Unibet Masters: Michael van Gerwen edges all-Dutch battle

Michael van Gerwen fought back from the brink of defeat to beat fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld 10-9 and reach the quarter-finals of the Unibet Masters in Edinburgh.

Van Gerwen had trailed 7-9 but put together a run of three straight legs to beat his experienced opponent.

In a high-quality deciding leg, the reigning world champion opened with scores of 134, 180 and 171 to leave double-eight after just nine darts.

Meanwhile, van Barneveld was producing some magic of his own by posting scores of 180, 140 and 139 to leave 42.

However, that was as close as he got with van Gerwen sealing victory on his next visit to the oche.

Van Barneveld had earlier led 5-2 but was unable to seal the deal against his on-song compatriot.

The victor now meets Dave Chisnall who edged out Robert Thornton 10-8. 

In other matches, two-time world champion Adrian Lewis won five legs in a row to clinch a 10-4 triumph over Belgian Kim Huybrechts.

Lewis, who registered a 10-dart leg in the opener, said: "I started the game brilliantly but Kim punished me and moved himself ahead.

"I got on a roll in the second half of the game but it was hard today.

"He's a very difficult player to beat, a very good scorer and finisher and he has a good pace but it wasn't his day.

“My practice is going well and I think I've got the form to do well this weekend.”

And Phil Taylor was also in impressive form as he dispatched Wes Newton 10-4.

At one stage Newton appeared to be giving the Englishman a tough match only for Taylor to pull clear by winning six of the last seven legs.

Taylor enjoyed a three-dart match average of over 100.

Quarter-final ties:

Michael van Gerwen v Dave Chisnall

Mervyn King v Justin Pipe

Phil Taylor v Gary Anderson

James Wade v Adrian Lewis