The
Dutch Darts Championship continues and after a lull for the seeded players,
Michael van Gerwen,
Peter Wright and
Dirk van Duijvenbode have readdressed the balance in Zwolle.
Van Gerwen hasn't lost to Jelle Klaasen in eight years and sealed a 14th consecutive win over 'The Cobra' in a pumped up display from 'Mighty Mike' in front of his wife, Daphne and daughter, Zoë who he brought on stage post match.
It was a 104.67 average, six 180's and 60% on the doubles as he tailed off slightly at the end after averaging nearly 112 in parts.
To start the tie, Van Gerwen produced a superb 11 darter after both went berserk on 180’s but Klaasen produced a classy response of his own with a 170 checkout.
Another leg another 180 for Van Gerwen as he produced a 15 darter to go 2-1 up. A fourth was rattled in by MVG as he looked to attack the Klaasen throw and he had 57 to break throw only getting one dart but it was enough to go 3-1 up.
A fifth 180 was followed up with an 84 checkout with his average sat at 111. Another 180 and a 44 checkout albeit for Klaasen saw him make it 4-2.
Van Gerwen missed a 77 checkout for a hold but Klaasen couldn’t break with a 66 checkout and MVG went one away. A sixth 180 and double eight saw MVG seal it. Next up is Callan Rydz but can he get as fired up against 'The Riot' as against 'The Cobra'.
Dirk van Duijvenbode was fired up against Mickey Mansell as he sealed a 6-4 win over the 'Clonoe Cyclone' and roared in front of his home crowd as a result.
Mansell was broken by Van Duijvenbode with a 96 finish in the ninth leg which proved the difference maker as 'The Titan' albeit with his eighth match dart finally sealed it.
While after his Premier League Darts disappointment, Peter Wright returned to action and to the winners' circle. He defeated home hope, Jermaine Wattimena 6-3.
This with a 92 average and a sensational 125 checkout en route as well as 42.9% on the doubles. He will return tomorrow to play Danny Noppert.