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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

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Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC