Van den Bergh wins real battle against Woodhouse

Van den Bergh despite hitting a 94 average, four ton-plus checkouts and six 180s had to battle past Woodhouse who despite flu never went away.

Dimi wrapped up the first set with ease claiming it 3-1 with a 98 average at the time as well as a brilliant 128 checkout on the bull.

Despite Woodhouse having flu, his darts were still going in well despite him being a set down and that showed with a brilliant 126 checkout on the bull.

The Belgian though pinned a first 180 and a 79 checkout to move 2-1 ahead in the next set and from there, despite that early flourish from Woodhouse; the Belgian doubled his advantage winning the set 3-1.

He lead again in set three taking out 112 to lead but Woodhouse claimed a set back to show true resilience in the face of illness.

It was back to the script though in the next set as The Dreammaker led with a 120 checkout but it was a tight deciding leg set win for Van den Bergh as he missed set darts en route to having to go through a deciding leg which saw him go one set away.

In the next set, Woodhouse was still showing fight and bottle taking out 117 followed by double 16 for a two leg lead and he concluded the set with last dart in hand on double 16 to go one set behind Van den Bergh.

The Bewdley ace started the next set by pinning an 80 checkout to hold under serious pressure from Van den Bergh.

He pinned a fourth 180 but missed a 108 checkout, Van den Bergh could not punish though with clear darts at double 16 which meant Woodhouse pinned double four to go one away from levelling it up.

Van den Bergh pinned 110 to break again to throw it back in his favour. Woodhouse missed double 16 for a 70 checkout and Van den Bergh saved his skin.

That was the real game changer as Van den Bergh streaked to victory from there.

Click here for more information on the PDC World Darts Championship, which takes place at the Alexandra Palace between December 13 and January 1.

Nico Kurz (96.16) 2-4 (94.80) Luke Humphries (1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 0-3, 2-3, 1-3)
Adrian Lewis (93.74) 4-3 (92.40) Darren Webster (2-3, 1-3, 3-2, 3-2, 2-3, 3-2, 4-2)
Luke Woodhouse (90.41) 2-4 (94.21) Dimitri van den Bergh

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