Van Gerwen battles past Lewis in under-par display, sets up Cullen clash at 2022 World Matchplay

On his return to action for only the second time since surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Michael van Gerwen was under-par against Adrian Lewis in a tie that didn't live up to it's billing but one where 'Jackpot' did not take advantage.

Van Gerwen averaged 90 in his lowest ever average at the World Matchplay but he sealed a 10-7 victory in moving through where he will face Joe Cullen in another chapter in their rivalry.

A 126 checkout on the bull was a showpiece start from Van Gerwen who showed no rust to hold throw. Lewis set up double eight from 184 and pinned it to hold and level.

MVG started his throw with a 180 but Lewis hit one to leave 81 on MVG’s throw to have the first chance to break. He pinned it last dart on the next visit on double 16 with Van Gerwen lurking to hold.

After a poor start to the leg from both, Van Gerwen was first to a finish on Lewis’ throw but the latter was first to a double missing 110 for the hold. Van Gerwen took aim at 91 but missed double 16 a mile off and Lewis hit double 10 for a 3-1 lead.

Both didn’t catch light again but Van Gerwen hit double six last gasp with Lewis waiting on 46 for another break and it was 3-2 to Lewis.

Lewis missed two at double 18 for a 93 checkout on return and Van Gerwen took the break back for 3-3. He held from there to go 4-3 up.

A 180 and 56 checkout saw Lewis hold again at 4-4. A 76 checkout saw Lewis break back and make it 5-4 as he was throwing for a 6-4 lead at the interval.

Lewis missed a 116 checkout to hold though and Van Gerwen pinned double 20 to make it 5-5. The Premier League champion was messy on 83 leaving 50 but returned with Lewis not able to pin treble 18 on 147 with someone talking while he was throwing.

But Lewis returned with two missed by Van Gerwen only for ‘Jackpot’ to slip into single eight going for 56 and hand MVG a hold at 6-5.

‘Jackpot’ hit 140 leave 96 after MVG had hit a 177. But he had six darts at the finish and Lewis pinned double 18 for parity at 6-6.

Van Gerwen opened his throw with a 180 and 140 to leave 181 after six. He hit 135 to leave 46 as he edged ahead again at 7-6 on double 16.

Lewis pinned a maximum as he looked to level again but he missed 70 and Van Gerwen broke throw on double 10 at 8-6.

A 171 for Lewis though saw him well ahead on the Van Gerwen throw as he looked to break back but he slipped inside on double 15 only for MVG to miss the bull on 80 and Lewis bust as his bad luck continued and Van Gerwen got some luck to go one away at 9-6.

Lewis continued to struggle seemingly with release and handed MVG match darts only for the Dutchman to miss both and ‘Jackpot’ got off the hook at 9-7. But he was well back on Van Gerwen’s throw and the two-time champion sealed it.