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Michael van Gerwen and Paul Nicholson progressed in to the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix, after both claimed impressive wins at Dublin’s Citywest Hotel on Thursday.

van Gerwen eliminated bookies favourite Adrian Lewis with a 3-1 victory over the world number two, while Nicholson triumphed over Colin Osborne by the same scoreline.

‘Mighty Mike’ produced a mature performance to see off the below par Lewis, following on from his first round success over Colin Lloyd.

The Dutch ace, whose excellent form in 2012 has seen him clinch four Pro Tour titles, will take on Andy Hamilton on Friday evening for a place in the semi-finals.

“This is a massive step for me,” admitted van Gerwen, who has been installed as the favourite to win his first PDC major title.

“I am over the moon to beat the World Champion and to reach another TV quarter-final.

“I have been practising hard and playing a lot of games. My wins on the Pro Tour have given me a lot of confidence and if I keep up my form, I could win this.”

Nicholson will face Wez Newton in the last eight, after ‘the Asset’ cruised to a comfortable victory over Colin Osborne.

The 2010 Players Championship Finals winner, who had seen off Michael Mansell in the first round, put on another solid display as he reached his first televised quarter-final since the World Cup back in February.

Friday evening sees the four quarter-finals take place, with UK Open winner Robert Thornton and Mervyn King, who progressed on Wednesday evening, going head to head as they bid to reach the last four.

Friday October 12 (7pm-11pm)
Quarter-Finals – (MODUS associated players in bold)
Justin Pipe v Brendan Dolan
Wes Newton v Paul Nicholson
Michael van Gerwen v Andy Hamilton
Robert Thornton v Mervyn King

Click here for the full match report on Paul Nicholson’s second round victory over Colin Osborne.

Click her for the full match report on Michael van Gerwen’s second round victory over Adrian Lewis.

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