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Michael van Gerwen showed his class as he powered into the third round of the world championship. The three-time champion struggled in his opening match but brought his best to brush past William O’Connor 3-1.
It was an impressive performance by the Dutchman, who reminded everyone of his credentials after a difficult year on and off the oche. Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are the leading contenders for the title in January but Van Gerwen is a threat playing like this.
Peter Wright’s confidence was wildly misplaced after he crashed out. The two-time champion was dressed in a Santa outfit but there was no festive cheer on show as Arno Merk won 3-1. Wright had claimed he was definitely going to win this tournament but was left red-faced with Merk, on debut, full value for the win, which denied the possibility of a third-round match between Wright and Van Gerwen – a repeat of the 2020 final.
Van Gerwen remains at the top of the sport – and is a contender for the title – but Wright’s name is no longer in that conversation after a dreadful performance where he averaged just 79.20.
“I am stunned, I can’t believe it, I just beat a legend, I am so happy,” Merk said. “I am early in my work, so I am really happy.”
Gary Anderson rolled back the years with a vintage display to oust Connor Scutt. The Scot is the last man to defend the title with back-to-back wins in 2015 and 2016 and he showed a similar level of form. He averaged 105.41 and threw nine 180s in an excellent showing.
PDC World Championship: third-round draw
Show[1] Luke Littler (Eng) v Mensur Suljovic (Aut)
[16] Damon Heta (Aus) v Rob Cross (Eng) [17]
Andrew Gilding (Eng) v Luke Woodhouse (Eng) [25]
Wesley Plaisier (Neth) v Krzysztof Ratajski (Pol)
[4] Stephen Bunting (Eng) v James Hurrell (Eng)
[13] Martin Schindler (Ger) v Ryan Searle (Eng) [20]
[5] Jonny Clayton (Wal) v Niels Zonneveld (Neth)
Andreas Harrysson (Swe) v Ricardo Pietreczko (Ger)
[2] Luke Humphries (Eng) v Gabriel Clemens (Ger)
[15] Nathan Aspinall (Eng) v Kevin Doets (Neth)
Ricky Evans (Eng) v Charlie Manby (Eng)
[10] Gian van Veen (Neth) v Madars Razma (Lat)
[3] Michael van Gerwen (Neth) v Arno Merk (Ger)
[14] Gary Anderson (Sco) v Jermaine Wattimena (Neth) [19]
Justin Hood (Eng) v Ryan Meikle (Eng)
[11] Josh Rock (NI) v Callan Rydz (Eng)
Danny Noppert became the biggest casualty of the tournament so far as he lost to Justin Hood in a classic. The German, who is seeded sixth, was considered an outside bet for the title but lost to the world No 86 in a sudden-death leg.
Callan Rydz, Jermaine Wattimena and Ryan Meikle were also winners.
