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Josh Rock and Michael van Gerwen reach Grand Slam of Darts knockouts

Josh Rock was among those to make it through to round two (Image: Kieran Cleeves/PDC)
Josh Rock was among those to make it through to round two (Image: Kieran Cleeves/PDC)

Josh Rock and Michael van Gerwen booked their places in the Grand Slam of Darts knockout stages, while reigning champion Luke Littler set up a blockbuster encounter against Wessel Nijman, who also made it through on the final day of the round-robin phase.

Rock produced a clinical display to dump out Gian van Veen, pinning five of his ten attempts at double to seal a 5-2 success and claim top spot in Group F.

The Antrim native will now go on to face Connor Scutt on Thursday evening to fight it out for a quarter-final place.

"Obviously Gian beat me here last year, so it was good to put that right," said Rock.

"I put myself under so much pressure because I knew I had to win, and I think Gian did exactly the same thing, but thankfully I got over the line."

Meanwhile, Van Gerwen overcame his great rival Gary Anderson to clinch top spot in Group G, averaging 108.45 to set up an all-Dutch affair against Danny Noppert in the second round.

World champion Litttler, who was already assured of qualification prior to Tuesday's play, maintained his impeccable record with a 5-1 drubbing of Derry's Daryl Gurney, who exits without a win to his name.

"I knew I needed a few legs to finish top, so I'm really happy to make it three wins from three," said Littler.

"Daryl was there and thereabouts tonight, but now it’s down to the business end. I always enjoy the longer format, and hopefully I can produce my best darts on Thursday."

Dutch player Nijman needed a convincing win against already-eliminated Lisa Ashton to progress from Group F.

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