The Dutchman finished 10th in the
UK Open Order of Merit after the six qualifiers. That earned him passage straight past the afternoon rounds, and a spot in the third round draw as one of the top 32. But cruel fate handed him a tie against the irrepressible Michael van Gerwen. Mighty Mike, fresh off five event wins out of six played, was the hot favourite. That was until de Zwaan crashed the party, sealing an incredible 10-8 win in Minehead. It was a major shock - not least to de Zwaan himself.
"I can't believe it, I think I'm still dreaming," he said.
The Black Cobra averaged 96 as he matched van Gerwen all the way, before striking at an opportune moment. The world number one led 5-4, but his fellow Dutchman rattled off three legs on the spin. De Zwaan pulled away, establishing a 9-7 lead. The first chance to win the tie evaded him. The second did not.
"It's one of the biggest wins of my career but I've played really well for a few months," said de Zwaan, who plays Paul Hogan next.
Click here for a full breakdown of the UK Open prize money.
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