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MICHAEL VAN GERWEN hit a nine-dart finish on the way to winning the first European Tour title of 2019.

Van Gerwen produced an unorthodox perfect leg in his semi-final win against Mensur Suljovic before defeating Rob Cross 8-6 in Sunday’s European Darts Open final in Leverkusen.

The world number one followed a 180 with a 174 and cleaned up the remaining 147 by pinning treble 19, bull and double top to complete a stunning nine-darter for a crucial break of throw against Suljovic – who he went on to defeat 7-5.

The Dutch star then kicked off the decider against world number two Cross with a brilliant 170 checkout before going on to claim his 29th European Tour success.

“Everyone always thinks I am a robot but I’m not a robot and today was one of the days where I had to work really hard to win,” said Van Gerwen, who has hit three nine-darters so far in 2019.

“Rob played so well in this tournament, I knew I had to perform well if I wanted to beat him and it was really tough for me.

“He was a bit unlucky at the end but I hit the big shots at the right moments so I’m happy with my performance.”

WATCH – VAN GERWEN’S OUTRAGEOUS NINE-DARTER