Darts
2024 Grand Slam of Darts: Mickey Mansell Reaches His First Ever Major Semi-final
Northern Irishman Mickey Mansell reached his maiden PDC televised semi-final, after beating Cameron Menzies 16-15.
In the first quarterfinal of the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts, Scottish prodigy Cameron Menzies and Northern Irish veteran Mickey Mansell stepped up to a stage neither had experienced before. Competing in their first-ever PDC televised ranking quarterfinal, both underdogs embraced the long format, battling to be the first to reach 16 legs and claim a coveted spot in the semifinals.
The matchup was as much about grit as it was about ambition. Mansell, who had dispatched former UK Open champion Danny Noppert in the previous round, faced off against Menzies, who had impressively toppled PDC major winner James Wade.
Cammy Edges Ahead in Early Stages
The Scot came out firing, racing to a commanding start by winning the first four legs without reply. Mansell, however, showed resilience, pulling back a leg to make it 4-1 heading into the first break.
The second mini session proved more challenging for Menzies. Mansell found his rhythm and managed to take three of the next five legs. But a stunning 114 checkout from ‘Cammy’ ensured he maintained the upper hand, holding a 6-4 lead.
Mansell Fights Back
Mansell continued to battle hard, taking the next mini session 3-2 and closing the gap to just one leg at 8-7.
The Clonoe Cyclone then levelled the match at 8-8, marking the first time the scores had been even since the opening leg.
Menzies responded with renewed intensity, producing impressive finishes of 97 and 87 to reclaim a two-leg lead at 10-8.
However, fatigue began to take a toll on the Scot as Mansell kept pushing, winning the next two legs to even the score at 10-10. By this point, the match had stretched over an exhausting hour and 15 minutes on the oche.
Image credit: PDC
Menzies' Finishing vs. Mansell's 11 Maximums
The 51-year-old then took the lead for the first time in the match at 11-10, only for Menzies to respond with two impressive three-dart checkouts. Menzies first tied the game at 11-11 with a 126 finish, and then delivered an even more remarkable 130 checkout on the bull to edge ahead at 13-12.
The match was soon level again at 14-14, with both players needing just two legs to win. Despite being heavily outscored by Mansell, who recorded an impressive 11 maximums, Menzies remained in contention thanks to his exceptional finishing, boasting a checkout rate of nearly 52%.
Mansell into the Semis
In a crucial crescendo to the match, it went all the way to a one leg shootout with the match sat at 15-15, and the tension could be cut with a knife on the oche.
Mansell had the composure to close out the last leg, with a clinical 59 two-dart checkout to seal the deal.
He will now have the tough task of facing either Martin Lukeman, or last year’s finalist Rob Cross.
Recommended Articles
Meet Louis Hobbs, our esteemed authority on all matters sports-related. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Louis effortlessly emerges as our go-to expert. His particular expertise in the realms of darts and snooker sets him apart and brings a level of insight that goes beyond the ordinary. Louis also holds a deep affection for all things related to US sports, with a special emphasis on basketball and American football, which stand out as his particular favorites. His content may not resonate with you, if you don't consider Lamar Jackson the most skilled player in the NFL.