MICHAEL VAN GERWEN hit 11 maximums as he overcame the challenge of Kevin McDine at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Sunday night, as Mark Webster stared defeat in the face before seeing off John Henderson.
Dutch superstar van Gerwen, last year's beaten finalist at Alexandra Palace, continued his bid to win the £250,000 first prize this time around with a 4-1 win over McDine.
The Geordie had defeated Wayne Jones in the first round and shared the opening two sets with van Gerwen - but a fist-pump to mock his opponent's celebration after levelling the game by hitting two 11-darters and a 14-dart finish in the second set only served to fire up the number two seed.
Van Gerwen took the third and fourth sets without reply, including back-to-back 180s in the last of six successive legs he won, before coming from 2-0 down in the next to book his last 16 spot.
Welsh star Webster, the 2008 Lakeside Champion, continued his renaissance with a gutsy performance as he fought back from the brink of defeat to edge past John Henderson in a seventh set tie-break.
Number 26 seed Webster, a two-time Alexandra Palace semi-finalist, won two of the first three sets before Henderson took both the fourth and fifth sets 3-1 to move into the ascendancy.
Henderson - who knocked out world number seven Dave Chisnall in the first round - also led 2-1 in the sixth set, but crucially missed three match darts at double top as Webster levelled and then took the set's decider to take the game into a final set.
Henderson again moved to the brink of victory at 2-1 and 3-2 up in the deciding set, hitting a 120 finish in moving to the brink of victory, but Webster levelled, broke throw and then took out 108 for a fifth ton-plus finish as he completed the fightback.
Wes Newton secured easier passage to the last 16, seeing off three-time World Champion John Part in straight sets to set up a clash with Robert Thornton after Christmas.
The number eight seed made a fine start to win the first set without reply and took the second 3-1 before Part hit back to lead 2-1 in the third, only for Newton to level with a 111 checkout and punish two missed doubles for the set from the Canadian to move 3-0 up.
Part also led in the fourth, but Newton levelled with a 119 finish and took out 94 to lead 2-1 before punishing more misses from the 2008 champion to seal victory.
In Sunday's afternoon session, Australian star Simon Whitlock, the 2010 runner-up, swept aside Finland's Jarkko Komula in straight sets and dropped only five legs as he romped into the third round.
Whitlock took the game's first set 3-1 before coming from 2-0 down to win the third, producing a key 12-darter to break throw in the process.
He then stepped up the pace by winning the third set with a trio of 13-dart finishes, and held his nerve to seal victory in the deciding leg of the fourth.
2004 finalist Painter also enjoyed a straight sets victory as he lost only five legs in seeing off former Players Championship Finals winner Paul Nicholson.
Painter edged a key first set 3-2 as he capitalised on two missed doubles from Nicholson in the deciding leg by taking out 116, and he took the next three sets 3-1 to set up his post-Christmas clash with Whitlock.
Birthday boy Gary Anderson, who lost the 2011 final to Adrian Lewis, defeated number 15 seed Brendan Dolan 4-1 as he moved into the last 16 with another strong performance, averaging almost 98 in setting up a third round date with Michael van Gerwen or Kevin McDine.
The Scot, who turned 43 on Sunday, took the game's first three sets, including a 12-darter in the decicing leg of set two, before Dolan punished four missed match darts from Anderson to edge the fourth.
Anderson, though, swept through the fifth set without reply as he moved into the last 16 for a fourth successive year at Alexandra Palace.
The second round continues on Monday night with three further matches, including the clash between Adrian Lewis - the 2011 and 2012 champion and 9/4 second favourite - and quick-throwing Dutchman Vincent van der Voort.
Three-time semi-finalist James Wade, the number six seed, meets Andy Smith and another player with experience in the last four at Alexandra Palace, Mervyn King, takes on World Youth Championship runner-up Ricky Evans, who knocked out Ronnie Baxter in the first round.
Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Sunday December 22
Afternoon Session (12.30pm)
Brendan Dolan 1-4 Gary Anderson
Kevin Painter 4-0 Paul Nicholson
Simon Whitlock 4-0 Jarkko Komula
Evening Session (7pm)
Wes Newton 4-0 John Part
John Henderson 3-4 Mark Webster
Michael van Gerwen 4-1 Kevin McDine
All games the best of seven sets, best of five legs per set
MATCH INFORMATION
GARY ANDERSON 4-1 BRENDAN DOLAN
(3-1, 3-2, 3-0, 2-3, 3-0)
GARY ANDERSON celebrated his 43rd birthday in style as he overcame Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan by a 4-1 margin to reach the last 16 stage of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.
The former Premier League DArts champion opened up a three-set lead and looked on course to record a comfortable straight-sets victory at Alexandra Palace.
However, Anderson missed four opportunities to wrap up the game and Dolan stole the set to keep his hopes alive, before the Scotsman recovered to take the fifth without reply to close out the game.
Anderson won the first set by a 3-1 scoreline, hitting a 119 finish in the process, before edging the second in a deciding leg, where he produced a fine 12-dart finish.
Anderson continued his fine form on the doubles as the third set also fell in favour of the 43-year-old as he established a 3-0 cushion.
The fourth set went to a deciding leg which Anderson looked on course to win in being first to a finish, but four chances to win the match went begging and Dolan took the opportunity to keep the game alive by hitting double 16.
Anderson, though, recovered from that disappointment as he broke his opponent’s throw in the second leg of set five with a 64 finish, before ending the match in the next on double eight.
Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Anderson misses the bullseye for a 161 checkout, but returns to hit double eight after Dolan missed one chance at double 16.
1-1 - Dolan levels by hitting double top at the first attempt.
1-2 - Anderson regains the lead thanks to an excellent 119 finish, which he completes on the bullseye.
1-3 - One missed dart at double top from Dolan sees Anderson wrap up the first set on double eight.
Second Set
1-0 - Anderson wastes three opportunties to break throw, allowing Dolan to hold on double 16.
1-1 - The former Premier League champion starts the leg with a maximum but misses four darts at doubles. However, Dolan is unable to capitalise and Anderson returns to hit double five.
2-1 - Dolan hits a 180 of his own before taking out a 72 finish to win the leg.
2-2 - Anderson hits double 18 to send the set to a deciding leg.
2-3 - The Scotsman finds his tremendous scoring power at a vital time as he hits 140, 180 and 100 before taking out 81 on bullseye to complete a clinical 12-dart leg against the throw.
Third Set
0-1 - Anderson holds throw with an excellent 13-darter, landing double top.
1-1 - Dolan draws level on double 16, with his opponent waiting on a two-darter.
1-2 - The Northern Irishman hits a second 180 only for Anderson to take out a two-dart 64 finish.
1-3 - Anderson hits double top at the first attempt to move three sets clear.
Fourth Set
1-0 - Dolan converts a 62 finish on double 16, to start the set well.
1-1 - Anderson continues his good form on the doubles, as he hits tops with his first dart, to hold throw.
2-1 - Dolan takes out a 65 finish on double four.
2-2 - Anderson lands double ten to go a leg away from a straight sets win.
3-2 - Anderson misses double 12 for a 141 checkout to win match in style, but gives Dolan a major let-off as he wastes three more opportunities to close out the game, and the Northern Irishman takes advantage as he steals the set on double 16.
Fifth Set
0-1 - Anderson holds throw on double 19, defying a 180 from his opponent.
0-2 - The Scotsman takes out a 64 finish to break throw, thanks to an accurate third dart at double four.
0-3 - Anderson misses three more chances to win the match and Dolan applies pressure with a 180. However, Anderson manages to hit double eight to secure a third round place.
Match Stats
| Brendan Dolan | 1-4 | Gary Anderson |
| 31 | 100+ | 36 |
| 10 | 140+ | 16 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 4 | 180 | 2 |
| 90.10 | Average | 97.97 |
| 65 | High Finish | 119 |
| 0 | Breaks of Throw | 4 |
| 7/13 - 53.85% | Finishing - % | 14/35 - 40% |
KEVIN PAINTER 4-0 PAUL NICHOLSON
(3-2, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1)
KEVIN PAINTER eased into the third round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a straight sets victory over Paul Nicholson.
The crucial point of the game came in the deciding leg of the opening set, where Painter took out a superb 116 checkout, after Nicholson missed two opportunities to claim the set.
From that point on, Painter lost only three more legs over the course of the next three sets to progress to a 4-0 win and end Nicholson’s challenge in just 40 minutes.
The players shared the opening four legs before Painter edged the first set in the deciding leg with a 116 checkout, after Nicholson wasted two opportunities to claim a 1-0 lead.
Nicholson then hit a 136 checkout to level at 1-1 in the second set, before Painter won the next two legs to leave the Australian World Cup of Darts star trailing by two sets.
Nicholson won the first leg of set three with a 13-darter before Painter responded with an 82 finish to level and a 15-darter to move 2-1 up.
Both players hit a 180 in the fourth leg to leave a shot at double, but Painter had the first opportunity and hit double 18 to move three sets clear.
Nicholson started the fourth set with a 14-darter before wasting six chances to secure a break of throw in the next, allowing Painter to level on double 16.
Painter then hit a 15-dart-finish to move a leg away from the match, and an accurate attempt at double ten secured victory.
Match Information
FIrst Set
0-1 - Nicholson holds throw by taking out an 81 finish.
1-1 - Painter levels thanks to an accurate attempt at double 16, for a 67 finish.
2-1 - Painter wastes five opportunities to win the leg, only for Nicholson to miss three chances to break and allow the former runner-up to return to hit double two.
2-2 - Nicholson hits double six to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - Painter holds the advantage of throw, but Nicholson hits a 180 to take control of the leg. However, the Australian is made to pay for two missed darts at doubles as Painter hits a 116 checkout, on double 18, to edge a tight set.
Second Set
1-0 - Both players record maximums before Painter wins the leg by taking out 56 in two darts, with Nicholson waiting on tops.
1-1 - Nicholson responds with a brilliant 136 checkout.
2-1 - Painter holds throw with a clinical two-dart 81 finish, following a missed dart at double top from Nicholson.
3-1 - The number 13 seed starts with a 180 to take command of the leg, before hiting double eight to leave the Australian two sets down.
Third Set
0-1 - Nicholson makes a positive start to the set, as he hits double 16 for a 13-darter.
1-1 - Painter converts an 82 finish with his opponent waiting on 68.
2-1 - Painter leaves 40 after 12 darts before hitting double top with his third dart, to break throw.
3-1 - The 2004 runner-up hits a third 180 to leave 36, only for Nicholson to reply with a maximum of his own to leave double 14 - but Painter posts double 18 at the first time of asking to win the set.
Fourth Set
0-1 - Nicholson holds throw on double 16, to record a 14-dart finish.
1-1 - The number 20 seed is guilty of wasting six chances to break throw and Painter steals the leg on double 16.
2-1 - Painter hits double ten to complete a 15-darter and move a leg away from triumph.
3-1 - Painter closes out the game by hitting double ten for a second leg running to end Nicholson's challenge at Alexandra Palace.
Match Stats
| Kevin Painter | 4-0 | Paul Nicholson |
| 22 | 100+ | 19 |
| 12 | 140+ | 19 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 3 |
| 91.59 | Average | 93.60 |
| 116 | High Finish | 136 |
| 6 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 12/24 - 50% | Finishing - % | 5/21 - 23.81% |
SIMON WHITLOCK 4-0 JARKKO KOMULA
(3-1, 3-2, 3-0, 3-2)
SIMON WHITLOCK cruised into the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 4-0 victory over Finland’s Jarkko Komula on Sunday afternoon.
Whitlock, who defeated Ross Smith in first round match, won the opening two legs of the game after Komula missed opportunities to win both.
The Finn hit an excellent 101 checkout to win the third leg before Whitlock closed out the set in the next to draw first blood.
Komula, who defeated former UK Open finalist Mark Walsh in his opener, hit back to lead the second set 2-0, landing a 14-darter in the opening leg.
Whitlock then produced some clinical form on the doubles as he won the next three legs with finishes of 92, 82 and 68 to take the set and increase his lead.
The Australian powered through the third set in just 39-darts – hitting a trio of 13-dart finishes – before moving 2-1 up in the fourth, to move a leg away from victory.
Komula kept the match alive by hitting a 100 finish in the fourth leg, but a missed dart at tops to win the set allowed Whitlock a shot at double five to close out the game, which he duly converted.
Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Komula misses two chances to win the first leg and Whitlock hits double eight to move ahead.
2-0 - Whitlock hits double four after the Finn missed one opportunity at double five.
2-1 - Komula takes out a 101 finish on double 16.
3-1 - Whitlock hits double top to win the first set.
Second Set
0-1 - Komula starts the set well with an excellent 14-darter to break Whitlock's throw.
0-2 - Whitlock misses three chances at double eight and Komula capitalises by hitting the same double.
1-2 - Whitlock hits the bullseye to convert a 92 finish.
2-2 - The Australian number one hits double top for an 82 finish, after both players had kicked-off the leg with 180s.
3-2 - Whitlock hits another 180 before taking out a 68 finish to move two sets clear.
Third Set
1-0 - Whitlock misses double 12 to complete a 138 combination, but returns to hit double six for a 13-darter against the throw.
2-0 - The Australian repeats the trick as he registers another 13-dart finish, completed on double 12.
3-0 - Whitlock rounds off a brilliant set of darts as he hits double 18 to post his third successive 13-darter.
Fourth Set
1-0 - Whitlock's good form continues at the start of set four as he takes out a 65 finish for a 14-darter.
1-1 - The number four seed misses the bullseye, for a 130 finish, and Komula ends a seven-leg losing streak as he takes out 80 on double top.
2-1 - Whitlock hits double 16 with an accurate third dart to move a leg from a last 16 spot.
2-2 - Komula hits double ten for a 100 finish, with Whitlock waiting on 58 to win the match.
3-2 - Whitlock misses two chances to win the game. However, Komula is unable to hit double top for a 105 finish to keep the match alive, and Whitlock returns to hit double five to seak the win.
Match Stats
| Simon Whitlock | 4-0 | Jarkko Komula |
| 24 | 100+ | 29 |
| 7 | 140+ | 10 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 5 | 180 | 1 |
| 95.30 | Average | 88.99 |
| 92 | High Finish | 101 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 12/26 - 46.15% | Finishing - % | 5/13 - 38.46% |
EVENING SESSION
WES NEWTON 4-0 JOHN PART
(3-0, 3-1, 3-2, 3-1)
WES NEWTON enjoyed comfortable passage through to the third round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 4-0 victory over three-time World Champion John Part.
Newton won six of the first seven legs to establish a two-set lead before edging the third set in a deciding leg, after Part failed with two opportunities to reduce the deficit.
After dropping the first leg of the fourth, Newton reeled off three legs in a row, featuring finishes of 119 and 94, to set up a last 16 tie against Scotland’s Robert Thornton.
Newton won the opener comfortably by a 3-0 margin, with the set completed by a fantastic 11-darter, before taking the second set for the loss of just one leg, which included finishes of 82 and 81 with Part waiting on double 18 on both occasions.
Part, who overcame Mareno Michels in his opening match nine days earlier, improved his game in the third set as he moved 2-1 up with a break of throw in the third leg by hitting double seven.
Newton cancelled out that advantage with a 111 finish, before edging the set in the deciding leg after Part missed two shots at double top to reduce the deficit.
Part won the first leg of set four before Newton hit a 119 finish to draw level, followed by a 94 finish to break throw.
The fourth leg saw Newton miss four opportunities to win the match, but Part failed with three attempts to keep the game alive to allow the Fleetwood ace to close out the game on double three.
Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Newton hits double 16 to take out a 65 finish.
2-0 - The Fleetwood breaks the Canadian's throw on double five.
3-0 - Newton hits a brilliant 11-darter, which features a maximum, to win the set.
Second Set
0-1 - Part wins his first leg of the game courtesy of a two-dart 76 finish.
1-1 - Both players post 180s before Newton takes out an 82 finish, on double top, with Part waiting on 36.
2-1 - Newton hits another maximum before breaking Part's throw by taking out 81, with his opponent waiting on double 18 for the second leg running.
3-1 - Newton misses double 12 for a 144 checkout, but returns to hit the same double and leave Part in trouble.
Third Set
1-0 - Newton wins a fourth leg in a row thanks to an accurate attempt at double 16.
1-1 - Part hits double eight for a 14-darter to win just his second leg of the match.
1-2 - Newton records a fourth 180 in between consecutive 140s from Part. Newton though, misses three chances to hold throw and Part takes advantage by hitting double seven.
2-2 - The world number eight breaks back immediately as he takes out a 111 finish.
3-2 - Newton misses double five for a 130 checkout to win the set, but Part fails with two attempts at double top to reduce the deficit to allow his opponent back in on double five to edge the leg and pull further clear of the Canadian star.
Fourth Set
0-1 - Part hits double six to hold throw and made a positive start to the set.
1-1 - The Canadian hits a 180 only for Newton to hit the bullseye for a 119 finish.
2-1 - Newton hits double for a 94 finish to break Part's throw.
3-1 - Newton is unable to land four chances to win the match, but Part fails with three attempts at doubles to allow Newton to close out the game on double three.
Match Stats
| Wes Newton | 4-0 | John Part |
| 26 | 100+ | 23 |
| 8 | 140+ | 6 |
| 0 | 170+ | 1 |
| 5 | 180 | 2 |
| 92.19 | Average | 87.89 |
| 119 | High Finish | 76 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 12/27 - 44.44% | Finishing - % | 4/11 - 36.36% |
MARK WEBSTER 4-3 JOHN HENDERSON
(3-1, 2-3, 3-0, 1-3, 1-3, 3-2, 5-3)
MARK WEBSTER came from 3-2 down and survived three missed for the match from John Henderson to edge through to the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Henderson, who knocked out World Grand Prix runner-up Dave Chisnall in the first round, looked on course to claim another big name as he took on the former Lakeside Champion.
However, the Scot was left to rue three missed opportunities at double top for a 4-2 win as he fell to defeat in a final set tie-break.
After dropping the first leg of the game, Webster won the next three in a run which featured a 108 finish and a 14-dart finish to wrap up the set.
Webster was 2-1 up in the second set before Henderson levelled on double ten and then took out an excellent 105 finish in the deciding leg to square the game.
Webster produced a run of three straight legs to win the third set, culminating in a 105 finish of his own, before making a positive start to set four with a two-dart 80 checkout.
However, Henderson stopped the Welshman’s run and won the next two legs on double five, before a two-dart 96 finish gave the Scot the set, to level the match at two apiece.
Henderson moved 2-0 up in the fifth set, in a run which included a nine-dart opportunity in the second leg as he hit seven consecutive treble 20s.
His hopes of achieving the magical feat were ended as he missed the treble 19 to end hopes of completing a 141 checkout, but the leg was won in 11-darts to give the world number 48 his fifth leg in a row.
Webster stopped the rot with a fantastic 157 checkout to win the third leg, but the fourth fell the way of Henderson as moved 3-2 up in the match.
Henderson then led the sixth set 2-1 to move a leg away from victory, but the next leg saw him punished for three missed darts at double top to win the game, as Webster kept his hopes alive on double two.
Webster then hit double ten to win the decider and force a final set, before breaking Henderson’s throw to take an early advantage in the decider.
Henderson hit back to take the next two legs and move a leg away from victory once again, before Webster converted an excellent 114 finish in the fourth with his opponent waiting on a two-darter for the match.
The next two legs were shared before Webster hit double top to break throw and lead 4-3, before he then completed his comeback with a 108 finish for the match.
Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Henderson hits a 180 and takes out double top at hte first attempt, after Webster misses three shots at doubles.
1-1 - Webster draws level as he hits double top for a 108 finish.
1-2 - Henderson misses double 16 for a 98 finish, and Webster breaks throw on double six.
1-3 - Webster lands double ten for an impressive 14-darter to take an early lead.
Second Set
0-1 - Webster kicks-off the leg with scores of 180 and 140, before taking out a 68 finish on double five.
1-1 - Henderson hits double 12 for a 15-darter, defying another 180 from his opponent.
1-2 - Webster is just off-target on the bullseye for a 170 checkout, but returns to hit double 12 after Henderson misses two chances to break throw.
2-2 - The Scot hits double ten to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - Henderson levels the match as he takes out a 105 finish, on double top, with Webster waiting on 95.
Third Set
0-1 - Webster hits a third 180 before breaking throw on double three.
0-2 - The Welshman hits a 64 finish in a leg that featured another maximum.
0-3 - Webster makes Henderson pay for two missed darts at doubles as he converts an excellent 105 finish.
Fourth Set
0-1 - Webster continues the fine finishing as he hits a two-dart 80 checkout.
1-1 - Henderson lands double five to level, after the Scotsman recorded a third 180.
2-1 - Henderson hits double five for the second leg running to break Webster's throw.
3-1 - The world number 48 hits a fifth 180 before hitting a clinical two-dart 96 finish to level the game for a second time.
Fifth Set
1-0 - Henderson hits double one to hold throw, having missed five previous opportunities to win the leg.
2-0 - The Scot starts the leg brilliantly with back-to-back 180s and successfully hits a seventh treble 20, but fails to land the treble 19 to continue the 141 combination - although he returns to hit double top for an 11-dart finish to break throw.
2-1 - Webster responds superbly as he hits a maximum, followed by a 157 checkout.
3-1 - Henderson takes out a 68 finish to complete a 15-darter and move a set away from victory.
Sixth Set
0-1 - Webster holds throw with a 76 finish.
1-1 - Henderson hits double top after the Welshman misses his attempt at the bullseye for a break of throw.
2-1 - Three missed darts at double 16 from Henderson are not punished by Webster, who fails with two attempts at double ten, allowing his opponent to return and hit double 16.
2-2 - The tension shows in both players as Webster misses three darts at doubles before Henderson does exactly the same with three shots at double top to win the match going begging as the left-hander keeps his hopes alive by hitting double two.
2-3 - Webster hits double ten to force a deciding set.
Seventh Set
0-1 - Webster hits double top to win the opening leg against the darts.
1-1 - Henderson hits double eight with an accurate third dart to take out a 74 finish and break back.
2-1 - Henderson takes out an 82 finish to move a leg away from victory for a second time.
2-2 - Webster takes out an excellent 114 checkout under pressure, with his opponent waiting on 100 for the match.
3-2 - Henderson holds throw with a 120 checkout to edge ahead once again.
3-3 - Webster hits double top with his opponent waiting on 32 for the match.
3-4 - Henderson misses a dart at double top and is made to pay for the error as Webster hits the same double to break throw and move in front.
3-5 - The Scotsman kicks off the leg with scores of 134 and 140, but fails to build on that as Webster posts a 180 and follows that up with a 108 checkout to end a thrilling contest.
Match Stats
| John Henderson | 3-4 | Mark Webster |
| 49 | 100+ | 44 |
| 18 | 140+ | 17 |
| 0 | 170+ | 2 |
| 9 | 180 | 7 |
| 91.62 | Average | 92.23 |
| 120 | High Finish | 157 |
| 6 | Breaks of Throw | 7 |
| 15/44 - 34.09% | Finishing - % | 18/38 - 47.37% |
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 4-1 KEVIN McDINE
(3-1, 2-3, 3-0, 3-0, 3-2)
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN set up a mouth-watering third round clash against Gary Anderson at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship by defeating Kevin McDine 4-1 on Sunday night.
After sharing the game's opening two sets, the Dutch superstar won nine of the next 11 legs - hitting a total of 11 maximums - to power past the former Grand Slam of Darts semi-finalist.
Van Gerwen started confidently as he took the first set without reply in a run which culminated in a superb 11-dart-finish as he drew first blood.
The second set proved to be an outstanding one from both players, as seven 180s were hit by the pair, including four by McDine as he went on to take the set in the deciding leg on double top.
Van Gerwen, though, romped through the third set without reply from his opponent, which included a 12-darter, and a 118 checkout, and the fourth followed a similar pattern, as the recent Players Championship Finals winner stretched his run of winning legs to six in a row.
McDine battled hard and took the opening two legs of the fifth set, before the number two seed hit back to take the next two and move a leg away from victory.
The deciding leg saw McDine waste two chances to win the set and keep the game alive, and van Gerwen ended proceedings with a 64 finish on double top.
Match Information
First Set
1-0 - van Gerwen holds throw on double eight, after McDine misses double 16 for a 99 finish.
2-0 - The Dutch ace hits double eight at the first attempt to break his opponent's throw.
2-1 - van Gerwen misses several opportunities to win the set, and McDine manages to hit double 18 with his third dart.
3-1 - The world number two hits a 180 in a superb 11-darter to win the set in clinical fashion.
Second Set
1-0 - van Gerwen takes out a 110 finish on double 16 to win the leg against the darts.
1-1 - A high-quality leg ses both players hit maximums before McDine takes out 76 in two darts, with his opponent waiting on 36.
1-2 - The third leg sees both players hit a 180 apiece before McDine hits double 12 for an 81 finish.
2-2 - van Gerwen hits a third maximum in as many legs, before levelling the set with a 15-darter.
2-3 - McDine hits another 180 only for van Gerwen to reply in kind, but the Geordie is first to a finish and hits double top at the first attempt to level the match.
Third Set
1-0 - van Gerwen starts the set in clinical fashion with a 12-darter, which featured scores of 177 and 180.
2-0 - The Dutch number one takes out a 118 finish on the bullseye to break McDine's throw.
3-0 - van Gerwen fails with eight attempts to win the set, before hitting double five with his third dart.
Fourth Set
1-0 - van Gerwen fires in a 177 before hitting double ten to break throw in 13 darts.
2-0 - The Dutchman wins a fifth leg in a row thanks to an accurate attempt at double 16.
3-0 - van Gerwen records back-to-back 180s to ignite hopes of a nine-dart-finish, but it's not to be as his attempt at a seventh treble 20 falls below the target, and though he initially misses three chances to win the set, McDine is unable to capitalise with five misses of his own to allow the number two seed back in on double one.
Fifth Set
0-1 - van Gerwen hits his tenth 180 before McDine replies with his fifth of the game, but one missed dart at the bullseye from the Dutchman proves costly as his opponent hits double top with his first dart, to win his first leg in seven.
0-2 - McDine hits double nine for an excellent 14-darter.
1-2 - van Gerwen holds throw by hitting double four.
2-2 - The Dutchman converts a clinical 98 finish to win the leg against the darts.
3-2 - McDine wastes two chances to win the set and keep the match alive, and is made to pay as van Gerwen takes out a 64 finish on double top to complete victory.
Match Stats
| Michael van Gerwen | 4-1 | Kevin McDine |
| 22 | 100+ | 22 |
| 8 | 140+ | 7 |
| 2 | 170+ | 0 |
| 11 | 180 | 6 |
| 96.88 | Average | 90.11 |
| 118 | High Finish | 81 |
| 7 | Breaks of Throw | 3 |
| 14/38 - 36.84% | Finishing - % | 6/21 - 28.57% |
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