Heta thrashes Van Gerwen to reach UK Open Last 16, Smith also through edging past Clemens

Michael van Gerwen will not add to his tally of UK Open titles and his wait for a first major since November 2020 continues at the venue that he last won at in Minehead.

This after Damon Heta thrashed the Green Machine 10-4 in a superb victory for the Aussie ace who has been in sublime form as of late and has shown it on the big stage.

'The Heat' averaged 102.48 in claiming victory with 66% on the doubles as from 4-4, he sealed six legs in a row in one of the biggest wins of his career to dent the recent form revival showed this week by Van Gerwen.

Michael Smith is also into the draw for this evening's Last 16 after seeing off Gabriel Clemens in a 10-8 victory hitting seven 180's and averaging 99 en route as he looks to finally seal his first major this weekend.

On the outer boards also, Dirk van Duijvenbode averaging 105 against Martin Schindler and Mensur Suljovic hitting 100 average against Geert Nentjes are also through.