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Michael van Gerwen and Paul Nicholson progressed in to the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix, after both claimed impressive wins at Dublin’s Citywest Hotel on Thursday.

van Gerwen eliminated bookies favourite Adrian Lewis with a 3-1 victory over the world number two, while Nicholson triumphed over Colin Osborne by the same scoreline.

‘Mighty Mike’ produced a mature performance to see off the below par Lewis, following on from his first round success over Colin Lloyd.

The Dutch ace, whose excellent form in 2012 has seen him clinch four Pro Tour titles, will take on Andy Hamilton on Friday evening for a place in the semi-finals.

“This is a massive step for me,” admitted van Gerwen, who has been installed as the favourite to win his first PDC major title.

“I am over the moon to beat the World Champion and to reach another TV quarter-final.

“I have been practising hard and playing a lot of games. My wins on the Pro Tour have given me a lot of confidence and if I keep up my form, I could win this.”

Nicholson will face Wez Newton in the last eight, after ‘the Asset’ cruised to a comfortable victory over Colin Osborne.

The 2010 Players Championship Finals winner, who had seen off Michael Mansell in the first round, put on another solid display as he reached his first televised quarter-final since the World Cup back in February.

Friday evening sees the four quarter-finals take place, with UK Open winner Robert Thornton and Mervyn King, who progressed on Wednesday evening, going head to head as they bid to reach the last four.

Friday October 12 (7pm-11pm)
Quarter-Finals – (MODUS associated players in bold)
Justin Pipe v Brendan Dolan
Wes Newton v Paul Nicholson
Michael van Gerwen v Andy Hamilton
Robert Thornton v Mervyn King

Click here for the full match report on Paul Nicholson’s second round victory over Colin Osborne.

Click her for the full match report on Michael van Gerwen’s second round victory over Adrian Lewis.

By Chris Murphy

***SPECIAL OFFER – Silver tickets for The Untouchables, Eastbourne on Friday 19 October are TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE – Click here for more details***

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 3 – 1 Adrian Lewis

Michael van Gerwen claimed an impressive victory over two-time and reigning World Champion Adrian Lewis, as he progressed into the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix in Dublin.

The young Dutch star kept his hopes of collecting his first PDC major title alive, with a terrific triumph over tournament favourite ‘Jackpot’ in their first ever televised meeting.

“I’m very happy to beat the World Champion,” said van Gerwen, who has won four floor events this year.

“It is a big step for me and I’m over the moon to be in another TV quarter-final.

“Winning the Pro Tour events has given me a lot of confidence and I’m starting to take my form to the stage.

“This is the most difficult tournament of the year but if I continue my game, I hope I can win it.”

van Gerwen took the first leg, before almost producing a party piece on the way to doubling his lead.

The Dutch sensation hit two bullseyes but just missed double 16 in an audacious attempt at a 132 checkout.

He cleaned up the remaining 16 though, and wrapped up the set on double top in the following leg.

Lewis then quickly took three legs on the spin to level the set count at one apiece.

‘Mighty Mike’ hit double nine to take the first leg of the third set.

He then went off with a 160, but it wasn’t enough to break the Lewis throw.

van Gerwen took out 64 to edge back in front before grabbing a crucial break, bedding double four to take a two sets to one lead.

The World Champion pulled of a show-stopping 170 finish in the opening leg of the fourth set.

‘Mighty Mike’ responded with a neat 90 checkout but Lewis posted double 16 to move ahead in the set.

van Gerwen took out 60 to level and then took the set and the match on double 16.

The 23-year-old, who has now been installed as the favourite for the £100,000 title, takes on Andy Hamilton on Friday for a place in the last four.

By Chris Murphy

***SPECIAL OFFER – Silver tickets for The Untouchables, Eastbourne on Friday 19 October are TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE – Click here for more details***

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

James Wade has issued a message of thanks for the outpouring of support he has received in the last 48 hours.

The world number three, whose mental health issues have been well documented in recent years, was visibly unsettled during his World Grand Prix defeat against Colin Osborne on Tuesday evening.

Wade, who immediately flew back to the UK, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, clinical depression and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder when he was admitted to The Priory Clinic in 2010.

He has continued to receive the necessary treatment to combat his illnesses ever since.

“I want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all of my fans and everyone who has supported me, especially since Tuesday,” said Wade, after online fan pages and social media sites were flooded with messages of concern and support.

“I am home now and getting the right help so I can focus on getting myself right for the remainder of the season.”