Grand Slam: Schindler Falls to Price; Dobey and Smith Clash in Drama
The 2025 Grand Slam of Darts has entered the knockout stage, bringing intense competition to Wolverhampton. The first night of the last 16 saw several gripping matches that highlighted the skill and determination of the players involved.
Schindler Falls to Price
German dart player Martin Schindler faced a challenging match against Gerwyn Price. This marked Schindler’s debut in the knockout phase of the tournament. Unfortunately, he ended up losing 6-10. The match began with Schindler salvaging an opening leg with a remarkable 162 checkout. However, Price quickly countered, taking a 4-1 lead with swift finishes.
Schindler attempted to regain momentum, even narrowing the gap to 5-4. Despite showcasing brief flashes of brilliance, Price’s consistent performance ultimately proved decisive. He capped the match with an impressive 11-darter, sending Schindler out of the competition.
Dramatic Decider: Smith vs Dobey
The evening’s climax featured an exhilarating clash between Michael Smith and Chris Dobey. This match was filled with drama and tension. Both players showcased their skills, with Dobey gaining an early advantage by winning legs with 11 and 12 darts.
However, Smith rallied, turning the tide with a solid performance. At one stage, Dobey led 6-2 but failed to capitalize on match darts, allowing Smith to equalize. The final leg saw multiple missed opportunities from Dobey, and Smith ultimately sealed a thrilling 10-9 victory with a decisive finish.
Humphries Advances Despite Injuries
In another standout performance, Luke Humphries showcased his talent despite being physically unwell. He achieved an outstanding average of 108 in his 10-3 victory over Jurjen van der Velde. Humphries dominated the early legs, allowing his opponent limited scoring chances until he sealed his spot in the quarter-finals.
Ricky Evans Stages a Comeback
In a surprising turn of events, Ricky Evans managed to come from behind to defeat Luke Woodhouse 10-9. The match featured early exchanges of breaks, with both players displaying their skill. Although Woodhouse seemed to have the upper hand, Evans fought back, culminating in a dramatic final leg that saw him clinch victory with a timely finish.
Upcoming Matches
The excitement continues at the Grand Slam of Darts with more matches scheduled. On Thursday, November 13, four additional matches will take place:
- Lukas Wenig vs Niko Springer
- Josh Rock vs Connor Scutt
- Luke Littler vs Wessel Nijman
- Michael van Gerwen vs Danny Noppert
Fans can catch all the action live on Sport1 and DAZN, with coverage starting at 20:00 CET. The total prize money for the tournament stands at £650,000, further intensifying the competition.
Prize Distribution
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| Winner | £150,000 |
| Runner-Up | £70,000 |
| Semi-Finalist | £50,000 |
| Quarter-Finalist | £25,000 |
| Round of 16 | £12,250 |
| Group Winner Bonus | £3,500 |
| Group 3 Finish | £8,000 |
| Group 4 Finish | £5,000 |
The Grand Slam of Darts continues to deliver excitement and high-caliber performances, promising an action-packed tournament ahead.