - One missed dart at tops from Walsh is punished as Thornton wraps up the match in amazing fashion as he hits treble 20 and two double tops for a 140 checkout!

Match Stats

Andy Hamilton v Justin Pipe
0-1 - Pipe holds throw by landing double top for an early lead.
1-1 - Hamilton fires in the first 180 of the game before taking out 56 in two darts to level.
1-2 - Pipe takes out a clinical 101 finish to regain the lead.
1-3 - Hamilton lets three opportunities to level slip away and Pipe hits double nine with a pressure third dart to break.
1-4 - The Taunton ace holds throw thanks to a 14-darter to extend his lead.
2-4 - Hamilton defies a 180 from Pipe by landing a 14-dart-finish of his own to keep the game alive.
2-5 - Hamilton registers two maximums but a missed dart at bullseye allows Pipe a shot at 80 which he duly converts on tops.

Match Stats

Scott Waites v Ted Hankey
1-0 - Waites holds throw to take the opening leg comfortably. Hankey yet to find his range.
1-1 - The Yorkshireman wastes three chances at double 13 and Hankey hits double top to level.
2-1 - The former Grand Slam Champion regains the lead by taking a clinical 111 finish.
2-2 - Hankey squares the game thanks to an accurate attempt at double 17.
3-2 - Waites hits double top with his third dart to take out 78 and edge ahead for a third time.
4-2 - One missed dart at tops from Hankey proves expensive as Waites records a 121 checkout to break.
4-3 - Dramatic leg sees Waites miss five chances to win the match and Hankey lands double two with a pressure third dart.
5-3 - Waites lets a further opportunity to seal the match slip away but he returns to hit double two and claim an opening win in Group H.

Match Stats

Dave Chisnall v Michael Smith
0-1 - High quality first leg sees Chisnall lands a 180 but Smith holds thanks to landing double ten.
1-1 - The World Grand Prix Finalist takes out 68 to level the contest.
2-1 - Chisnall hits a second maximum and converts a 97 finish to complete a 15-darter to break.
3-1 - The world number seven adds another 180 to his tally and takes out 95 to pull further clear.
3-2 - Smith kicks-off with scores of 171 and 180 but hopes a nine-darter are ended as he drops below the treble 20 but the leg is won in 11-darts.
3-3 - Smith continues his puple patch as he lands the bullseye to complete a 121 checkout.
3-4 - Both players fire in 180s but Smith wins the leg on tops for a 14-darter.
3-5 - Chisnall wires the top wire of double 20 for a 111 checkout and Smith lands double 12 for a 13-dart-finish to end a thrilling contest between the two St Helens stars.

Match Stats

Wes Newton v Mark Webster
1-0 - The Fleetwood man starts well by breaking Webster's throw on double 12.
2-0 - Newton hits double eight to increase his advantage over the Welshman.
2-1 - Two missed darts at tops from Newton see Webster get a leg on the board thanks to a successful first attempt at double 12.
2-2 - Webster hits the first 180 of the game and hits double seven to level the match.
2-3 - Webster kicks-off with a 180 and wins the leg on tops to lead for the first time.
2-4 - One missed dart at tops from Newton proves very costly as Webster converts a fabulous 164 checkout.
2-5 - The Welshman hits his third 180 of the game and goes on to hit ten to win his fifth straight leg and win the match.

Match Stats

Simon Whitlock v Ross Smith
1-0 - Whitlock holds throw with a clinical two-dart 68 finish.
2-0 - The Australian breaks throw by converting a 90 finish to leave his opponent under pressure.
3-0 - Whitlock continues his fine form as he hits a 170 to leave 72 which he takes out in just two-darts.
3-1 - Both players miss one dart to claim the leg before Smith lands double 16 to put a leg on the board.
4-1 - Whitlock fires in a maximum and hits double ten to restore his three leg lead.
4-2 - Smith keeps the game alive by landing double 16 with his opponent waiting on a two-darter.
5-2 - Whitlock takes out 56 on double top to win the match and claim the two points.

Match Stats

Mervyn King v Tony O'Shea
0-1 - O'Shea lands a 180 in the opening leg and goes on to break throw on double 16.
1-1 - King hits back immediately with a 15-darter to level the game which included a 180.
1-2 - O'Shea hits a second maximum to leave 99 which he takes out to regan the lead.
1-3 - O'Shea lands double ten at the first attempt to move two legs clear of King.
1-4 - The Stockport man hits a 134 to leave 32 which he takes out at the first time of asking to complete a 13-darter.
2-4 - King wins the sixth leg against the darts thanks to an accurate attempt at double 16.
3-4 - King takes out 64 in two-darts with O'Shea waiting on the same finish to keep the game alive.
4-4 - O'Shea is off-target with one dart at double 16 to win the match and King lands tops to set up a deciding leg.
4-5 - O'Shea hits a timely 180 before taking out 61 in two-darts on double 18 to edge an exciting contest.

Match Stats

Raymond van Barneveld v Ricky Evans
1-0 - The Defending Champion wins the first leg comfortably by landing double two.
2-0 - van Barneveld applies pressure on his young opponent by breaking thow at the first attempt on double 18.
2-1 - Evans hits a 180 before taking out 76 in two-darts to win the third leg in impressive fashion.
3-1 - van Barneveld restores his two leg advantage by taking out 56 to break Evans' throw for a second time.
4-1 - The Dutchman hits double top to complete an excellent 13-darter.
4-2 - Evans continues to fight and lands double nine with his third dart to keep his hopes alive.
5-2 - van Barneveld confirms victory by landing double 18 at the first attempt.

Match Stats

Evening Session
Gary Anderson v Wesley Harms
1-0 - Anderson makes a confident start by breaking throw with a 14-darter in a leg which included a 180 from the Scotsman.
2-0 - The former Premier League Champion takes out 80 in two-darts to establish early command of the game.
3-0 - Anderson lands double 18 to convert a 96 finish and leave Harms in deep trouble.
4-0 - Both players miss two opportunities to win the leg before Anderson lands double six to move closer to victory.
4-1 - Anderson lets two chances to win the match slip away and Harms capitalises by converting a 62 finish.
5-1 - Anderson closes out the game in style with an excellent 13-dart-finish on tops ending with a 107.14 average.

Match Stats

James Wade v Peter Wright
1-0 - Wright dominates the leg with scores of 180 and 140 but a missed dart at bullseye is expensive as Wade records a fabulous 130 checkout.
2-0 - Wade continues the brilliant finishing with a 160 checkout after Wright missed tops for a 116 finish.
2-1 - Wright lands double eight with a pressure third dart after Wade missed a dart at bullseye to increase his lead.
2-2 - Wright levels the game with a fantastic 11-darter completed with a two-dart 100 finish.
3-2 - Wright hits a third 180 before Wade hits a 174. Wade wins the leg on double ten after Wright missed a dart at tops.
4-2 - Wade lands double four to complete a 13-dart-finish and move two legs clear again.
5-2 - The world number six completes a fine performance as he takes out 70 on double ten.

Match Stats

Christian Kist v Ronny Huybrechts
1-0 - Kist hits back-to-back 140 scores to take command of the leg which he wins on double seven.
2-0 - Huybrechts struggles to find his range as Kist doubles his lead by taking out a 90 finish.
2-1 - Huybrechts hits the first 180 of the game to leave 43 which he takes out in two-darts.
2-2 - The Belgian hits double 16 at the first attempt to level the match.
3-2 - Kist hits a 180 before landing double 12 to regain the lead.
3-3 - Both players record maximums before Huybrechts takes it on double 16 for a 12-darter.
3-4 - Huybrechts converts an excellent 106 finish on double 16 to lead for the first time.
3-5 - Kist leaves 40 after just 12-darts thrown only for Huybrechts to take out 71 to claim the two points.

Match Stats

Adrian Lewis v Richie George
1-0 - Lewis takes the opening leg with a 100 finish to hold throw.
1-1 - George levels with a clinical two-dart finish after Lewis misses opportunities to double his lead.
1-2 - Three missed darts at double 12 from Lewis prove expensive as George takes out 58 in two-darts.
2-2 - George lets four chances for a 3-1 lead slip and Lewis accepts the opportunity to level by hitting double ten.
3-2 - Lewis lands double five with a pressure third dart to regain the lead.
4-2 - The two-time World Champion takes out 54 in two-darts to edge closer to the winning line.
5-2 - Lewis hits double 18 to end the contest and get two points on the board.

Match Stats

Kevin Painter v Paul Nicholson
0-1 - Nicholson wins the opening leg of the game with the aid of a maximum.
1-1 - Both players miss three chances to win the leg before Painter hits double five to level.
1-2 - Nicholson takes out an 89 finish to regain the lead.
1-3 - Nicholson pulls further clear as he hits double four.
1-4 - The excellent run continues for Nicholson as he converts an 86 finish to move to closer to victory.
2-4 - Painter lands double four to keep the match alive.
2-5 - Nicholson claims victory in style by taking out a 125 finish on 25, treble 20, double 20.

Match Stats

Phil Taylor v Stuart Kellett
1-0 - Taylor holds throw to take the opening leg with a 64 finish.
2-0 - Both players hit maximums before Taylor wins the leg with a 108 checkout.
3-0 - Taylor hits five treble 20s to ignite hopes of a nine-darter. It's not to be but the leg is won in 11-darts with a 100 finish.
4-0 - Taylor hits double 16 to complete a 14-darter and move within a leg of victory.
5-0 - Taylor lands six straight treble 20s to leave the opportunity of a nine-darter. The seventh attempt is just high of the target but the world number one wins the leg in 12-darts. The 15-time World Champion ends the match with a 112.16 average - a record for the Group Stage of the tournament.

Match Stats

Michael van Gerwen v Vincent van der Voort
1-0 - Both players sprint of the blocks as they register 180s before van Gerwen wins the first leg with an 85 finish. 
1-1 - van Gerwen misses one dart for a 2-0 lead and van der Voort lands tops to level.
1-2 - van der Voort hits a 177 in the process of winning the third leg.
2-2 - van Gerwen lands a 180 but the winning double a problem before managing to hit double 180.
3-2 - The world number two moves ahead for the second time by landing double five. 
4-2 - van der Voort fails with two attempts at double 12 and van Gerwen hits double 18 at the first time of asking.
4-3 - van Gerwen is left to rue five chances to close out the game as van der Voort hits tops to keep his hopes alive. 
5-3 - van Gerwen wastes two more chances to win match before finally closing out the game on double six.

Match Stats

Kim Huybrechts v Dean Winstanley
0-1 - Huybrechts lands a 180 in the opening leg but Winstanley claims by taking out 58 in two-darts.
1-1 - The Belgian ace lands another maximum before landing double 16 for a 13-darter.
2-1 - Huybrechts hits a 180 for the third leg running and lands double four to secure the first break of throw.  
2-2 - Winstanley hits back immediately as he lands a 180 of his own before landing double eight to level.
2-3 - Huybrechts is off-target with one attempt at double 16 and Winstanley holds his nerve to land double ten.
2-4 - Winstanley applies pressure to his opponent as he hits back-to-back 140s and Huybrechts succumbs as three missed darts at doubles allow Winstanley to hit tops.
2-5 - The Yorkshireman wins a fourth leg in a row thanks to an accurate attempts on double ten and claims the two points.

Match Stats