Michael van Gerwen not at his best but past Andrew Gilding at World Matchplay despite many missed doubles

Michael van Gerwen has joined the last four at the World Matchplay in Blackpool this Friday night. The 35-year-old Dutchman was far below his best level, but still won 16-10 over Andrew Gilding.

The three-time tournament winner in Blackpool played his least match of the tournament. Van Gerwen missed very many doubles, but got away with it as Gilding delivered a poor match scoring-wise. 'Goldfinger' had almost three times as many innings without a treble as Van Gerwen.

Early in the match, the Englishman could still hope for another shock, having previously defeated Peter Wright and Krzysztof Ratajski. Van Gerwen led 3-2 with a 117 finish, but then missed a chance to win both the sixth and seventh leg. Those both went to Gilding, who then threw out 114 for a 5-3 lead. Van Gerwen missed another dart on the double in the ninth leg, then saw Gilding hit the double 10 to make it 6-3. Gilding was then able to make it 7-3, but missed twice on the outside ring. Van Gerwen kept himself in the match with a fine 93 finish.

After the break Van Gerwen closed the gap to 5-6 with a 78 finish, but four more misses on the double followed. Gilding hit 24, but then had to accept another rebreak. Van Gerwen was able to equalize the score in the 14th leg, but again lost three chances. Gilding took advantage with his last dart and made it 8-6 via double 12. Van Gerwen then reduced the deficit to 8-7 with a 136 finish. 'Mighty Mike' then needed four chances to win the sixteenth leg, finally equalizing. Van Gerwen then took over the lead, but it didn't happen wholeheartedly. He needed five chances to win the 19th leg and an 18-darter to make it 10-8.

That lead seemed to provide liberation for Van Gerwen. He led 12-8 with a 12-darter and a 13-darter, before breaking his English opponent again with a 70 finish. With a brilliant 132 finish, Gilding came back to 14-10, but then Van Gerwen took two legs in a row to secure the win.