There are several darts tournaments on the calendar that really hit the heights when it comes to excitement. The Grand Slam of Darts is one such tournament. Gone are the days of smoke-filled tournament halls and mediocre players operating at the top end of the sport. The modern darts professional is as committed to their sport as any other leading sportsmen. It is also why the top ten in the world of darts seem to be so far ahead of the rest.
The Grand Slam of Darts takes place between the 12th and 26th November at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall. There is a cool £400,000 in prize money on offer with £100,000 going to the winner. The competition begins with eight groups of four players. The top two in each group reach the last 16, which is then a straight knockout all the way to the final. The early group stages are not going to be dull.
Early Excitement in the Groups
Group E looks very tasty with Gary Anderson facing formidable opposition in Alan Norris and Glen Durrant. The other fascinating line-up is in group G. We see the number six seed James Wade facing James Wilson, Jamie Hughes and Dave Chisnall. In the short race to five legs format then it will be tough to call the winner of that group.
So who will take down the title? As usual, the big names are certain to figure in the final shake up. Michael van Gerwen is the reigning champion. He beat Phil Taylor in an epic final last year 16-13. So it doesn’t come as any surprise that he is the clear favourite again. SkyBet has him at 5/6 which is too short given the strength of the field. Phil Taylor is 13/2 with Coral and better value.
Has “The Power” Peaked
Phil “The Power” Taylor has a record second to none in darts. In fact, it will never be surpassed in all likelihood. With so much powerful competition facing him these days then it is tougher for him to win titles. Gary Anderson has enough big game experience to win this title and he is 7/1 with Stan James. There will be surprises too. The short best of nine format in the group stages will throw up plenty of them.
In fact, the big favourites will be under the greatest pressure early on. Any player that starts with a defeat in the group stages will be under serious pressure. Michael van Gerwen begins his defence against three-time BDO champion Martin “Wolfie” Adams. If Adams can bring his “A” game to the oche then he has the experience to create a shock. The bookies don’t think so, and Bet365 have the Dutchman at 1/9.
