Whitlock before tonight had 15 consecutive losses to the World Number One so in a night of 50/50 matches was low on the pecking order in terms of potential wins; but produced an exceptional 11-4 win.

This included six 180's and a 98.7 average; as he sets up a Quarter-Final clash against Gary Anderson next up as well as blowing the tournament wide open.

Van Gerwen's start was the catalyst for this display from Whitlock; he stormed into a 5-0 lead with the former averaging around the 75 mark and only bringing it up to 88 before the break.

Always though there is an inevitability about Van Gerwen's play; especially against a player whom he has a great streak over.

He produced back-to-back legs to get off and running and reduce the deficit to 5-2; but Whitlock continued to add legs to make the task even more difficult for Mighty Mike.

At the break, the four leg cushion was restored at 7-3 and Whitlock was soon 9-4 up and one away after three more misses which put MVG's total down at 19% on the doubles, this was increased further with 20 missed darts at double which allowed the Aussie to streak to a remarkable win.

Click here for more information about the World Matchplay, including the tournament bracket, TV coverage and prize money breakdown.

Nathan Aspinall (93.54) 5-10 (98.42) Dimitri van den Bergh

Michael Smith (94.99) 14-12 (91.7) Mensur Suljovic
Gary Anderson (92.91) 11-8 (93.96) James Wade
Michael van Gerwen (90.8) 4-11 (98.11) Simon Whitlock
Gabriel Clemens v Krzysztof Ratajski

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