PDC and BDO players react to 'brutal' Grand Slam of Darts draw

The Grand Slam of Darts draw has been made and some players are happier than others with the groups they have been handed in Wolverhampton.

Group H is an eye-catching quartet of players, with Michael Smith, Nathan Aspinall, Martin Schindler and Glen Durrant making up the foursome.

Smith, who is the seeded player in the group, was quick to react to the news, tweeting: ‘I love easy draws ?? lol’

Aspinall also saw the funny side of the incredibly difficult draw, replying: ‘Brutal big lad haha.’

PDC star Durrant has qualified for the Grand Slam as a BDO representative as their reigning world champion, and therefore will not see his prize money count towards the Order of Merit.

When asked by a fan for his thoughts on the draw, Duzza replied with just one word: ‘Tough.’

BDO player Dave Parletti is making his debut in the tournament and will take on Gary Anderson, Darren Webster and Willie O’Connor, in a much more lenient group.

Parletti wrote: ‘Still literally pinching myself at the draw, 3 top players, and sharing a stage with a Word Champion!! Thanks again for @OfficialPDC and @BDOdarts for the opportunity and @One80Dart for the constant support!! #IGraftedAllMyLittleWayUpToHere.’

2019 Grand Slam of Darts draw

Group A 

  • Michael van Gerwen
  • Adrian Lewis
  • Ross Smith
  • Jim Williams

Group B

  • James Wade
  • Ian White
  • Steve Lennon
  • Wesley Harms

Group C

  • Gerwyn Price
  • Dimitri van den Bergh
  • Robert Thornton
  • Mikuru Suzuki

Group D 

  • Gary Anderson
  • Darren Webster
  • William O’Connor
  • Dave Parletti

Group E

  • Rob Cross
  • Dave Chisnall
  • Jamie Hughes
  • Lisa Ashton

Group F

  • Peter Wright
  • Danny Noppert
  • Ryan Harrington
  • Wayne Warren

Group G

  • Daryl Gurney
  • Brendan Dolan
  • Gabriel Clemens
  • Richard Veenstra

Group H

  • Michael Smith
  • Nathan Aspinall
  • Martin Schindler
  • Glen Durrant

World number one Michael van Gerwen gave his thoughts ahead of the draw, once again making known his desire to win every bit of silverware available in the PDC.

‘My head is already in next week, I’m looking forward to the Grand Slam,’ said the world champion. ‘I want to win anything what I’m competing in, everyone knows what I’m capable of and what I can do.

‘I keep trying to do the thing what I’m good at and that’s playing darts. I love what I do and that’s really important as well.

‘I feel good at the moment and I don’t think I’m far off my best form but I have to show it next week again to win the title.

‘I know there’s more in the tank and I’m capable of doing more.’

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