Gray sends Taylor crashing out of World Grand Prix
World number one and defending champion Phil Taylor was sensationally sent crashing out of the SkyBet World Grand Prix in Dublin tonight.
Taylor lost 2-0 to carpet-fitter Adrian Gray, who is ranked just 44th in the world by the Professional Darts Corporation and had to qualify.
Gray became just the third player in 10 years to beat Taylor at the event and said afterwards: “It’s amazing, I was shaking but the crowd were telling me to relax.
“Phil’s not at his best and everyone knows he’s lost twice in the first round here before, and that does give you belief.”
Gray will now face world number 24 Andy Smith after he pulled off a shock in the first match of the tournament earlier this evening when he saw off Ronnie Baxter – 10 places higher in the rankings – in three sets.
“I’m pleased with that,” said Smith.
“I started well but my scoring wasn’t great so I’ll hope to improve on that.”
It was more straightforward for double world champion John Part who defeated Irish qualifier Billy Matthews 2-0.
The Canadian had trailed in the first set and admitted: “I gave him a couple of chances early on and had to earn the win.
“I had to lift myself and managed to do that.”
Tonight’s other games saw world number four Terry Jenkins beat Wayne Jones in three sets, while Andy Hamilton, ranked seven, took the first set before crashing to Wayne Mardle.
