PAUL NICHOLSON 5-4 WES NEWTON

PAUL NICHOLSON edged out Wes Newton 5-4 to win his second Group F game in the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

Nicholson hit five maximums during the contest and has put himself in an excellent position to qualify for the last 16 following a superb final leg, as he took victory with a 13-darter.

Newton missed a dart at double ten for an immediate break of throw in the opening leg, and Nicholson landed double eight for an early lead.

The Fleetwood ace won the second leg on double six and then broke throw to take the third after Nicholson was guilty of missing three darts at doubles.

Nicholson, who whitewashed Barrie Bates in his first Group F match, put those errors behind him and broke back immediately with a fabulous 11-darter which included two 180s.

Newton hit his second maximum of the match in the next, but missed a dart at double top and Nicholson stepped in with an excellent two-dart 100 to lead 3-2.

Newton stopped Nicholson's winning run by winning the sixth leg on double eight but Nicholson regained the lead by landing double ten to move 4-3 up.

Both players fired in maximums in the eighth leg but Newton hit a 63 finish to set up a deciding leg showdown.

Nicholson had the advantage of throw and he hit another 180 to get to a finish first before posting double 16 at the first time of asking to end a tight contest.

"I was really looking forward to this game against Wes tonight," said Nicholson. "We've had a few really good battles over the last couple of years and tonight was no different.

"To hit a 13-darter in the deciding leg under that kind of pressure was very satisfying."