Michael van Gerwen has become the first player to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the World Darts Championship. Despite much hype, van Gerwen was comfortable 4-0 winner against Stephen Bunting.
A lot was expected of the duel between Van Gerwen and Bunting beforehand. There were whispers that Bunting might provide an upset, especially since the Englishman already played two excellent matches at the Alexandra Palace. But he could not replicate the scoring prowess he displayed in his first matches here.
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Van Gerwen gave nothing away in his own legs in the first set. With a 15-darter he won the first set 3-2. Bunting then led 2-1 in the second set, but saw 'Mighty Mike' throw 60 first to sign for the 2-2. Then 'The Bullet' failed in the fifth leg, and the set went to the Dutchman with a 14-darter.
In the third set Van Gerwen then immediately got ahead by a break thanks to a 12-darter. Bunting undid the break with a 125 finish, but Van Gerwen still grabbed the third set 3-1 after a 16-darter.
Three misses on the double early in the fourth set gave Bunting the lead in set four, but "The Bullet" delivered the break right back. Van Gerwen was not in trouble after that and put a 4-0 final score on the scoreboard.
In the new year, Van Gerwen may return for the quarterfinals of the World Darts Championship, scheduled for Monday, Jan. 1. In it he will face the winner of the duel between Damon Heta and Scott Williams.
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