Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton on course at World Darts Grand Prix
Friday 9 October 2015 16:52, UK
Michael van Gerwen produced an authoritative display to overpower Jamie Lewis 3-0 to surge into the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix in Dublin.
he world No 1 and defending champion remains on course for his third title on the Emerald Isle after cruising through against the 24-year-old Welshman who won three legs on Thursday night.
'Mighty Mike' hit five maximums and a 160 checkout to wrap up the win. An impressive 95.66 three-dart average put him through to the next round where he will meet former Lakeside winner Mark Webster on Friday night.
Denbigh thrower Webster held his nerve after being pegged back from two sets up against Jelle Klaasen before coming through 3-2 in a tense last-leg decider between the two former BDO champions.
Meanwhile, seventh seed Robert Thornton set up a showdown against giant-killer Mensur Suljovic after a drama-filled 3-2 win against Ian White.
Live World Grand Prix Darts
White pushed it all the way to a final leg, but it was the borders thrower who went through in the end.
'The Thorn', who averaged 90 and impressed with 50% on his doubles, told Sky Sports 3 HD: "We've played a few times in the last few weeks and he's done me over, so to win this one I'm quite happy to be honest."
White said: "I'm disappointed I haven't got through but it's another quarter-final. I need to try and keep consistent."
Suljovic, who has already beaten James Wade and Simon Whitlock, defeated Vincent van der Voort 3-1.
Van der Voort could not reproduce the kind of form which knocked out 11-time Grand Prix champion Phil Taylor and Terry Jenkins to reach the quarter-finals.
The Serbian-born Austrian won a remarkable nine legs on the bounce and took out a magnificent 170 finish to secure the win.
Rapid-Dutch ace Van der Voort suffered after hitting just five from 30 on the doubles - 17% - which ultimately cost him.
Watch the World Grand Prix semi-finals on Friday at 7pm on Sky Sports 1 HD.
By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices.
