The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsMonday night was a night of shocks at the darts in Dublin as the legendary Phil Taylor and James Wade were both dumped out the competition at the first round stage as the second round line-up was completed.
Aussie ace Simon Whitlock capitalised on a below-par performance from Andrew Gilding to move into the next round with ease. ‘Goldfinger’ never really got going as Whitlock still managed to record a straight sets win, despite hitting a dismal 12.5% of his doubles.
Steve Beaton’s wait for a win on TV continues as he lost his one set lead against Justin Pipe, stretching his drought on TV to over two years. Beaton averaged just 75 but Pipe didn’t play much better as he moved into the next stage of the competition with a 2-1 sets win.
Terry Jenkins is still in the hunt for a TV major, and the two-time World Grand Prix finalist is still in the competition following a 2-1 win over Mervyn King. ‘The Bull’ started off slowly, but recovered well to hit 57% of his doubles to secure the win.
Mensur Suljovic shocked James Wade and knocked him out of the competition in a 2-1 win. Around a third of money was placed on James Wade to win the tournament prior to this match as Suljovic took out a few ton-plus finishes including a 129 and a sensational 148 to provide the shock of the tournament so far.
Ian White booked his ticket into the next round of the competition after recording a straight sets win over good friend and our columnist Jamie Caven. White’s doubling wasn’t quite up to scratch and missed many doubles, but Caven couldn’t capitalise, allowing White to advance into the next stage.
Vincent van Der Voort caused the second massive upset of the night as he managed to knock out 11-time Grand Prix Champion Phil Taylor in a last-leg decider in the second set. ‘The Power’ wired the bull for a nine-darter in the first set, but this never phased van der Voort, who’s form on D20 was sublime. The Dutchman was down the Stoke ace’s neck in legs more often than not and was able to capitalised on any mistakes, and did just that, hitting D8 for a massive win.
World Champion and Premier League Champion Gary Anderson ensured he wasn’t on the receiving end of a third shock of the evening and dispatched of fellow Scotsman John Henderson in straight sets. With Taylor and Wade both out, Anderson’s chances of a World Grand Prix title have been boosted significantly.
Robert Thornton was the last man to secure his place in the next round of the competition following a straight sets win over home favourite Daryl Gurney. ‘The Thorn’ fired in a superb 97 average and 66% on the doubles in an excellent display to knock out the last of the remaining Irishmen.
Monday 5th October
First Round
Andrew Gilding 0-2 Simon Whitlock
Justin Pipe 2-1 Steve Beaton
Mervyn King 1-2 Terry Jenkins
James Wade 1-2 Mensur Suljovic
Ian White 2-0 Jamie Caven
Phil Taylor 0-2 Vincent van der Voort
Gary Anderson 2-0 John Henderson
Robert Thornton 2-0 Daryl Gurney
Tuesday 6th October (7pm-11pm)
Second Round
Michael Smith v Jamie Lewis
Dave Chisnall v Jelle Klaasen
Michael van Gerwen v Kim Huybrechts
Adrian Lewis v Mark Webster
