In Saturday’s Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals, teenager Luke Littler faces Jermaine Wattimena, while two-time former world champion Gary Anderson takes on Gian van Veen. I’m acting.
In this tournament, a semifinal lineup has already been decided, and it is a shocking lineup ranked 45th in the world. Martin Lookman Grand Slam debut challenge Mickey Mansell.
Both players will be appearing in their first major semi-finals after Lukeman demolished last year’s runner-up Rob Cross, while 51-year-old Mansell recorded a clean sweep over Cameron Menzies.
So who will join Lukeman and Mansell in the final four?
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Check out the best action from all seven nights of Grand Slam of Darts
Jermaine Watimena vs Luke Littler
Teenage sensation Luke Littler won six of the last seven legs to edge the World Grand Prix champion 10-9 in a last-16 thriller against Mike De Decker.
Littler advanced to the quarter-finals against Jermaine Wattimena after the Dutchman fought back from a loss to Belgium to beat Dimitri van den Bergh in the final decider.
Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardle believes Littler’s composure at 17 is “not the norm” but believes De Decker can one day win the World Darts Championship despite the heartbreaking defeat.
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Wayne Mardle has praised Luke Littler’s composure as he progresses to the Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals after fighting back against Mike De Decker.
Mardle said: “Mike didn’t buckle down. Anyone with one dart at the target can miss it. But as Luke found his rhythm and moved closer and closer, Mike didn’t think it was too much.
“Luke was so good at what he did, and to have that level of composure and belief at his age is not the norm. It’s just not the case.”
“Mike De Decker had to go out at 9 to hit the three-figure shots he did in the last leg, 3 of them off the bounce, and 86, 9 for 12 with darts. It was really good.
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Luke Littler secured his place in the Grand Slam quarter-finals after beating Mike De Decker in the final three.
“But Mike De Decker gets a lot more credit in this tournament, even though he lost and is the reigning champion. He’s a potential world champion. He’s that good.”
Sky Sports’ Mark Webster has praised the Premier League champion’s character in his win over De Decker.
The Welshman said: “It was a great tie, De Decker went ahead and missed a couple of doubles at crucial moments.
“But you recognize that Luke Littler got it back on him, and when he got his chance to throw for the game, he really took it.
“There was a bit of desperation for De Decker. He had one dart for a double. It was just a bullseye but he was able to keep his head high. But it was a fantastic performance for Luke Littler.”
Gary Anderson vs Gian van Veen
Saturday’s other quarter-final was described by Mardle as “fascinating” with the experienced Anderson taking on the in-form Van Veen in his 17th Grand Slam appearance.
The 22-year-old has averaged 100+ in four of his last 16 wins, including an average of 106 and a maximum of seven against Ryan Joyce.
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Gian van Veen advanced to the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts with a 9-2 win over Ryan Joyce.
According to Mardle, the Dutchman’s scorching performance “is what won the championship”. Mardle thinks he appears “untouchable.”
Mardle said: “Until someone wins a major, there’s always a question mark of, ‘Is he good enough to win a major?’ He’s good enough. He’s already proven that in every match. This is better than that.
“If he continues to play like this, no one will come near him. The fact is that he is so good, and if that form continues, he will win.”
“He’s the only one who seems untouchable. Everyone else has a bit of vulnerability at some point. Gian van Veen, not at all. What he does is truly amazing.”
The 51-year-old said: “I think the match between Gian van Veen and Gary Anderson is really fascinating.
“What on earth will happen if Gian van Veen plays like this again? We think these average records are only set by certain people like Gary Anderson, Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor. No, Gian Van Veen knows he can do it. Just another young man who believes he can rule the world, so why not?”
But Anderson, who beat Masters champion Stephen Bunting in the last 16, will be hoping to stop Van Veen and continue his route to a first Grand Slam title after twice finishing runner-up at the event.
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Gary Anderson beats Stephen Bunting 10-6 to advance to Grand Slam quarterfinals
Webster said: “It’s a draw. I was impressed with both players in different ways. Obviously with Gian he kept scoring ridiculous goals and beating guys into submission.
“He did it in the group and we think, ‘Okay, he did it first by 5.’ He made it by 10, so we have to take this guy seriously to change the title.
“But with Gary Anderson he did damage with his finishing and against Gian he will need that. But he needs to score with him or he won’t get those chances.”
The Grand Slam of Darts continues. sky sports
Live Grand Slam of Darts
Saturday, November 16th, 7pm
The last two quarter-finals of the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts will be held on Saturday.
Luke Littler faces Jermaine Watimena, while Gary Anderson faces Gian van Veen.
Watch live from 7pm Sky Sports Main EventTiwa Sky Sports+.
