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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

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Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC