Defending champion Van Gerwen surges past Suljovic in sensational display

PDC
Saturday, 06 March 2021 at 17:15
UKOPEN RD4 VANGERWEN 06A
Michael van Gerwen is in the hat for the Last 16 draw booking the final spot in his UK Open title defence with a sensational win over Mensur Suljovic.
Van Gerwen wrapped it up in style with a stunning 167 checkout and averaged 103.7 and hit 55% on the doubles. Can Mighty Mike reassert his dominance on the darting world this weekend?
Similar to his tie against Mitchell, Van Gerwen went behind early with Suljovic surging into a 3-1 lead with a break of throw early on.
But as expected heading into the break, Van Gerwen pinned double 10 with a last dart hold to make it 3-2.
A 68 checkout made it parity and he built from there including another break to make it 5-3 with a 132 checkout as Van Gerwen started to get more clinical and Suljovic started to falter.
A 133 left 74 for Van Gerwen meaning Suljovic had to head for 161 which he couldn't pin but the former messed up his target.
Suljovic missed two on the wire on double 20 and Van Gerwen pinned double 16 to head 6-3 up and make it five legs on the spin.
Suljovic was only handed a go at 154 and it was six straight legs as Van Gerwen made it 7-3.
Out of the break, a classy 11-dart 76 checkout saw Suljovic claim a break and make it 7-4.
This proved in vein as he missed a dart on double four to hold and Van Gerwen made it 8-4.
Despite three darts crashing above the wire on double 20, he was back to inflict a further hold and go 9-4 up and one away.
A 167 checkout on the bull saw him win it in style though with a trademark roar capping it off.

Schedule 2021 UK Open Darts

Saturday March 6 (12:30 GMT)
Fifth Round
Main Stage
Rob Cross (101.8) 7-10 (97.5) James Wade
Gerwyn Price (98.66) 10-3 (92.37) Ricky Evans
Michael Smith (90.6) 9-10 (93.2) Jose de Sousa
Michael van Gerwen (102.8) 10-4 (98.89) Mensur Suljovic

Just in

Popular news