Shock as Phil Taylor overpowered by Darren Webster in whitewash
Brendan Dolan snatched qualification for the knockout stage of the SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Dart by defeating Martin Adams 5-3 at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall last night, as Phil Taylor was whitewashed by Darren Webster.
Northern Irish ace Dolan eliminated three-time BDO Lakeside Champion Adams with his victory in their decisive Group A clash, in a result which also knocked out Germany's Max Hopp.
Dolan now qualifies alongside Michael van Gerwen - who won his third successive group match as he saw off Hopp 5-1 - to move through to Wednesday's second round.
"It means so much for me to get through the group," said Dolan. "There was a lot of pressure and tension there for both of us.
"I've never been one to suffer from nerves and I don't usually get like that, but as soon as I got on stage the importance of the game and the fact that I was playing a great player like Martin hit me.
"I didn't handle it as well as I could but I got the result. I've had a poor year but this is the third time I've made the last 16 on TV and I can build on this."
Six-time Grand Slam of Darts winner Phil Taylor had already qualified for the knockout stage after two Group D wins over the weekend, but ended the round-robin phase with an uncharacteristic whitewash to Darren Webster.
The Stoke legend was punished for missing seven darts at doubles as Webster claimed a consolation victory.
PDC World Champion Gary Anderson secured progression with a third successive victory of the group stage as he overcame Alan Norris 5-2.
Dutchman Benito van de Pas also closed out the group stage with a third successive win as he overcame Adrian Lewis 5-2, with the two-time World Champion knocked out without claiming a point over the three days.
