Van Gerwen hit a 104 average and seven 180s en route against Bunting who like his poor record against Mighty Mike suggests just didn't get going against 'The Bullet'.
Bunting had a real shot to win the first set but produced a poor leg when it mattered most and this allowed the World Number One to take an early lead claiming the first in a deciding leg 3-2 with a 101 average and three 180's.
The St Helens ace was not at the races in the next set and succumbed without reply to Mighty Mike as Van Gerwen got better and Bunting just couldn't produce.
Despite that he should a glimmer with a brilliant 138 checkout to break and level at 1-1. Despite that MVG was well up on a finish and he pinned double 18 to go within one of a three set lead and it was one that he had.
Van Gerwen went six darts into a nine-dart finish but finished it off with an 11-darter to go 1-0 up and two away from the finishing line. Bunting claimed an important hold in the form of a 68 checkout. Despite that, Van Gerwen claimed victory from there as he was just too good for Bunting.
Click here for more information on the PDC World Darts Championship, which takes place at the Alexandra Palace between December 13 and January 1.
Gerwyn Price (104.20) 4-0 (94.59) John Henderson (R3)
Gary Anderson (97.42) 2-4 (97.97) Nathan Aspinall (R4)
Michael van Gerwen (104.09) 4-0 (84.71) Stephen Bunting (R4)
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