Ronnie loses game 2 in The Grand Slam

16/11/2010

Paul Nicholson remains unbeaten in Group G as he defeated Ronnie 5-3 in Wolverhampton. Ronnie must now beat Arron Monk on Wednesday evening to progress to Round 2.

Nicholson took leg 1 after both players had missed darts at double top, Ronnie levelled in a leg which both players scored maximums. The next 2 legs went with throw before Nicholson went 3-2 up then missed 4 darts to break as Ronnie once again levelled on double 2.

Ronnie started leg 7 with a 177, but failed to capitalise on a missed bullseye from Nicholson as he missed 2 darts at double 6 and 3 as the Geordie hit double 16 for a 4-3 lead. Despite Ronnie hitting 3 ton-plus scores in the next leg, Nicholson took out an 84 fn double 18 for a 14 darts leg and a very precious win.

"It means a lot for me to win again because I'm trying to get my confidence back after a bad run of form" said Nicholson. "If I play like I have done so far in the tournament in my last group game on Wednesday against Steve Beaton and keep gaining confidence, then hopefully I can kick on if I reach the knock-out stages"

Ronnie must now defeat Arron Monk on Wednesday night to progress and admitted "My doubles failed me a couple of times and that proved to be the difference. It's a short format and you've got to get in and out as quickly as possible, and I'll have to do that against Arron on Wednesday."