The 2023 Grand Slam of Darts gets underway this weekend with 32 of the world’s best players aiming to get their hands on the prestigious trophy.
Michael Smith defeated Nathan Aspinall 16–5 in the 2022 final, but will not find it easy to defend the title in the face of some stiff competition.
Read on as we preview the Grand Slam of Darts and offer our thoughts on who we believe will win the title on November 19.
Here is the draw for the group stage of the Grand Slam of Darts:
The top two players from each round-robin group qualify for the last-16. The tournament becomes a straight knockout from this point.
Several of the groups have an open look to them, setting up the possibility of securing some sizeable returns from UK betting sites.
The best-of-nine format in the opening phase could play into Dirk Van Duijvenbode’s hands in Group C and he may be worth an interest at odds of 4/1 to top the section.
The Dutchman undoubtedly has the ability to progress to the last-16, so his price of Evens to achieve the feat may appeal to more cautious punters.
Peter Wright is the bookmaker’s favourite to win Group E, but he could have his work cut out having been drawn in the same section as Dave Chisnall and Stephen Bunting.
Wright’s penchant for starting games slowly will be a hindrance at the Grand Slam of Darts and it would not be a shock to see him make an early exit from the tournament.
With the rest of the groups expected to go form, the line-up for the last-16 will be packed with the top darts players in the world.
This tournament rarely produces surprise results, with only Scott Waites (2010) and Jose de Sousa (2020) falling into that particular category.
Three-time winners Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen are the bookies’ favourites to lift the trophy and it would be no surprise to see either of them emerge victorious.
Here are the latest odds for the 2023 Grand Slam of Darts (via Betzone):
