The Tour Card Holder Qualifier for the 2024 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts is set to take place in Leicester today, with 99 players vying for eight coveted spots in the prestigious tournament. The event, which will see 32 players compete for the iconic Eric Bristow Trophy at the WV Active Aldersley in Wolverhampton from November 9-17, has been generating significant buzz, with some big names facing a battle for qualification.
One of the most surprising developments has been the entry of Gerwyn Price, the three-time Grand Slam champion. Price initially declared on Instagram that he would skip the qualifying event following his European Darts Championship final exit last month, stating that he would only participate in the Players Championship Finals and the World Darts Championship this year. However, the 'Iceman' has had a change of heart, making a dramatic U-turn and entering the Tour Card Holder Qualifier, adding his name to the long list of players competing for a coveted spot.
Price's qualification journey
Despite his initial decision to sit out the qualifier, Price's inclusion adds another layer of excitement to the event, which has already been attracting considerable attention. He entered the tournament with a strong performance, averaging 101 in his 5-2 victory over Jurjen van der Velde in the first round, followed by a 5-2 win against Robert Owen in the last 16. His campaign faced a setback in the last eight when he was defeated 5-3 by Mickey Mansell. This defeat, although disappointing, saw Mansell secure his spot in the Grand Slam of Darts, joining a group of eight qualifiers that includes James Wade, Cameron Menzies, Danny Noppert, Ross Smith, Ryan Joyce, Keane Barry, and Martin Lukeman.
The stakes are high
The Tour Card Holder Qualifier has proven to be a challenging battleground for many top players. Notable names like Nathan Aspinall, Raymond van Barneveld, Jonny Clayton, and Dirk van Duijvenbode have all been eliminated, leaving them to watch from the sidelines as the Grand Slam of Darts unfolds.
The event has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the sport. The battle for qualification has been intense, with players leaving everything on the oche in their pursuit of a place in the prestigious tournament. With the field now complete, the focus shifts to the main event in Wolverhampton.
The Grand Slam of Darts Awaits
The Grand Slam of Darts promises to be an electrifying spectacle, with a star-studded cast of players ready to battle for the coveted Eric Bristow Trophy. The event is scheduled to be held from November 9-17, with the 32-player field competing in a round-robin format across the opening four days.
The group stage will be followed by a knockout stage, culminating in the semi-finals and the final on Sunday, November 17. As the players prepare for the intense competition, the anticipation for the Grand Slam of Darts is building, with fans eagerly awaiting the chance to witness the best in the world battle it out.
A Showdown in Wolverhampton
The Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts will undoubtedly be a thrilling affair. With Price's late entry adding a new dimension to the competition, fans are in for a treat. The tournament promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and high-stakes action. With the world's best darts players converging in Wolverhampton, the stage is set for a memorable tournament. The Grand Slam of Darts is set to deliver an unforgettable experience, with excitement and anticipation reaching fever pitch as the tournament unfolds.
