Teenager Luke Littler takes on Jermaine Watimena in the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts on Saturday, while former two-time world champion Gary Anderson takes on Gian van Ven.
The tournament has already decided one semi-final line-up and it’s a shocker with the world number 45 Martin Lukeman playing a Grand Slam debutant Mickey Mansell.
Both players will be making their first major semi-final since Lookman upset last year’s runner-up Rob Cross, while 51-year-old Mansell prevailed over Cameron Menzies.
So who will join Luqman and Mansell in the final four?
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Check out the best action from night seven of the Grand Slam of Darts
Jermaine Watimena vs Luke Littler
Teenage sensation Luke Littler won a last-16 thriller against Mike De Decker as Nook won six of the last seven legs to trail the world grand prix champion 10-9.
Littler’s loss to the Belgian forced him to set up a last-eight clash against Jermaine Vatimena after the Dutchman fought back to beat Dimitri van den Bergh in the last match.
Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardle believes Littler’s composure at 17 is “not the norm” but believes De Decker can one day lift the World Darts Championship despite his heartbreaking defeat.
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Wayne Mardle praises Luke Littler’s composure after battling Mike De Decker to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam darts.
Mardle said: “Mike didn’t flinch. One arrow at the bull, anyone can miss it. But as Luke found his rhythm and got closer and closer, it wasn’t like Mike thought it was all too much.
“Luke has just done his job so well and to have that composure, that belief at that age, it’s not the norm, it’s just not.
“What he did in the last round, the triple-digit shots he had, three in the jump, and then the 86 finish, 12 shots, nine all in darts, Mike De Decker had to do. nine had to go out, that’s how good it was.
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Luke Littler stunned Mike De Decker in the last three games to book his place in the Grand Slam quarter-finals
“But Mike De Decker, even though he lost and he’s the defending champion, he came out of this tournament with more credit. He is a potential world champion. He’s so good.”
Sky Sports’ Mark Webster praised the Premier League champions’ character in their win over De Decker.
The Welshman said: “It was a brilliant draw. De Decker came out on top and he missed a couple of doubles at key moments.
“But you relate to Luke Littler’s character. And when he got that chance to throw for a game, he really took it.
“A bit of a disappointment for De Decker. He did hit one arrow during the double. it was only bull but he can hold his head up. But it was a fantastic performance for Luke Littler.”
Gary Anderson vs Jian van Veen
Mardle labeled Saturday’s other quarter-final as “exciting” with the experienced Anderson in his 17th Grand Slam appearance facing Van Veen.
The 22-year-old has averaged 100+ in his four wins, including an average of 106 and seven maximums in his last-16 win over Ryan Joyce.
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Jian van Veen defeated Ryan Joyce to reach the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam darts with a 9-2 victory.
The Dutchman’s hot performances are “championship stuff”, according to Mardle, who believes he looks “untouchable”.
Mardle said: “Until someone wins a major, there’s always that question mark. “Are they good enough to win a profession?” He is good enough.
“Nobody’s going to get close to him if he keeps playing like this. It’s that he’s that good and it’s a case of him winning if that form continues.
“He’s the only one who seemed untouchable. Everyone else has had a bit of a weakness at some point. Jian Wan Win, none. It’s amazing what he’s doing.”
The 51-year-old specialist added: “I think that the game between Gian van Ven and Gary Anderson is fascinating.
“If Jian Wan Win plays like this again, then what? We think average records are set for some people like Gary Anderson, for example Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor. No. Jian Wang Wen is another young man who believes he can. rule the world and why not?”
But Anderson, who beat Masters champion Stephen Bunting in the last 16, will be hoping to stop Van Veen and stay on course for a first Grand Slam title after finishing as runner-up twice.
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Gary Anderson beats Steven Bunting 10-6 to reach Grand Slam quarterfinals
Webster said: “It’s a definite draw. I was impressed with both players in different ways. Obviously for Gian, he just kept scoring those ridiculous goals and just beat the players.
“He did it in the group, and we’re like, ‘Hey!’ “Okay, it’s first at five.” He did it first to 10, so we need to start taking this guy seriously for a title shot.
“But with Gary Anderson he’s damaged his finishing and he’ll need that against Can, but he’s got to score with him or he won’t get those chances.”
Grand Slam Darts Live! Sky Sports
Live Grand Slam of Darts
Saturday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m
The last two quarterfinals of the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts will take place on Saturday.
Luke Littler will face Jermaine Watimena, while Gary Anderson and Gian van Wien will meet.
Watch the live stream from 19:00 Sky Sports Main event and: Sky Sports+.
