World Matchplay: Michael Van Gerwen sees off Joe Cullen, Michael Smith progresses
Michael Van Gerwen at the Bahrain Darts Masters
Michael van Gerwen has eyes on a fourth World Matchplay title after moving into the quarter-finals.
The Dutchman followed up his first-round win over Luke Littler with a battling 11-8 victory over Joe Cullen.
Van Gerwen has had a lean 18 months but is looking a good bet to add another Blackpool crown to his collection.
He did make hard work of beating Cullen, who made a sterling comeback from 9-5 down and had darts to bring it back to 10-9.
“He was having a great comeback but I should have been on the ball more, I was 9-5 up, you should never make it this difficult for yourself,” Van Gerwen said.
“When you win games like this it is great satisfaction. I made it hard for myself but a win is a win.
“I won my game and I can’t wait to play my next one, I am playing OK again. I know there is a lot more in the tank.”
Michael Smith muscled his way into the final eight with a 11-9 win over Chris Dobey.
Smith raced into a 4-0 lead but was made to work by Dobey, who hit a 170 checkout.
But Smith was able to get revenge on Dobey, who knocked him out of last year’s competition.
“I was nowhere near the races. I just got involved in a battle I should never have got involved in. I managed to get over the line in the end. I’m in the quarters now, which is good.”
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Rob Cross is waiting for him after he put in an electric performance to demolish Ryan Searle 11-6.
The 2019 champion is looking a strong contender for a second title and set the tone with a 10-dart opening leg.
He threw an impressive 106.99 average, including eight 180s.
“It’s nice to deliver. It’s nice to get the win, move on and I think there’s more in the tank,” he said.
“I might go under the radar, I quite like it like that. I am just enjoying life and that is what it is all about.”
Van Gerwen will now play Andrew Gilding in Friday’s quarter-final.
Gilding, who beat the Dutchman in the final of the UK Open last year, showed the Midas touch to see off Krzysztof Ratajski 11-5 in the night’s opening match.
He threw six 180s, had two 100-plus checkouts and converted 50 per cent of his double opportunities.
