Michael van Gerwen defies 12 180s and a late fightback from Dirk van Duijvenbode to seal spot in Round 5 of 2025 UK Open

Michael van Gerwen's hopes for a 4th UK Open title live on. The Dutch superstar held off a late fightback to dispatch compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode 10-8 and sail through to the 5th round in Minehead. 

Closing out the main stage action on Day One in Minehead, two of the stars of modern day Dutch darts did battle. Van Duijvenbode has found victories very difficult to come by against Van Gerwen over the years. The 'Aubergenius' came out firing in the opening session of this one though, averaging over 100 though, it was Van Duijvenbode that led at the first break 3-2, although in truth it probably should have been 4-1 if not for missed darts at double from 'DvD'.

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Missed darts at double again plagued Van Duijvenbode after the break, allowing Van Gerwen to level up at 3-3. Moments later, 'MvG' broke his compatriot's throw for a third straight leg, to move in front for the first time at 4-3. Van Duijvenbode's scoring continued to be more than solid. His doubling was incredibly lackluster though, and despite not really producing anything special, Van Gerwen whitewashed the second session 5-0 to head off stage for break 7-3 ahead. 

Van Duijvenbode wasn't a completely spent force just yet though and the Dutchman opened up 3rd session with 7 perfect darts. Although a perfect leg didn't come, he did stop the rot and take the leg. Van Duijvenbode's fightback continued as well as he took the next two legs, to get back to within one leg of parity at 7-6.

As the pair traded holds of throw from there though, it was Van Gerwen who remained a break up. Despite Van Duijvenbode taking his 180 tally into double figures, 'MvG' move one away at 9-7. Van Duijvenbode was making his compatriot work for it though, staying alive with a hold in leg 17. After two matchdarts then came and went, 'DvD' blew his chance to force a decider. 'Mighty Mike' made no mistake on his return to the board, sealing the 10-8 victory.

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