Van Gerwen produces winning start in Hildesheim with victory over Lennon, Suljovic edges past Smith

Michael van Gerwen has had an almost perfect start to the German Darts Championship in Hildesheim. as he breezed through his opener and into the final day.

Van Gerwen continued his perfect record of 10/10 against Steve Lennon with a 99.8 average, three 180's and 55% on the doubles. He suffered an early scare of sorts going 2-1 down but reeled off five straight legs to win 6-2 and will now take on Mervyn King tomorrow, a player he knows very well.

Mensur Suljovic is also through to the next round with 'The Gentle' taking out 124 on the bull to seal it 6-4. This was after Smith nearly hit a nine-dart finish in the early going but missed double 18 and it was made 3-3 from there.

Next up will be James Wade or Nico Kurz who will face off in the final match of the evening session after 'The Machine' missed his flight earlier today.

Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)

Jonny Clayton (99.95) 6-4 (95.13) Chris Dobey

Ian White (89.9) 4-6 (91.27) Max Hopp

Mensur Suljovic (96.27) 6-4 (96.34) Jeff Smith

Michael van Gerwen (99.85) 6-2 (86.69) Steve Lennon

Peter Wright v Michael Smith

Krzysztof Ratajski v Richard North

Gerwyn Price v Devon Petersen

Joe Cullen v Adam Hunt

James Wade v Nico Kurz