Michael van Gerwen wins sixth World Grand Prix title after intense battle against Nathan Aspinal
Gutsy Michael van Gerwen won his sixth double-start title at the BoyleSports World Grand Prix with a superb 5-3 triumph over battling Nathan Aspinall in Leicester on Sunday.
Very proud to win my 6th World Grand Prix this evening. I had to dig in because @NathanAspi is brilliant player and never gives up. I think I played some phenomenal darts this week. Now I canβt wait to see my family tomorrow. Thank you for all the support this week πππ pic.twitter.com/XPUDfRB0iL
β Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) October 9, 2022
2022 BoyleSports World Grand Prix, Sunday October 9, Final:
Set-by-Set Breakdown
Set One (3-0): Van Gerwen takes out 116 to win the opening leg, punishes two missed doubles from Aspinall by breaking with an 83 checkout before wrapping up the set on double ten.
Set Two (3-2): The pair trade 13-darters, Aspinall then punishes a missed tops from Van Gerwen to lead 2-1 before the Dutchman levels with a 14-darter and takes out tops to claim the set and double his lead.
Set Three (3-2): Aspinall opens with a 160, but misses double 14 to break as Van Gerwen takes out 112 to lead. Aspinall levels on tops, Van Gerwen then fires in a 13-darter before the Stockport ace lands double eight to take the set to a decider - but the five-time champion is first to a double as tops opens up a three-set cushion.
Set Four (3-1): Aspinall lands tops to win the opening leg but misses five darts at doubles in the next two legs as Van Gerwen pounces to break and move 2-1 up. A 174 score moves the Dutchman clear in leg four, and double ten seals a fourth successive set.
Set Five (1-3): Aspinall leaves tops after 12 darts, only to see Van Gerwen take out 66 for a 14-darter to open the set. Aspinall levels on double ten before breaking with a superb 13-darter, and tops sees him claim his first set of the final.
Set Six (1-3): Tops wins Aspinall the opening leg as he punishes six missed starting doubles from Van Gerwen, who levels in 15 darts. Aspinall takes out 89 to win leg three, and posts double eight to claim the set as his comeback continues.
Set Seven (1-3): Two misses at double 16 from Van Gerwen allow Aspinall to break with a 14-darter, but the Dutchman produces his best leg of the match with scores of 160, 140 and 140 in a 12-darter to level. Four missed doubles from Van Gerwen allow Aspinall in for another 14-dart break. Seven missed starting doubles from Van Gerwen give Aspinall breathing space in leg four, and he returns on double four to claim a third set and move within touching distance of his rival.
Set Eight (3-2): Aspinall misses a dart at tops in each of the opening two legs as Van Gerwen lands double ten in successive legs to move to the brink of victory. Tops in leg three saw Aspinall respond to keep his hopes alive and he hit the same bed to take the set to a decider. The tension mounted as Van Gerwen fired in a 180, with Aspinall unable to land darts at double top and ten for the set as the Dutchman fittingly landed double six to secure his sixth World Grand Prix triumph.