Terry Jenkins produced a superb performance to book his place in the last 16 of the Grand Slam with a 5-3 win over James Wade, after Justin Pipe blew his chance to progress.
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Jenkins could have ended bottom of Group D, but turned it around to top the group following a gritty display against 2010 finalist Wade.
The Bull fought back from 3-1 down to defeat Wade 5-3, sealing victory with a 100 checkout on two double tops and ending Justin Pipe's hopes of qualifying. Had Pipe beaten Chisnall, he would have made it through, but with the game poised a 4-4, Pipe buckled under pressure and denied himself two darts at double at by bursting the single one.
“It was a real roller-coaster night for me. It looked like Justin Pipe was going to beat Dave Chisnall, which would have made it virtually impossible for me to even qualify. I would have had to beat James 5-0 or 5-1. Now I have to ride my luck and I know I will get better over the longer format,” said Jenkins.
Chisnall cleared up and took a 5-4 consolation win, leaving Pipe praying for a Wade victory, which did not come.
Jenkins will now face home favourite Wayne Jones in round two, with Wade taking on Gary Anderson in what promises to be a thriller.
Anderson banished the doubts by beating an under-par Wayne Jones 5-1 in the final game of the night; a win which means he progresses as group winner.
Dutch youngster Michael van Gerwen sensationally made it through to the last 16 for the first time, with a 5-2 win over Tony O'Shea, who exits the competition as a result.
Might Mike brought his floor form to the stage, wrapping up the match with a terrific 144 checkout. He will face pantomime villain Ted Hankey in the second round, after the former Lakeside champion disposed of Ian White with another fine showing at the Civic.
The Count ended on a 100 average and fired in high checkouts of 90 and 161 (both on the bull) in winning 5-2.
Raymond van Barneveld amazingly finished bottom of his group after ending with another defeat, this time to BDO Number three Dean Winstanley.
Wednesday sees Groups E-H play their final games, with the likes of Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Paul Nicholson all in action.
William Hill Grand Slam of Darts Tuesday Results:
Raymond van Barneveld 2-5 Dean Winstanley
Scott Waites 5-3 Mark Walsh
Brendan Dolan 5-3 Nigel Heydon
Justin Pipe 4-5 Dave Chisnall
Tony O’Shea 2-5 Michael van Gerwen
James Wade 3-5 Terry Jenkins
Ted Hankey 5-2 Ian White
Gary Anderson 5-1 Wayne Jones
