‘The Bull’ – last year’s Grand Slam runner-up – raced into a 4-1 lead against Darin Young, as the American missed countless darts at doubles.
And after missing two darts for the match in the 7th leg, D9 took Jenkins through.
“I can play a lot better than that and I will have to as the week goes on, but to get through with a game to spare is still pleasing,” Jenkins said.
What a performance from James Wade and what a contrast to his first match, when he averaged 79 in beating Gary Mawson.
This time, Wade was on fire – and came from 0-3 down to beat Robert Thornton 5-3 in one of the best matches of the Grand Slam so far.
Cheered on by partner Helen Chamberlain, Wade averaged 108.9 and if he continues to play like that, he will be a major player for the rest of the tournament.
‘The Machine’ was well-oiled and unbelievably averaged 117.5 at the break and he found himself 1-3 down!
Thornton hit seven perfect darts in one leg and to be honest, Wade didn’t do too much wrong!
But the Unicorn ace was simply brilliant….three 180s in consecutive legs took him in front after Thornton had missed three chances at a double and Wade finished it off with a cool 88 finish.
“That was much better, wasn’t it!” he said. “But that is the type of performance that I am striving for on a regular basis.”
In the all Unicorn battle, Andy Hamilton kept his hopes alive but for Gary Mawson, it’s the end of the road, after a 5-2 Hamilton win.
Mawson can’t now qualify and despite winning the first two legs, the American couldn’t keep it going….Hamilton won five on the trot but knows that he now has to beat Wade in his last match if he wants to stay in the event….and ‘The Hammer’ will have to improve on an average of just 87!
But it’s all turned into a nightmare Grand Slam for Lewis, who again looked way off the pace and was well beaten by Denis Ovens to end his hopes.
Lewis started well enough – going 2-0 in front – but as in his first match against Young, he then proceeded to lose his way – averaging only 81 – and Ovens won it with a 120 finish.
Elsewhere on Monday night, the much anticipated Hankey/Mardle clash made more headlines for the walk-on’s than the quality of the darts.
‘The Count’ was booed and heckled again and missed 30 darts at doubles but still managed to win 5-4.
Gary Anderson was impressive, averaging 98 in his win over Steve Beaton and he’s all but booked his place in the knock-out stages.
And Simon Whitlock came from behind to win a high quality affair against Scott Waites, with the Australian taking out 142 to win the deciding leg.
Results – Monday night:
Co Stompe 4-5 Kevin McDine
Tuesday’s final group matches:
Mervyn King v Darryl Fitton
By STUART PYKE in Wolverhampton
Photo courtesy Lawrence Lustig / PDC
