Van Gerwen merciless in whitewash win over Ashton with 105 average, Clinical Cullen breezes past Henderson without reply

In a highly touted clash before proceedings started, Michael van Gerwen took care of business to begin Group G at the Grand Slam of Darts by seeing off Lisa Ashton in a whitewash win as the opening night continues.

Van Gerwen was merciless as he averaged nearly 106 and hit 5/8 on the doubles to see off Ashton in double quick time.

He hit the ground running with a 180 and double 16 for a 14-darter to hold throw and did the same for a 47 checkout to seal a break of throw and a 2-0 lead.

This was consolidated by Mighty Mike to make it 3-0 as he headed towards the finishing line averaging towards 107 and not giving Ashton any resolve.

Ashton pinned a 180 on her throw but a 171 and 132 setup from Van Gerwen left double 16 which he pinned for a 4-0 lead.

Another dominant leg on throw sealed the deal for 'Mighty Mike' who has got off to a perfect start.

He will now face Joe Cullen in a rerun of their epic ProTour clash recently which saw a 111.28 average from 'The Rockstar' and he was in the mood again against John Henderson.

It was back-to-back whitewash triumphs as clinical Cullen surged through 5-0 with a 98.8 average and four 180's.

Cullen started Henderson's throw with a 180 but he could only set up and hope for double 16 which he utilised with Henderson unable to hit 62.

Another 180 and double 10 from Cullen saw him hold throw and a 2-0 lead. He split double nine and pinned double four for a 3-0 lead and another break.

It was a third 180 and double 20 saw a consolidation and a 4-0 lead. A fourth was reigned in by Cullen and he missed bull for a 170.

Henderson was under pressure for double seven but couldn't pin it and Cullen finished the job 5-0 with a 41 checkout.