Lukeman and Mansell book a date in the semi-finals as the drama continues at the Grand Slam of Darts
Lukeman and Mansell book a date in the semi-finals as the drama continues at the Grand slam of dart
Martin Lukman and Mickey manshell will clash in the semi-finals of the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts, following their dream runs in Wolverhampton on Friday.
Lukeman upset world number four Rob Cross with a 16-11 victory, while Mansell defeated Cameron Menzies 16-15 in an epic battle to reach their first TV ranking semi-finals.
Last year’s runner-up Cross appeared to be on his way to the final four after racing to a 5-1 lead, only for Lukeman to respond with four straight legs, including a 121 finish on the bullseye.
Lukeman continued his blistering run with a fantastic 144 checkout to take a 9–6 lead. Cross responded with consecutive ton-plus checkouts to reduce the deficit to one leg.
Cross battled back to 10-10, but Lukeman ran to the finish line for his greatest victory of his career, and he would only win one more leg.
“It’s absolutely brilliant but I’ve got two more to go,” said Lukeman. “I’ve been dreaming of winning the title since the group stages.
“I fear no one; I’ve beaten all the big players before so why not here?
“I’ve been practicing a lot over the last few months and it’s showing on the big stage.
“I’ve always been a slow starter and I knew I had plenty of time to come back into it so I didn’t panic.
“Mickey is a gentleman and a good player but I’m up for a war on Sunday.”
After a long battle with Menzies, veteran Mansell advanced to his first TV ranking semi-final.
Lukeman and Mansell book a date in the semi-finals as the drama continues at the Grand Slam of Darts (PDC)
The two were participating in their first TV ranking quarter-finals, and it took all 31 legs to separate them. In a thrilling final leg, Mansell maintained his composure.
Mansell won eight of the following twelve legs to tie the match at 8-8 after Menzies, the October Players Championship tournament winner, jumped out to a 4-0 lead.
Mansell took the lead for the first time in a 12-dart leg at 11-10, but Menzies stormed back with his third ton-plus checkout of the game to grab a 13-12 lead.
Menzies struck back to force a decisive leg after Mansell put down 80 to pull within one leg of win at 15-14.
Mansell was first to a finish and the Northern Irishman made no mistake on 59, pinning double top at the first attempt to secure his spot in the final four. The match was tense and saw both players struggle to achieve huge scores
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said an emotional Mansell. “I’ve put in so many hours of practice over the years for this moment.
“Not many people get these opportunities and tonight was an opportunity I couldn’t let pass.
“My scoring was fantastic tonight, I felt I was the better player but I was just missing too many doubles.
“All of a sudden the doubles left me but I stuck in there and tops came good for me in the end.
“I’ve probably never felt nerves like I did in the last leg but I’ve been in the same situation against Brendan Dolan at the World Championship; I lost on that occasion but I learnt from it.”