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Ryan Seale secured his place in the knockout stages of the Grand Slam of Darts for the very first-time – with a stunning nine-dart finish.
The 36-year-old from Somerset lived up to his Heavy Metal nickname when beating Nathan Rafferty by five legs to three in a match which he needed to win to progress past the first stage.
Having beaten Gian van Veen and lost in a whitewash to Gerwyn Price, Seale was as it best when it mattered to send the Aldersley Leisure Village crowd in Wolverhampton into wild celebrations.
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The Englishman is only the sixth player to ever hit a perfect leg in the competition, booking a contest against his best pal in the form of Luke Humphries in the last 16.
Seale was given a long time to celebrate thanks to the timing of the leg, leaving the winning dart in the board until after he took a selfie with the crowd.
The win was made all the more impressive considering his lack of practise in recent weeks as he prepares to move house.
What is your favourite ever nine-darter? Tell us in the comments section below.
Reacting on social media, one fan said: "Take a bow."
A second added: "Made it look easy!!" A third posted: "Ryan Searle has been box office so far this tournament. Scenes!"
An excited fourth fan added: "Can’t wait for the World Championships next month. One of the best things over Christmas."
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A fifth agreed: "Doesn’t matter who does it… you like Darts it gets you off your seat every time."
Searle is guaranteed at least £12,250 from reaching the last 16, having made £384,000 over the past two years to sit 15th in the rankings.
He faces a tough task against his friend in the next round, with Humphries fourth in the world rankings after a sensational start to 2023.
- Darts
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