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Michael van Gerwen produced a sensational display to win the second Speedy Hire UK Open qualifier in Crawley. The young Dutchman hit a perfect nine-dart finish and a maximum 170 checkout in an amazing final against Dave Chisnall.

‘Mighty Mike’, who was named PDC Young Player of the Year last month, put together a brilliant run of impressive victories at the K2 Centre, culminating in his 6-1 triumph over Chisnall.

Photo - Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The 22 year old began the final with a 13 darter before breaking his opponent’s throw at the first opportunity. Chisnall pulled a leg back before van Gerwen restored his lead in spectacular style, hitting 180, 177 and a 144 checkout for a sublime nine-dart leg.

He went on to win the next three legs, hitting a 170 finish along the way, to claim his second victory on the PDC Pro-Tour.

Van Gerwen beat Steve Brown, Stuart Kellet, Richie Howson and Jamie Caven to reach the quarter-finals, where he defeated World Championship runner-up Andy Hamilton 6-2.

The Dutchman followed that fantastic win up with a 6-0 whitewash over Premier League star Simon Whitlock in the semi-final, before beating Chisnall in the final with a magnificent 108 average.

Vincent van der Voort also showed good form before losing out to Chisnall in the last four.

Van Gerwen scooped £6000 for his success and sealed qualification for the Speedy Hire UK Open finals in June.

By Chris Murphy

MODUS stars James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld visited Manchester United’s training ground yesterday ahead of the opening night of the McCoy’s Premier League.

Wade and ‘Barney’ were joined by Phil Taylor, Andy Hamilton and Kevin Painter in their trip to Carrington, where they were given a tour of the clubs facilities.

They also met Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs, two men who know a thing or two about winning Premier League titles.

PHOTOS: LAWRENCE LUSTIG/PDC

SIMON WHITLOCK 7 – 7 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD

Raymond van Barneveld and Simon Whitlock served up a real treat on the opening night of the McCoy’s Premier League, hitting eight 180’s between them in a fantastic 7-7 draw in Manchester.

‘Barney’ won the last two legs to seal a point after Whitlock had won five of the previous six. The Dutchman averaged 102 in a real classic.

Van Barneveld said: “I went into the break 4-2 up and felt really confident that I was going to win the match. After the break Simon played top class darts and suddenly I was 7-5 down. I was thinking here we go again, playing well and losing, but I thought no, no negativity and it seemed to work.”

‘The Wizard’ took the first leg before van Barneveld took out 80 to level. ‘Barney’ hit his first 180 in the third leg, which he won against the throw. The Dutchman hit double 15 to move further in front before Whitlock levelled with a neat 96 checkout. ‘Barney’ won the next leg to double his advantage, hitting his second maximum in the process.

Photo - Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Whitlock hit double four to reduce the deficit to a single leg, before hitting two 180’s against the throw to restore parity with a fantastic twelve dart leg. The Australian made it three in a row by hitting double top to take the lead for the first time since leg one.

Van Barneveld hit double twelve to make it five legs apiece. ‘The Wizard’ replied with his third 180 before hitting double four to put himself back in front. He then grabbed a break of throw at the perfect time, hitting double 16 to take a 7-5 lead.

‘Barney’ hit his fourth maximum before taking out 61 to leave himself throwing to salvage a draw. The five-time world champion made it five 180’s before hitting double eight for a share of the spoils, which both players admitted they were happy with.

Whitlock said: “When I was 4-2 down I would have been happy with a draw and after the way Raymond played I was definitely satisfied with the result. He said that he was happy with a draw too.  He came up with some massive darts at the end and I thought we both deserved something out of the match.”

Earlier in the evening James Wade was narrowly beaten by Andy Hamilton.

By Chris Murphy