Darts
2024 Grand Slam of Darts: Martin Lukeman Defeats Last Year’s Runner-up Rob Cross
Underdog Martin Lukeman did the unthinkable by defeating former World Champion Rob Cross to reach the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals.
The second quarterfinal of the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts featured Rob Cross, the tournament's only remaining seeded player and last year’s runner-up, taking on underdog Martin Lukeman.
Earlier in the week, Lukeman shared that he’s already dreaming about lifting the trophy on stage with his wife by his side, but Cross will be doing everything in his power to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Lukeman’s Bullseye Magic
The match began as many punters would have predicted, as Voltage sped off to an early 4-1 lead, showcasing an impressive checkout percentage of 66.7%.
But the next five legs were a switch in the script. From 5-1 down, Lukeman quickly stepped up his game with a rally of outstanding finishes, starting with a 93, then 86 and 121 both finishes off on the bullseye to tie the game in at 5-5.
Class from ‘Smash’
Lukeman continued his dominant run, surging to an 8-5 lead with seven consecutive legs, leaving Cross looking like a deer caught in the headlights.
Cross eventually ended the streak to pull it back to 8-6, but Lukeman responded with an incredible 144 finish to take a commanding 9-6 lead and close out the third mini session.
Nothing to Split the Two
Cross at times looked down and out but he found a way to fight back. The former world champion started to show signs of his world-class standard, winning four of the next five legs to tie the game back up at 10-10.
At this stage, Lukeman seemed to be throwing the better arrows, but nothing could split the topsy turvy affair.
Lukeman Sprints to the Finish line
From 10-10, Lukeman shifted into another gear. He was relentless on the oche, winning six of the next seven legs to beat Cross 16-11, sealing his spot in the semi-final, which will be his first ever at a televised ranking event.
In the unlikeliest match, he will face Northern Ireland’s Mickey Mansell for a spot in the final. He is one step closer to having that famous photo with his wife on the stage.
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