MARK WEBSTER 5-4 ARRON MONK

MARK WEBSTER held off a brave challenge from Arron Monk to edge a high-quality opening game of Group G at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts.

The 2008 Lakeside Champion built up a 3-1 lead only to see Monk level the match before coming through in a deciding leg.

Webster held throw with an impressive 111 checkout to start the match but Monk replied to take the second with an accurate attempt at double top.

The 21-year-old then hit a maximum in the third leg, only to see Webster win it by hitting tops at the first time of asking.

Webster then hit a 13-darter to break, but Monk immediately replied by hitting double top to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Monk, the Under-21 World Champion making his second appearance in Wolverhampton, hit double top once again to level at three-all before Webster regained the lead with a 15-dart finish.

That put the Welshman one leg away from victory, but the Basingstoke youngster held his nerve to hit double two and force a deciding leg.

Webster held the advantage of throw and he kicked-off with a 140 score to help get to a finish first, and he slotted home double six to record victory.

"I expected Arron to play well today," said Webster. "That was a good game to be involved in and it feels good to come out on top.

"I've been playing well in the major tournaments and I feel that my form is coming good at the business end of the year."