The World Champion showed his class in the second round of the Champions League against Michael Smith in a 10-6 win to round off the first day of competition in Leicester.
Might Mike lived up to the name in the opening five legs of the match. He won all five and looked set to win the match emphatically but then Smith stirred into life by reeling off four consecutive frames as he worked his way to eight 180s and 111.33 nine-dart average for the match.
But it wasn’t enough as he failed several double chances to win legs after the interval and failed to haul back the Dutchman’s advantage, and afterwards, the winner was proud of his efforts.
PADDY POWER CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OF DARTS
BRIGHTON CENTRE 22/09/18
PIC: CHRISTOPHER DEAN/SCANTECH MEDIA LTD/PDC DARTS
EVENING SESSION
MICHAEL van GERWEN v DARYL GURNEY
“It’s not a bad days work. winning two matches and over 100 average. Michael Smith and James Wade both played very well against me, but they have to. I want to make sure I play my own game, I don’t make mistakes and kept the pressure on.”
Despite the blistering start, Smith worked his way back into the game, but MVG insisted he didn’t let up in his efforts, it was down to Smith’s play.
“I didn’t take my foot off a 5-0 up. He made his finishes, I didn’t make mistakes, he played phenomenal darts. You know with his ability he can do it, so you have to keep the pressure on him.”
“He could’ve been more on top of me. It’s something to learn from for him. He had chances and didn’t take them.”
And while MVG is now in a strong position to win a first Champions League title and the brand new Paddy Power Champions League of Darts title belt, he’s not sure it’ll become a permanent fixture in his wardrobe.
“I’m not going to wear the belt if I win it – I think it’s not big enough!”
He takes on Gary Anderson in his final group game before playing in the semi-final session tomorrow evening.
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