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Michael van Gerwen hit a sensational nine-dart finish in an incredible performance, which saw him defeat Steve Beaton 13-9 in round two of the Betfair World Matchplay.

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The Dutchman powered past his opponent to reach the last eight for the first time at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, hitting six finishes of over 100 in an explosive triumph over the former World Champion.

“I was delighted with my performance,” said van Gerwen.

“Especially as I kicked on well after the nine-darter.

“That was a very special moment for me and I enjoyed playing in such a brilliant match because Steve played very well too.

“I’ve been playing really well recently on the floor, which has given me great confidence and it all came good tonight.”

The first six legs of the match went with the throw, with van Gerwen taking out finishes of 108 and 116.

But it was Beaton who grabbed the game’s first break of throw, taking out 90 before van Gerwen responded with a brilliant 128 out.

Then came the magical moment, with ‘Mighty Mike’ hitting back to back 180s before sealing his spectacular nine dart finish with a 141 checkout.

The 23-year-old followed that up with another briliant checkout, this time 116.

Beaton levelled before the former World Master reeled off four legs in a row to take a 10-6 lead.

‘The Adonis’ took the next two before van Gerwen produced another fantatsic finish, taking out 120 in a leg that included his sixth maximum.

Beaton pulled it back to 11-9 before van Gerwen closed the match out, adding another 180 to end with an average of 104.36 – the highest of the tournament so far.

By Chris Murphy

See some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Untouchables,Eastbourne on Friday 19 October.

JAMES HUBBARD will celebrate his 20th birthday by making his Betfair World Matchplay debut on Tuesday night – but opponent Wes Newton is determined that a celebratory cake is the only present he receives from their clash in Blackpool.

World Youth Champion Hubbard will continue his remarkable rise when he steps onto the Winter Gardens stage – having competed in an amateur tournament in Blackpool last summer.

Having turned professional in November, the 19-year-old has soared to stardom and recently qualified to play in the £400,000 World Matchplay.

“It’s a dream for me to be playing in this event,” said Hubbard. “Winning the World Youth Championship was special but I wasn’t a professional when I qualified for the final, so this is the biggest stepping stone of my career.

“This time last year I was here playing in an amateur tournament, and now I’ll be on stage in the second-biggest event in darts.

“It would be very special to win but there’s no pressure on me either because I never expected to qualify for this.

“To beat the world number five on television in his own backyard would be a great achievement, and I’ll be giving it my best shot on Tuesday.”

Former UK Open finalist Newton was a quarter-finalist in last year’s World Matchplay, and enters their clash as the heavy favourite.

However, the number five seed is taking nothing for granted, and admits: “I’ve known James since he was a cheeky kid and it’s great to see him in the World Matchplay.

Images courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

“He used to play in youth tournaments around PDC events so I’ve seen him grow up, and for him to have qualified shows how far he’s come in such a short space of time.

“He’s got a birthday cake but I don’t want to be giving him any more presents on stage on Tuesday night! I’m there to do a job and I’m looking forward to the game – to be in the second round is the main aim.”

Story and images courtesy of PDC

Mark Webster progressed into the second round of the Betfair World Matchplay with a hard fought victory over Colin Lloyd.

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The Welshman hit finishes of 116 and 110 to take crucial legs against the throw, as he completed a 10-6 win against the 2005 champion.

“It wasn’t pretty but I got the job done,” said Webster, who faces Andy Hamilton in the last 16.

“It was a battle but I held it together and I’m very pleased to get the win.

“That could be a big win for me and I’m looking forward another good battle in the next round.”

Mervyn King almost toppled defending champion Phil Taylor but eventually lost out 10-8 to ‘The Power’, who is chasing a 13th Matchplay triumph.

There was also disspointment for Dutchman Vincent van der Voort, who was defeated by an inspired performance from Ian White.

Tuesday evening sees the final four first round matches, with James Hubbard hoping to mark his 20th birthday with victory over Fleetwood’s Wes Newton

By Chris Murphy

See some of the world’s top darts players in action at The Untouchables,Eastbourne on Friday 19 October.