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Michael van Gerwen believes that Thursday’s PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix match against Adrian Lewis could be ‘something special’.

The in-form Dutch star has produced some electrifying performances in 2012, including a sensational nine-dart finish at the World Matchplay in July.

After seeing off seeing off Colin Lloyd on Monday evening, van Gerwen faces two-time and reigning World Champion Lewis for a place in the quarter-finals of the Dublin tournament, with the fast-throwing pair meeting for the first time on TV.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Adrian,” said ‘Mighty Mike’, whose impressive form has seen him win four PDC Pro Tour titles this year.

“I’ve never played him on stage before but it’s an exciting prospect.

“He is a fast player and I am too. If we both take our best game up there then it could be really special for the crowd and for TV.

“He is a top player. You do not become World Champion twice without being a brilliant dart player but my form is good and I’m feeling confident.”

van Gerwen and ‘Jackpot’ are expected to be on stage at around 9.30pm, with the winner taking on either Andy Hamilton or Steve Beaton in Friday’s quarter-finals.

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

Robert Thornton triumphed in a sensational PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix battle with ten-time winner Phil Taylor at Dublin’s Citywest Hotel on Wednesday.

The pair both produced top quality performances in a classic dual, which saw Thornton prevail in a dramatic deciding leg.

The Scotsman, who also inflicted defeat on the world number one last time they met – in the final of the UK Open in June – shocked ‘The Power’ again, as he progressed into the quarter-finals.

‘The Thorn’ hit an incredible eight 180s on his way to a three sets to two triumph over the 15-time World Champion.

Both players averaged above 95, which is remarkably high in the unique double-start format, but it was Thornton who once again eliminated tournament favourite Taylor, who was punished for missing five match darts.

“Phil missed a few doubles but I never gave in,” said Thornton, who has now won 15 out of 16 matches in Dublin since Saturday, after reaching both finals of the weekend’s Pro Tour events, winning one.

“I’m playing really well at the moment and it’s all down to practice.

“I’m really focused and I have had great belief in myself since winning the UK Open.”

Thornton, who clinched his first PDC major title with his Bolton victory earlier this year, now faces Mervyn King in his quest for a second televised triumph.

King stormed past Dave Chisnall with an impressive display, in which he was particularly sharp on his starting doubles.

‘The King’ fired in four 180s on the way to a 3-1 success over Chisnall, to set up a last eight clash with Thornton, which will take place on Friday evening.

“It’s nice to be playing well again and I’m getting closer to my best game,” said King.

“I’ve been hitting my best in practice in the last few days, along with a couple of nine-darters.

“Robert has got back to his best during this year and maybe I’ll get there this week because it’s been a long while since I’ve been in a major quarter-final.”

Vincent van der Voort was unable to progress further than the last 16 stage, however, the Dutchman lost out to 2011 runner-up Brendan Dolan.

Thursday night sees the completion of the second round with Paul Nicholson taking on Colin Osborne and Michael van Gerwen facing two-time and reigning World Champion Adrian Lewis.

By Chris Murphy

Read the full match report on Robert Thornton’s sensational victory over Phil Taylor here.

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Michael van Gerwen made a strong start to his PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix campaign in Dublin, where Paul Nicholson also progressed into the last 16 on Tuesday evening.

van Gerwen booked his place in round two after producing an impressive fightback against 2004 winner Colin Lloyd. 

The Dutch star, who fell a set behind, threatened a nine-darter at one point, hitting six perfect darts in the leg that won him the second set.

He then won all three legs in the decider, taking out 101 to seal the victory.

van Gerwen now faces the mouthwatering prospect of a dual with World Champion Adrian Lewis on Thursday evening.

“I am pleased to get through the first game as Colin was always going to be a tough opponent,” said ‘Mighty Mike’.

“I can’t ever remember playing Adrian on TV but I am on form and he is a top player and we are both fast players.

“If we both bring our best games it will be great news for the crowd and viewers.”

Nicholson swept past Michael Mansell with a straight sets triumph.

‘The Asset’ produced a authoratitive display, showing real sharpness on doubles at both the beginning and end of most legs.

The Australian, who reached the final of the World Cup earlier in 2012, faces Colin Osborne on Thursday for a place in the quarter-finals.

Mark Webster suffered a first round defeat at the hands of Andy Hamilton, while James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld were also condemned to early exits.

Wade lost out to Osborne, before ‘Barney’ was beaten by the impressive Ian White.

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