Ted Hankey beats Wayne Mardle (Pic: Lawrence Lustig/PDC)

Hankey keeps his Slam hopes alive

Published: Tuesday, 17 November 2009, 9:06AM

Ted Hankey bounced back to winning ways in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts on Monday night, while James Wade turned up the heat at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall with a sensational display.

Hankey, the current BDO World Champion, was jeered during a 5-3 loss to Scott Waites in Sunday's opening fixture, but silenced any critics by taking victory.

He now meets Simon Whitlock in Wednesday's final group games, although will need to improve his finishing after missing almost 30 doubles against Mardle.

“The crowd were still on my back but I’ve got through it and that’s all that matters,” said Hankey. “I played better than I did on Sunday but I missed too many doubles.”

Hankey now meets Simon Whitlock on Wednesday, with the Australian securing a second successive victory with a 142 finish to defeat Scott Waites in the deciding leg of their clash.

Wade, meanwhile, produced the best performance of the tournament so far with a 108.90 average in coming from 3-0 down to defeat Robert Thornton 5-3.

Thornton included a brilliant ten-darter in taking the first three legs, but Wade landed four 180s in a superb burst to sweep to victory.

Thornton now needs to defeat Gary Mawson if he is to progress to the last 16, while Wade takes on Andy Hamilton in their Group H decider.

Hamilton also came from behind, winning five straight legs to defeat Mawson 5-2 earlier on Monday.

Gary Anderson booked his spot in the second round with an impressive 5-2 win over Steve Beaton, hitting five from eight attempts at a double in a second successive victory.

Beaton and Kevin McDine will battle for a spot in the last 16 on Wednesday, after the youngster defeated Co Stompe in a deciding leg.

Terry Jenkins joined Anderson in securing a second round spot with his 5-3 win over Darin Young, while Adrian Lewis is eliminated after he suffered a second successive defeat, losing to Denis Ovens by the same scoreline.

PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts

Monday Results - Groups E-H Second Games

Kevin McDine 5-4 Co Stompe

Andy Hamilton 5-2 Gary Mawson

Denis Ovens 5-3 Adrian Lewis

Ted Hankey 5-4 Wayne Mardle

Gary Anderson 5-2 Steve Beaton

James Wade 5-3 Robert Thornton

Terry Jenkins 5-3 Darin Young

Simon Whitlock 5-4 Scott Waites