Michael van Gerwen eases past Fallon Sherrock in highly billed clash as Michael Smith makes light work of Nathan Girvan

PDC
Saturday, 11 November 2023 at 23:45
2023ecr1 michael van gerwen 12

In a night that saw Stowe Buntz steal the headlines at the Grand Slam of Darts, a clash that was top billing was Michael van Gerwen facing off against Fallon Sherrock. But it was a comprehensive victory for the Green Machine.

Amidst all the backdrop of Sherrock being announced as MBE for the first time and even booing towards MVG at times, the Dutch juggernaut went about his business and did not suffer similar thoughts of an upset to their Nordic Darts Masters meeting sealing it 5-1.

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At one point, Van Gerwen was flawless on his doubles as he surged into a 4-1 lead with a 12-dart 81 checkout. He missed chances for the match which knocked down his overall doubling percentage.

But Sherrock was not in a position to prolong the match and MVG sealed it on double eight in a business like manner. This is in a group that also features Rob Cross and Martijn Kleermaker with the former and Van Gerwen the favourites now to move towards the knockout stages.

As is Michael Smith of course as defending champion in a tournament which kick started his run towards World Championship supremacy and being World Number One.

After years of being the nearly man, the Aldersley Leisure Village will always hold special memories and he started with a comprehensive win tonight 5-2 over Nathan Girvan.

Girvan who qualified as the World Youth runner-up was not given a prayer against Smith, but at times he looked like he could pose a threat.

Albeit with a 98 average from 'Bully Boy' and a high of 122 checkout wise, Smith like MVG was all business. Girvan's best flourish came at 3-1 as after Smith missed 128, he hit 117 and had a wry celebration.

But after Smith missed a dart for the match, Girvan made it 4-2. Again another dart came and went for 121 but he returned for double eight with Girvan unable to trouble the 144. He joins Krzysztof Ratajski as the winner from Group A on Day One.

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