Van Gerwen got off and running ahead of an important weekend which could see him lose his World Number Three status with a statement.
He took out Clayton with ease 6-1 averaging 102.3 and hitting 60% on the doubles to move through.
After an initial break of throw, The Green Machine stormed into a 3-0 lead averaging 115 leaving 'The Ferret' with no chance despite averaging 100.
He finally got off the mark on double 16 but was 4-1 down and MVG pinned 87 for a second time to move one away before completing the feat and turning the tables from recent results which have seen Clayton dominate the head to head.
While for Smith, he is finally up and running in this year's tournament after seeing off Joe Cullen edging through 6-5 with a 97.3 average and four 180's in what will be a confidence booster for the two time World finalist.
It was a back and forth tie throughout with Smith going 2-1 up before squandering five darts at double and Cullen squared up before doing so again at 3-3 with a 145 checkout.
Cullen hit the front at 4-3 with a 97 checkout but Smith hit back to make it 4-4 before 'The Rockstar' had to produce himself on the madhouse for 5-5.
ADVERTISEMENT
Before Smith produced a wonderful 12 darter in the form of a 73 checkout to edge through and claim his spot in the semi's.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
𝗠𝘃𝗚 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗭𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛! 🟢
What a win that is for Michael van Gerwen who comfortably defeats Jonny Clayton 6-1 to seal a semi-final spot!
That win will mean a lot to him...
📺 𝙐𝙥 𝙣𝙚𝙭𝙩 👉 Michael Smith v Joe Cullen
#CazooPL