Mighty Michael van Gerwen in prolific Prague display as classy Clayton avoids Bunting comeback

Michael van Gerwen is through to the final day of action at the 2024 Czech Darts Open in Prague with the Green Machine sealing a 6-4 win over Krzysztof Ratajski.

Ratajski has never beaten MVG in 9 attempts and that continues even though this perhaps was his best shot as he missed a dart to force a decider when he had the darts. But MVG is through and with his family in tow, he is enjoying his time in Prague. As was evidenced with a 104.5 average and five 180's in victory.

Ratajski started with a 71 checkout for a hold. Van Gerwen swiftly levelled up with a 72 checkout for 1-1. Ratajski hit back with a sumptuous 164 checkout for 2-1. Van Gerwen missed 72 for 2-2 but Ratajski was way back and MVG got multiple chances to seal it.

A 180 and a 58 checkout for an 11-darter saw the Green Machine take a 3-2 lead. Ratajski missed darts to break back only to make it 3-3 after 82 was missed by MVG. Pressured by Ratajski though MVG made it 4-3 and was throwing to go one away from the win. Ratajski missed the second dart for 146 and MVG pinned double seven for 5-3.

A 72 checkout kept Ratajski interested as MVG was throwing for the win. The Pole missed the bull for a 130 to break and MVG returned for double 20 for the win.

Perhaps the display of the night though thus far was Jonny Clayton who survived a comeback from Stephen Bunting to win through. He flew out the traps but had to edge through in the end with a 100.2 average and four 180's.

Clayton started superbly hitting double 18 for a 13-darter and continued that with a 14-darter. Bunting couldn’t live with him as the finger point for Clayton was out for a trademark 121 on the bull for 3-0.

Clayton thought the 88 on double 14 was in and missed the third dart but Bunting missed 115 for his first leg on the board and ‘The Ferret’ took his chance for 4-0.

Clayton couldn’t make it even more unplayable with a 139 missed for 5-0. Bunting had the chance to stop the rot and missed the open double 10 bed from 80. Clayton lapsed concentration and slipped into the one with a dart begging for 5-0. Bunting was offered a way into the contest and took it finally on double five for 4-1.

Two missed for Clayton saw him spurn chances for 5-1 and Bunting made it 4-2. It was more darts missed on the wire for Clayton and Bunting hit double five for 4-3 down. Clayton returned with a 118 checkout to stop the rot and go one away at 5-3. He missed two darts to wrap it up but Bunting was way back so he came back to seal it.