Michael van Gerwen’s pursuit of a fourth world title continued on Friday night as he defeated his fellow countryman Dirk van Duijvenbode 4-1 in the last 16.
A 43% success rate on the doubles along with another 100+ average will not just concern his quarter-final opponent Chris Dobey, but the remainder of the competition.
‘Might Mike’ took control right from the off as he comfortably claimed the opening two sets despite checkouts of 117 and 170 by an under par van Duijvenbode.
A 3-1 win in the next set looked as though it would bring ‘Aubergenius’ back into the game.
However, he crucially lost the deciding leg in the fourth set to hand three-time champion van Gerwen a 3-1 advantage.
The ever-entertaining van Duijvenbode needed to find a way to stifle van Gerwen’s momentum if he was to have any chance of getting back into the game.
He could not handle what van Gerwen was throwing at him however, as the trophy-laden star took out 120 to secure safe passage to the last-eight where Dobey awaits.