The Grand Slam of Darts got underway at Aldersley Leisure Village, and Anton Ostlund, on his debut in Wolverhampton, clinched an upset 5-4 win against Jonny Clayton in their Group G meeting at Aldersley Leisure Village.
The Swede found himself 2-0 ahead, but Clayton found his feet, and looked well set for maximum points until missing match darts in the final leg proved decisive, as ‘One Ton’ found a clutch 97 finish to confirm an upset win in the West Midlands.
Nathan Aspinall lit up the afternoon session, as he threatened the tournament-record average in storming to a 5-1 win against Maik Kuivenhoven in Group P.
Aspinall was averaging over 116 after finishes of 149 and 120, but missed doubles right at the end meant he had to settle for a 111.68 average in a fine display.
Another to impress was Tommy Morris, and the recent Pro Tour event winner carried on his fine recent form by clocking over a ton in an assured 5-2 win against Josh Rock in Group C.
Ryan Searle saved his best for last in Group F, taking the lead and victory in a final-leg win against Charlie Manby. Winning legs in 11 and then 12 darts confirmed the win for ‘Heavy Metal’.
Tom Sykes kicked off the afternoon’s entertainment in Wolverhampton, and the debutant scored an upset 5-3 win against Luke Woodhouse in Group J.
Sykes was 3-2 down, but found three straight legs to complete an opening-day victory.
Wessel Nijman breezed to the winning post in his first group game, averaging just under 92 in easing past Adam Sevada 5-1 in Group H.
Jermaine Wattimena proved too strong for Lisa Ashton in match one of Group B, with the Dutchman running out a 5-2 winner.
The action continues on Saturday evening, with Luke Littler against Beau Greaves headlining a stacked line-up.
2026 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts
Saturday November 14
Afternoon Session
8x Group Matches (Seeded Player v Player C)
Tom Sykes 5-3 Luke Woodhouse (J)
Jermaine Wattimena 5-2 Lisa Ashton (B)
Stephen Bunting 5-4 Raymond Smith (D)
Ryan Searle 5-4 Charlie Manby (F)
Tommy Morris 5-2 Josh Rock (C)
Wessel Nijman 5-1 Adam Sevada (H)
Nathan Aspinall 5-1 Maik Kuivenhoven (P)
Anton Ostlund 5-4 Jonny Clayton (G)
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
8x Group Matches (Seeded Player v Player C)
Gerwyn Price v Joe Hunt (E)
James Wade v Cam Crabtree (K)
Ross Smith v Rusty-Jake Rodriguez (O)
Michael van Gerwen v Henry Coates (L)
Luke Humphries v Paolo Nebrida (I)
Luke Littler v Beau Greaves (A)
Gian van Veen v Carl Sneyd (M)
Chris Dobey v Jan Schmidt (N)
