Van Gerwen survives scare in World Grand Prix opener against Ratajski, Anderson safely through with victory over Cross

Michael van Gerwen has been going through a slump as of late and it nearly continued against Krzysztof Ratajski but he survived a scare to open his World Grand Prix defence.

Van Gerwen saw off Ratajski in a deciding leg thriller with a 98.6 average as he produced some brilliant darts while also staring down the barrel at defeat at times.

It was a truly stunning start from the World Number One as he eased to the opening set in consecutive legs with a 110 average to send a message to those who have doubted him.

Ratajski though with his no nonsense style wasn’t rattled and led 2-1 in the second despite an average of only 77 to MVG’s 107.

Trouble on the doubles saw Ratajski claim it 3-1 and go towards a potential shock. This continued as Ratajski lead for the first time after two missed doubles allowed him to break.

He couldn’t consolidate it though as he missed three at double and Van Gerwen pinned a 103 checkout. A 160 start and an 82 checkout saw him regain the lead and despite a 76 checkout from Ratajski, he didn’t have the throw in the decider and Van Gerwen piled in the pressure and claimed it.

Gary Anderson hasn’t been seen since the Premier League with ‘The Flying Scotsman’ deciding against playing in the PDC Autumn Series and World Series of Darts Finals but he returned with a straight sets win over Rob Cross.

He began life back on the big stage with a 3-1 legs win averaging 99 and 50% on the doubles. Cross took the initiative when they returned but he missed the big number and Anderson made it 1-1.

He missed more darts but at double and Anderson went one away and despite busting on 10, Cross couldn’t capitalise and he claimed it 3-1 to move through in a 2-0 sets win.

Danny Noppert (89.01) 2-1 (82.15) Ryan Searle (0-3, 3-0, 3-1)

Mensur Suljovic (71.43) 1-2 (72.98) Dirk van Duijvenbode (1-3, 3-0, 1-3)

Jose De Sousa (93.46) 0-2 (87.83) Devon Petersen (1-3, 2-3)

James Wade (78.94) 0-2 (86.76) Mervyn King (1-3, 1-3)

Rob Cross (77.46) 0-2 (89.14) Gary Anderson (2-3, 1-3)

Michael van Gerwen (98.64) 2-1 (85.08) Krzysztof Ratajski (3-0, 1-3, 3-2)

Michael Smith v Dimitri Van den Bergh