'I fear no one' - Lukeman reaches first major semi-final

Martin Lukeman produced the best result of his career to stun world Rob Cross and reach the first major semi-final of his career at the Grand Slam of Darts.

The Watford thrower beat the world No. 4 16-11 and will now meet Mickey Mansell in the last-four tomorrow for a place in the final in Wolverhampton.

It continued a wonderful run in the tournament for the 39-year-old, who came through qualifying before winning all his matches in Group C, including beating last year’s runner-up Cross 5-3, to reach the knockout stages.

"It's absolutely brilliant but I've got two more to go," said Lukeman. "I've been dreaming of winning the title since the group stages.

"I fear no one; I've beaten all the big players before so why not here?

"I've been practicing a lot over the last few months and it's showing on the big stage.

"I've always been a slow starter and I knew I had plenty of time to come back into it so I didn't panic.

"Mickey is a gentleman and a good player but I'm up for a war on Sunday."

Cross looked to be heading for the semi-finals after racing into a 5-1 lead, but Lukeman hit back with four consecutive legs, including a 121 finish on bullseye.

A superb 144 checkout saw Lukeman continue to take control as he opened up a 9-6 lead, only for Cross to fight back and pull level at 10-10.

But the Watford player then powered away to win six of the next seven legs to book his place in the semi-finals.