The Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals delivered two unforgettable performances, showcasing the sport’s unpredictability and excitement. Luke Littler set a record with the most dominant quarter-final victory in tournament history, while Gary Anderson demonstrated why experience often prevails under pressure.
Luke Littler: The Nuke Explodes with Record-Breaking Performance
Luke Littler is rewriting the darts narrative, one match at a time. In a jaw-dropping display of power scoring and clinical finishing, Littler demolished Jermaine Wattimena 16-2. The victory not only secured his semi-final spot but also etched his name in history as the most one-sided quarter-final win in Grand Slam history.
From the start, Littler was unstoppable:
- Seven 180s in five legs left Wattimena reeling as Littler surged to a 4-1 lead.
- He followed with a majestic 167 checkout, extending his dominance to 5-1 at the first break.
- Wattimena managed one more leg, but Littler responded with eight consecutive legs, including a breathtaking 164 checkout, taking the score to 13-2.
- The grand finale? A stylish 110 checkout, sealing the historic victory with a 105.1 average and 12 maximums.
The young prodigy, who faced criticism before the tournament for his perceived struggles in major events, has silenced all doubters. Littler’s focus and precision make him the favorite for Finals Sunday.
Gary Anderson: Experience Wins the Day in a Gritty Battle
While Littler stole the headlines, Gary Anderson delivered his masterclass in resilience, defeating rising Dutch star Gian van Veen 16-14 in a nail-biter. Anderson, a two-time World Champion, is no stranger to Grand Slam semi-finals, and his fifth appearance in the last four came courtesy of unwavering composure and deadly doubles.
Key moments defined Anderson’s victory:
- He set the tone early with a 124 bullseye checkout, asserting his experience over Van Veen’s youthful exuberance.
- Anderson maintained control, never allowing Van Veen to equalize. He extended his lead with a string of checkouts: 85, 90, and 120, achieving a 56% accuracy on doubles.
- Despite Van Veen’s relentless push to stay in the match, Anderson held firm, finally clinching the win with a double 12 finish.
It wasn’t a flashy performance, but it was a testament to Anderson’s ability to handle pressure. With Littler as his next opponent, Anderson will need every ounce of that experience to advance to the final.
Semi-Finals Set: Youth Meets Experience
The stage is set for an explosive semi-final lineup:
- Mickey Mansell vs. Martin Lukeman – A battle of two players aiming for their first Grand Slam final.
- Luke Littler vs. Gary Anderson – A clash of darting generations, with Littler’s momentum facing Anderson’s seasoned grit.
Semi-Final Schedule – Sunday, November 17
- 14:15 GMT+1: Mickey Mansell vs. Martin Lukeman
- 16:00 GMT+1: Luke Littler vs. Gary Anderson
The question now is: Can Littler continue his historic run, or will Anderson’s experience prove too much? One thing is certain—darts fans are in for an unforgettable Finals Sunday.
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Ben Evans is a passionate darts writer with a keen eye for statistics and news. With years of experience following the PDC scene, Ben brings in-depth coverage of tournaments, player performances, and emerging dart trends. Known for his detailed analysis and love for the game, he keeps fans updated with the latest stats, match insights, and memorable moments. When he’s not covering the action on the oche, Ben enjoys a game of darts, staying sharp on the sport he loves.