In an exhilarating evening of darts at the Mr. Vegas Grand Slam, Luke Littler led a series of thrilling matches, storming back to clinch a nail-biting victory over Mike De Decker in Wolverhampton. On Day Six of this prestigious £650,000 tournament, held at WV Active Aldersley, the second round came to a close with high drama and skill as Littler, Gary Anderson, Gian van Veen, and Jermaine Wattimena advanced to the last eight.
Luke Littler’s Comeback Shocks Fans in Last-Leg Thriller
All eyes were on 17-year-old Luke Littler, who showcased remarkable composure and skill, recovering from a daunting 8-4 deficit to snatch victory from Mike De Decker in a captivating last-leg shootout. This match had everything, with both players bringing their A-game to a high-stakes contest that electrified the Wolverhampton crowd.
Littler averaged an impressive 103.48 to De Decker’s even higher 104.49, highlighting the sheer quality of the battle. The young star showed resilience under pressure, winning six of the last seven legs and hitting back-to-back 12-darters as he closed in on a famous victory. At one point, De Decker was just a bullseye away from taking the match with a 170 checkout for a 10-7 win. However, Littler’s tenacity denied him, delivering a flurry of high scores to secure his place in the quarter-finals.
After the match, Littler reflected on the contest with pride, “It’s up there with one of the best games I’ve been involved in. Mike played his part in a brilliant game, but I’m really happy to advance to the quarter-finals.” With this win, Littler continues to impress on the big stage, showcasing the poise and potential that makes him one to watch.
Gary Anderson’s Imposing Win Over Bunting
Two-time Grand Slam runner-up Gary Anderson enjoyed a more controlled path to the quarter-finals, defeating Stephen Bunting 10-6 in a match defined by his clinical finishing. Anderson delivered a masterclass, hitting four ton-plus finishes to overpower Bunting and move one step closer to his dream of winning the Eric Bristow Trophy.
After a close start with the opening four legs shared, Anderson found his rhythm, rattling off six legs in succession to establish a commanding 8-2 lead. His precision was evident with 114 and 120 checkouts which underscored his dominance. Although Bunting staged a late rally, winning three consecutive legs to hint at a comeback, Anderson responded with a stunning 138 finish to lead 9-5 before sealing the match with a 103 checkout.
Next up for Anderson is a highly anticipated quarter-final showdown against Gian van Veen. Anderson’s sharp form and experience could give him an edge, but Van Veen is proving to be a formidable opponent as he continues his remarkable run in Wolverhampton.
Gian van Veen’s Continued Dominance with Record-Breaking Averages
Gian van Veen, who has stunned fans with his extraordinary form throughout the tournament, kept up his momentum with a dominant 10-2 victory over Ryan Joyce. The Dutch star maintained his blistering pace, averaging 106.45, landing seven maximums, and hitting 10 out of 17 double attempts in an emphatic display.
Van Veen, who set a record-breaking tournament average of 108.89 in the group stage, showed his focus and determination, winning seven consecutive legs to complete a comfortable win over Joyce. Reflecting on his performance, Van Veen said, “There was always going to be pressure on myself to continue that form, and I’m really happy with that performance. I think if I can maintain this level, it’s going to take a special performance to stop me.”
Van Veen’s next challenge is his first best-of-31-leg match, a format he’s never experienced before. However, his remarkable scoring and finishing power make him a real threat as he sets his sights on the title.
Jermaine Wattimena Survives Van den Bergh’s Match Darts to Advance
In the evening’s opening contest, Jermaine Wattimena pulled off a hard-fought victory against Dimitri Van den Bergh, surviving eight match darts to edge out his opponent in a gripping 10-9 battle. Van den Bergh started strong, racing to a 4-0 lead, but Wattimena fought back with incredible resilience, winning seven of the next eight legs to turn the tide.
Wattimena’s comeback featured clutch shots, including a 126 and an 88 checkout on the bull. As the momentum swung back to Van den Bergh, who hit a pair of ton-plus checkouts, Wattimena stayed composed and secured victory by hitting double eight in the final leg. “I thought it was all over. It was incredible,” Wattimena admitted. Now, the Dutchman prepares to face Luke Littler in the quarter-finals, confident but aware of the challenge ahead.
Quarter-Finals Set for Grand Slam of Darts Showdowns
With the quarter-final lineup now confirmed, fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling night of darts action. The quarter-final matches will be split over two days, with the action kicking off on Friday, when 2023 runner-up Rob Cross takes on Martin Lukeman, and Cameron Menzies faces Mickey Mansell in their first televised ranking quarter-finals.
The remaining two quarter-final matches will be held on Saturday, featuring Wattimena against Littler and Anderson against Van Veen, promising more nail-biting excitement as these players vie for a place in the semi-finals. The Grand Slam of Darts continues to deliver unforgettable moments, and tonight’s lineup is set to bring even more world-class darting action to Wolverhampton.
Friday, November 15 (20:00 GMT+1)
| Player A | Score | Player B |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Menzies | Mickey Mansell | |
| Martin Lukeman | Rob Cross |
Saturday, November 16 (20:00 GMT+1)
| Player A | Score | Player B |
|---|---|---|
| Gary Anderson | Gian van Veen | |
| Jermaine Wattimena | Luke Littler |
Who will make it through to the semi-finals? Fans can tune in at 20:15 GMT+1 to catch all the action as the tension rises in the race for the coveted Eric Bristow Trophy.
Where to Watch the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts Day 6 Last 16
Fans across the globe won’t have to miss a moment of the 2024 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts, with live coverage available on Sky Sports in the UK. International audiences can tune in through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners, including DAZN, Viaplay, and PDCTV (excluding the UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).
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.
Great Night of darts
🎯
Luke vs Mike the best I watched this year 🎯
🎯