Michael van Gerwen set up a blockbuster round three showdown with Josh Rock at the Gambrinus Czech Darts Open after producing a scintillating 6-0 whitewash of Mike De Decker on Saturday. Averaging a superb 112.73 at the PVA Expo, the world number three delivered one of his standout performances of the season and will now chase his first European Tour quarter-final since April.
“To do this again feels amazing, it’s been a while for me,” said Van Gerwen.
“I think I played a fantastic game, the first four or five legs especially were of a very high standard.
“It’s been hard for me the last year or so, my confidence level hasn’t been great but if I keep working hard I can keep producing performances like this.
“If I play my game I can beat anyone on any day, but I need to do it more often.”
Rock continued his strong form with a 6-2 win over William O’Connor, highlighted by a 101 checkout featuring two bullseyes. Elsewhere, World Champion Luke Littler opened his title defence with a 6-2 victory over Cameron Menzies.
“I started off well, I thought Cammy was going to get into it but I’m just happy to get over the line,” said Littler.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow afternoon, me and Gian always have a brilliant game but for myself it’s just about getting the win.”
Defending champion Luke Humphries edged Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-4 and will face Martin Schindler next.
“I didn’t play great, I’m not used to those performance but they seem to be happening a lot more recently,” admitted Humphries.
“I was never going to miss this event, I’ve won here twice before; hopefully I can make it three this weekend but I’ll have to play a lot better than that.”
Other round three ties include Peter Wright vs Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price vs Jonny Clayton, James Wade vs Ross Smith, and Rob Cross vs Wessel Nijman.
Source: PDC.TV
