Scots not on the rocks as two march on

Anderson picked up his third win from as many round-robin matches as he overcame Andy Boulton 5-1 in their last Group E contest.

The PDC World Champion has averaged over 100 in each of his matches as he moved into the last 16 with the minimum of fuss last night.

"I'm happy with the way my darts are going," said Anderson. "It's been alright so far and even though I didn't hit as many 180s as I wanted to tonight, I hit my doubles well.

"I'd love to go on and win this tournament now. It's my favourite event but the players are getting harder and harder so I've got to take it one match at a time.

"In the group stage it's first to five and anything can happen, but I prefer the longer games and I can settle into that now tomorrow in the second round."

Thornton, meanwhile, came from 4-2 down against Terry Jenkins to claim a narrow 5-4 victory which ensured he tops Group G.

Jenkins also progressed on leg difference, despite Belgium's Geert De Vos averaging 113.86 in a stunning 5-0 whitewash of Jonny Clayton, which took less than nine minutes.

Thornton, last month's World Grand Prix winner, punished Jenkins for missing five match darts across the last three legs as he claimed the win and a £2,500 group winner bonus.

"Terry was due a cracking game and he produced it tonight, and I had to fight all the way to get the win and it's great to finish top," said Thornton.

"I've won my group before and I'm happy to have won all three games. My scoring's holding up well and I'm playing okay."

Phil Taylor secured his spot in the last 16 unbeaten in Group H with a 5-2 defeat of Rowby-John Rodriguez, meaning that Robbie Green also progresses following his earlier 5-1 defeat of Martin Phillips.

Meanwhile, Martin 'Wolfie' Adams is aiming to reach the second round with a third straight win as he faces Steve Beaton at the Civic tonight.

Adams, a three-time BDO world champion, has enjoyed wins over Ian White and Jelle Klaasen so far in his first Grand Slam of Darts appearance.

The 59-year-old will play another former Lakeside kingpin, veteran star Steve Beaton, as he bids to secure a spot in the knockout last 16.

Adams has not played Beaton since 2002, after his rival moved onto the PDC circuit, but the pair will lock horns once more tonight.

"I haven't played Steve for a long time, so I'm looking forward to it," said Adams.

"Steve's a great player, you can't underestimate him. When he's cooking, he's cooking.

"We're both in our 50s but it's like riding a bike, and the great thing with our sport is that there's no limitations with your age; if you're good enough, you're old enough!"

Beaton reached the Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals in 2010, defeating Phil Taylor along the way, and is aiming for a victory against Adams to boost his challenge.

"It will be good to play my old mate Martin again," said Beaton. "We still see each other on the exhibition circuit but it's a long time since we've played in competition.

"Obviously I need to win to get through and that's all I'll be looking at because I'd love to have another good run here.

"I love this event and the venue, especially because the crowd are very close to you and there's a great atmosphere."

Adams, meanwhile, has enjoyed a seamless debut in the Grand Slam, with the high-profile BDO star laughing along with the wolf-whistles and howls which inevitably accompany his "Wolfie" nickname.

"I'm enjoying it, loving it," added Adams. "All I've heard about the crowd is untrue - they're absolutely fantastic. There's been a bit of banter but they're a great crowd, they all love darts and that's the main thing."

Tonight's final group games also see 2004 Lakeside Champion Andy Fordham bidding to defeat Michael Smith and win a spot in the second round, following The Viking's victory over Wolverhampton's Wayne Jones on Sunday night.

"I saw a little bit of the old Andy Fordham in there, the guy who just gets up there and does it," said Adams. "I wish him all the best because he's found his form and he's building on it and getting better and better."

Michael van Gerwen continues his bid to claim his first Grand Slam title against qualifier Steve West tonight, with Kim Huybrechts and Mark Oosterhuis also meeting in Group A.

Klaasen faces White in the other Group B contest alongside Adams' decider with Beaton, while Fordham's clash with Smith follows the earlier game between Adrian Lewis and Jones.

Nine-dart hero Dave Chisnall, who achieved a perfect leg on Sunday night, takes on Lakeside Champion Scott Mitchell, while Peter Wright and Mervyn King do battle in a straight shoot-out for a second round spot.

Tickets are available from the Wolves Civic Box Office in person or by calling 0870 320 7000.