Michael van Gerwen wins at Dutch Darts Masters but Gary Anderson knocked out
Sunday 14 February 2016 12:03, UK
Michael van Gerwen made a winning start to his defence of the Dutch Darts Masters title by defeating John Henderson on Saturday, but Gary Anderson was knocked out by Mervyn King.
World No 1 Van Gerwen is bidding to win the PDC European Tour event in his home country for a third successive year and opened in style by taking five straight legs against Henderson, including an 11-darter, before securing a 6-3 win.
The Scot hit back with three straight legs, but Van Gerwen landed his first 180 of the game in a 12-darter as he sealed victory by finishing 81 on the bull. He will play Justin Pipe next.
You always try to win as easily as possible but I made it a bit difficult for myself
"You always try to win as easily as possible but I made it a bit difficult for myself," said Van Gerwen. "If you can win five legs in a row, you can also lose three, and I did that.
"Tomorrow's a big day and I need to prepare myself but I know I can beat everyone when I play well and I want to do that on Sunday."
Anderson hit back from 2-0 down to level his clash with King, but the Norfolk thrower produced a key 11-darter as he pulled away for a 6-4 victory.
"Gary's a double world champion and you've got to take the game to him, and I did that," said King. "Holland's got a special place in my heart. I've been over here for more years than I care to remember and the crowds are top drawer."
Live Premier League Darts
Saturday February 13 - Second Round
Justin Pipe (16) 6-5 Jamie Lewis
Terry Jenkins (11) 6-1 James Richardson
Brendan Dolan (14) 4-6 Daryl Gurney
Mensur Suljovic (15) 6-1 Rowby-John Rodriguez
Ian White (7) 4-6 Simon Whitlock
Dave Chisnall (8) 6-3 Kevin Thomas
James Wade (4) 6-3 Ryan Harrington
Jelle Klaasen (10) 6-4 Kevin Painter
Kim Hubrechts (5) 2-6 Devon Petersen
Michael Smith (2) 6-3 Gerwyn Price
Michael van Gerwen (1) 6-3 John Henderson
Gary Anderson (12) 4-6 Mervyn King
Benito van de Pas (13) 6-2 Mark Webster
Adrian Lewis (6) 6-1 Remco van Eijden
Peter Wright (3) 6-4 Stephen Bunting
