Van Gerwen sets up showdown with Gary Anderson after Searle batters 'Barney' at European Championship

Michael van Gerwen and Ryan Searle have become the two latest names to book themselves a spot in the second round at the 2024 European Championship in Dortmund, Germany.

Firstly, Searle booked progression with a dominant victory over Dutch darting legend Raymond van Barneveld. In the first two legs, Van Barneveld was unable to finish within five visits each time. Searle ran away with the first two legs and then took a 3-0 lead with a 15-darter. A 12-darter then made it 4-0.

Van Barneveld then missed a dart on tops in the fifth leg, before Searle made it 5-0 with a 16-darter. From nowhere, 'Barney' then hit a 10-darter to make it 5-2 with a 15-darter. Van Barneveld then allowed himself to start the eighth leg, but again was not out in five visits. Searle seized his chance and with a 13-darter he advanced to the second round at the tournament in Dortmund.

For Van Gerwen, qualification for the second round at the European Championship was achieved without much trouble. 'Mighty Mike' easily dealt with home crowd hero Gabriel Clemens (6-1), ensuring a clash against old rival Gary Anderson in the next round.

Van Gerwen prevailed at the European Championship four years in a row between 2014 and 2017, but has now been dry at this tournament for six editions. However, two years ago, Van Gerwen was eliminated in the first round, so he now has no prize money to defend.

In the third leg, it was Van Gerwen who missed two doubles, after which Clemens threw out 56 for the win. Van Gerwen then made it 3-1 with an 18-darter, before Mighty Mike stepped up the pace with a 12-darter to extend the lead to 4-1. A 73 finish made it 5-1 before the three-time world champion finally clinched victory with his second 12-darter of the match.