Van Gerwen recovers to defeat Barstow and open PDC World Darts Championship campaign

Michael van Gerwen is through his first hurdle at the 2021`/22 PDC World Darts Championship after recovering from a set down to see off Chas Barstow 3-1.

Van Gerwen missed seven darts for the opening set to take the lead and Barstow had an unlikely lead but a professional job ensued from Mighty Mike who averaged 94.54 with six 180's and 31% on the doubles against a valiant effort from the debutant.

A 72 checkout saw a flying start for Van Gerwen who held his throw. A poor start from Barstow saw a 180 follow for Van Gerwen as he looked to claim an immediate break.

But Barstow replied with a 180 of his own, he got a shot at the 86 and claimed it on the bull for a hold.

A second 180 saw Van Gerwen en route to double eight getting two shots at it with Barstow well back. A 56 checkout saw Barstow send it to a decider.

Van Gerwen missed multiple darts for the set and Barstow smashed in a 116 checkout. He smashed in double 15 after Van Gerwen missed three darts for the break. 

A 61 checkout on double four saw Van Gerwen majorly pressured but hold his throw. Barstow missed double five to hold and Van Gerwen punished him to go 2-1 up.

Barstow had 170 left but drifted into treble five and Van Gerwen returned for 80 to claim the set.

He missed more darts to begin the next set but Barstow missed the big number and Van Gerwen got off the hook on double two.

Barstow got punished for not hitting trebles as Van Gerwen hit his fifth 180 and had double 15 to hit with Barstow on 157.

MVG attacked it and it paid off as he went 2-0 up and had the throw for a 2-1 lead.

Barstow shook his head as MVG surged away but replied with a 177 to begin. He messed around though on a 92 and allowed Van Gerwen 97 for the set which he took.

He had the throw in the next one to keep himself in proceedings and pinned double 10. A 180 and double 16 saw Van Gerwen level it up.

A 99 checkout saw him break and go one away from there after a brilliant 174 set up.