The 2025 Grand Slam of Darts rollercoaster continued with another day of shocks, twists, and high drama – as four PDC major winners were sent packing with one group game still to play. For Stephen Bunting, James Wade, Jonny Clayton, and Daryl Gurney, the Grand Slam dream is already over. They’ll have to hang around Wolverhampton a little longer, but their fate is already sealed.
Group B – Dobey Dominates, Lukeman Luckless
Kicking off the afternoon session, Martin Lukeman knew his defeat to Jurjen van der Velde spelled trouble – especially with Chris Dobey still to play Damon Heta later in the session.
His fears were soon confirmed. Dobey cruised to a 5–1 victory, sealing Lukeman’s fate and setting up a straight shootout between Heta and Van der Velde for the group’s second qualifying spot.
Group H – The Ferret Falls
A shock exit for Jonny Clayton, who went down 5–3 to Lukas Wenig. With Danny Noppert edging Cam Crabtree, it means that regardless of what The Ferret does against Noppie, one of Crabtree or Wenig will grab a second win when they meet – and join the former UK Open champion in the knockout stages.
Group C – Bunting’s Bullet Misfires
Fourth seed Stephen Bunting will be furious after bowing out following two 5–4 defeats. The frustration won’t just be about the scorelines, but the circumstances. In his opening loss to Alexis Toylo, the Filipino’s glacial pace clearly threw him off rhythm. An 81 average shouldn’t be enough to beat The Bullet, but it was. Tonight, however, Bunting could have no complaints – Martin Schindler, the German No.1, was simply the better player.
Luke Woodhouse is safely through, while Schindler and Toylo now face a straight shootout for the other qualifying spot.
Group D – Wade Wiped Out
James Wade also won’t progress any further after a heavy defeat to Gerwyn Price sealed his fate. The Iceman produced a whitewash to book a decisive clash with Stefan Bellmont, where the winner will join Ricky Evans as the two to advance from Group D.
Group E – Littler Leads, Gurney Gone
Another former major winner bites the dust, as Daryl Gurney exits following a 5–3 defeat to his former stablemate Karel Sedláček. With reigning World Champion Luke Littler beating Conor Scutt, the final group match between The Sniper and Evil Charlie will decide who joins Littler in the last 16.
Group A – All to Play For
This one is wide open – and by that, we mean all four players can still qualify. Luke Humphries leads on four points after backing up his win over Michael Smith with a whitewash of Alex Spellman.
Here’s the math: if Nathan Aspinall beats Cool Hand Luke, he’s through. If he doesn’t, he’ll need Spellman to upset Bully Boy. Otherwise, Smith will take second place – assuming the American doesn’t whitewash him. (Unlikely.)
Group F – Dutch Duel Looms
The only certainty in Group F is that Lisa Ashton will go no further. The Lancashire Rose was whitewashed 5–0 by Josh Rock, ending her campaign.
Gian van Veen sits on four points, so victory over Rocky in his final match will see him safely through. Wessel Nijman needs to beat Ashton – and do so emphatically – then hope his Dutch compatriot does him a favour against Rock.
Group G – Beau’s Brave Battle Ends
Sadly, Beau Greaves is out, despite producing two superb ton-plus averages against former multiple World Champions. It feels cruel that losing back-to-back last-leg deciders to Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson ends her run – but that’s darts for you. Group G now delivers a mouth-watering finale: MVG vs Anderson, with the winner topping the group.
Remember, The Flying Scotsman has never failed to make it out of his group in any of his 17 Grand Slam appearances. This might be his toughest test yet. For those eliminated already, the difference between finishing 3rd and 4th in the group is £3k so despite not being able to advance to the knockouts, it’s a good few quid to play for.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
