Adrian Lewis and Alan Tabern claimed the final two places in the Grand Slam of Darts with their runs in the European Championship.
Duo make late appearance in Grand Slam line-up
Adrian Lewis and Alan Tabern claimed the final two places in the Grand Slam of Darts with their runs in the European Championship.
'Jackpot' Lewis produced his best performance for some time in Frankfurt as he made it all the way into Sunday's final, eventually losing 11-5 to Phil Taylor.
With the European Championship being the final chance to qualify for the Grand Slam in Wolverhampton, starting November 15, Lewis timed it just right as he booked one of two remaining spots in the tournament.
Lewis has been backed as a major tournament winner for some time but has yet to break his duck, but in Frankfurt his 108 average when thumping Raymond van Barneveld showed he can be a real threat in Wolverhampton.
Delighted
"I'm delighted to have qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts and I can't wait to play in Wolverhampton," said Lewis.
"I really enjoyed last year's tournament and hopefully I can have a good run this year.
"I'm really pleased with my form at the moment and reaching the final of the European Championship shows I'm playing well."
St Helens left-hander Tabern also booked his ticket to Wolverhampton by reaching the last eight in Frankfurt, and that offers some consolation for his quarter-final defeat to Peter Manley.
"Obviously it was disappointing to lose in Frankfurt, but if you'd said to me before the tournament that I'd reach the quarter-finals and qualify for the Grand Slam anyway then I'd have snapped your hand off," said Tabern.
"It's a great tournament and I'm looking forward to experiencing it first hand."
