Michael van Gerwen still had to work hard in the end to qualify for the second round at the 19th Players Championship tournament of the season in Milton Keynes at the expense of Karel Sedlacek.
ADVERTISEMENT
Van Gerwen kicked off the match with an 11-darter and then managed to extend his lead to 3-0 with a 114 finish and a 12-darter. In the fourth leg, 'Mighty Mike' threw two 180s, but that leg went to Sedlacek with a 79 finish.
The Czech then came back to 4-4 after Van Gerwen missed as many as eight doubles in the seventh leg. The Dutchman then held his own leg with a 68 finish, before Sedlacek forced a deciding leg with a 13-darter. Van Gerwen was allowed to start the final leg, but the pressure was turned up considerably by Sedlacek, who left double 18 after four visits. Van Gerwen was on 85 after four visits, and managed to pin this finish beautifully in two darts.
Familiar names such as Damon Heta, Daryl Gurney, Ross Smith and Josh Rock also managed to secure a spot in the second round. Ryan Joyce and Jonny Clayton were just eliminated after defeats against James Hurrell (6-5) and Mickey Mansell (6-5), respectively.
Raymond van Barneveld was one of a few seeds to miss out. He was well beaten by Dom Taylor. Ricardo Pietreczko was edged past by Robbie Knops. Ryan Searle was also defeated with the sixth seed beaten Kim Huybrechts.
Stephen Bunting did move through after defeating Adam Gawlas, while Chris Dobey edged past Niels Zonneveld. Top seed Dave Chisnall saw off Jurjen van der Velde 6-3.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
MVG SURVIVES SEDLACEK SCARE!
Michael van Gerwen made a rip-roaring start, but is forced to come through a decider against Karel Sedlacek to book his place in round two at #PC19!
📺 bit.ly/PDCTVLive#PC19
#PC19 R1 Results 🧵
Dave Chisnall 6-3 Jurjen van der Velde
Dom Taylor 6-2 Raymond van Barneveld
Martin Schindler 6-4 Ryan Meikle
Chris Dobey 6-4 Niels Zonneveld
Damon Heta 6-1 Pascal Rupprecht
Daryl Gurney 6-5 Arron Monk
Danny Noppert 6-0 Joshua Richardson
Robbie Knops 6-4