MICHAEL VAN GERWEN produced one of the best performances so far at the William Hill World Darts Championship as he moved into round three by defeating Alan Tabern 3-1 on Saturday evening.
After regaining his composure following an incident ahead of his walk-on which led to a spectator being ejected, Van Gerwen took out 104 to win the opening leg before completing a 13-darter on double 18.
Tabern hit back but the world number one clinched the first set by taking out 91 to go out in 11 darts.
The Dutchman raced through the second set, winning it 3-0, but was pegged back as Tabern edged set three 3-2.
Van Gerwen was also pushed all to a fifth leg in the fourth set but produced a brilliant 11-darter as he sealed victory with an 86 checkout.
Match Stats
Averages:
Van Gerwen - 102.59
Tabern - 93.45
180s:
Van Gerwen - 4
Tabern - 4
Highest Finish:
Van Gerwen - 104
Tabern - 81
100+ Checkouts:
Van Gerwen - 1
Tabern - 0
Finishing:
Van Gerwen - 11/20
Tabern - 6/17
