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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.
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.
