Unibet Masters: Michael van Gerwen beats Dave Chisnall 10-9 in a brilliant quarter-final
Monday 2 February 2015 08:55, UK
Michael van Gerwen defeated Dave Chisnall 10-9 in a thrilling quarter-final of the Unibet Masters.
Van Gerwen ended the match with a 110 average and Chisnall managed 108 with a Masters-record 13 180s yet still couldn't overcome the 'Mighty' Dutchman in Milton Keynes on Sunday.
The opening eight legs were shared with Chisnall hitting nine of his maximums in a bright start before edging 5-4 ahead.
Van Gerwen responded with a 121 checkout and checked out from double 10 to go 6-5 up before nailing a 10-darter. Chisnall's response was immediate - three 180s ensured the quarter-finallists were level with eight legs apiece.
Van Gerwen moved to within a leg of victory after a 14-darter before a stunning 13-dart leg was won by Chisnall, forcing a decider.
The world No 1 then checked out from 126 to book a semi-final spot against Adrian Lewis after a classic encounter.
Van Gerwen said: "It was a fantastic match and we pushed each other. We've had a lot of great matches but this was maybe the best and I'm so glad that I'm the winner."
No recovering
Earlier, Lewis hit nine maximums (a record before Chisnall later overtook him) to defeat Peter Wright 10-8.
Raymond van Barneveld strolled to a 10-3 victory over Terry Jenkins, who had previously eliminated Phil Taylor but never recovered after losing the first five legs.
Van Barneveld stylishly sealed his last-four berth after an 11-darter and a 121 finish late in the match.
"I'm feeling confident and the break I've had since the World Championship has done me a lot of good," said van Barneveld. "I'm fresh and really enjoying this tournament, and I'm happy with my game."
Barney will meet Gary Anderson in the semi-finals after the Scottish world champion beat reigning champion James Wade 10-5. Anderson, like Barney, won the first five legs of the match averaging 121 although Wade responded with five of the next six.
Crucially Wade missed a chance to level the match at 6-6. An 11-darter and a 130 checkout sealed the deal for Anderson.
