Michael van Gerwen took his side of the Dutch classic in Den Bosch against
Raymond van Barneveld. With a 6-5 win over his compatriot, 'Mighty Mike' qualified for the semifinals at his home tournament.
Van Barneveld was unable to take a 5-2 lead. Thanks to two 13-darters, 'Barney' managed to take a 3-2 lead, after which the Dutchman managed to extend the lead with a 131 finish and a 96 check-out.
Van Gerwen then managed to close to 3-5 with a 15-darter. A 12-darter in Van Barneveld's leg then made it 4-5. Van Barneveld then got his first match darts in the tenth leg, but missed the bullseye from 121. Van Gerwen then managed to force a final leg with his last dart.
After a shaky last leg from both sides, Van Barneveld had another shot to win the match. From 112 the five-time world champion had a matchdart, but he could not hit the tops. Meanwhile Van Gerwen was waiting on 124 and via single 20, triple 18 and bullseye this finish was thrown out.
In the semi-final Van Gerwen will take on another compatriot, namely
Gian van Veen. The Dutch prodigy triumphed 6-3 against
Danny Noppert. Van Veen easily took a 5-0 lead before Noppert managed to take three more legs with a 136 finish. Van Veen then finished it off with a 103 finish.
