Van Gerwen edges past Beaton to reach second round in Blackpool despite doubling woes

He hit a 93 average to make it the 12 match in a row that he's not averaged over 100 and an astonishing 27 missed darts at doubles but Beaton did not punish him on the scoring meaning despite not being at his best, he was allowed time at the doubles. He will face Adrian Lewis or Glen Durrant next.

To start the game, Van Gerwen had a poor start of sorts missing multiple sets of darts at double in the first three legs but Beaton wasn't at the races at all meaning MVG took an early 3-0 lead.

He made it 4-0 after Beaton missed double eight for a 133 checkout and to end the session, 'The Bronzed Adonis' finally got a leg on the board in a mini-session which was there for the taking of sorts. This was due to Mighty Mike averaging 86 and missing 19 darts at doubles as he looked really out of sorts.

Both players though will want to forget that portion of the match with neither performing to their best but Van Gerwen having the upperhand in the early going.

More wayward darts from Van Gerwen allowed Beaton two goes to go two behind. He went to only one behind breaking the throw of MVG but MVG broke back again to go 6-4 up at the interval to retain the upper hand.

He started to play better when they returned with a ten-darter to go 7-4 up and continue his commanding lead. Beaton held his throw following that to go 8-6 behind but he missed bull to break and MVG went one away. From there he claimed the win despite not looking anywhere near his sparkling best.

Click here for more information about the World Matchplay, including the prize money breakdown, schedule and format.

First Round
James Wade (96.16) 13-12 (95.26) Jeffrey de Zwaan
Mensur Suljovic (96.76) 10-1 (82.02) Jermaine Wattimena
Michael van Gerwen (93) 10-6 (89.86) Steve Beaton
22:10 Adrian Lewis v Glen Durrant

https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1153052451601125376