Lukeman set for second Cross clash at Grand Slam of Darts

Martin Lukeman will be hoping history repeats itself when he meets Rob Cross in the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts and keep alive his dream of being pictured on stage with his wife.

The Watford thrower reached his second televised last-eight clash of the year with a convincing 10-5 victory over Ross Smith in front of the Sky Sports cameras last night to continue his impressive debut in the prestigious event in Wolverhampton.

The 39-year-old, nicknamed ‘Smash’, will now face last year’s runner-up and the highest seed left in the draw for a second time in the competition tomorrow night, having beaten the world No. 4 5-3 in their Group C clash at the weekend.

“This is my second TV quarter-final of the year, so I’m feeling good,” said Lukeman, who also reached the quarter-finals of the UK Open in March.

“It would mean the world to me to win this title. It’s not about the money; I just want that picture on stage with my wife.”

After sharing the opening six legs of the last-16 clash with Smith, Lukeman took control with a three-leg burst and he also took out a superb 121 finish with a bull to continue his progress in the event.