MICHAEL VAN GERWEN won a brilliant World Grand Prix quarter-final battle against Mervyn King to move closer to successful title defence in Dublin.
The pair exchanged roof-raising 170 checkouts in a high-quality encounter, which van Gerwen won by three sets to one.
“I think it was a phenomenal game from both of us, but I proved why you should never write off MvG,” said Van Gerwen, who will take on Chris Dobey in Friday’s semi-finals.
“He pushed me through the roof, he never gave up and I think we saw Mervyn at his best tonight. He’s a top class player with an incredible talent.
“Now I will have a good night’s rest and I will be ready for tomorrow. I think the longer format will favour me in my game with Chris.”