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Michael van Gerwen won the first-round battle of the heavyweights at the World Matchplay as he sent rival Luke Littler packing.
Three-time champion Van Gerwen got the worst draw possible against the teenage prodigy, who was unseeded going into the tournament owing to his recent arrival on the scene.
The pair have already developed a stirring rivalry in 2024, which Van Gerwen now leads 6-4 after a 10-6 win in Blackpool.
The Dutchman is one of the players who has had his nose put out of joint by Littler’s ascent to the top of the game, so he enjoyed his domination on the Winter Gardens stage.
Van Gerwen flexed his muscles, putting Littler in his place with a polished performance, averaging 101.93, with five 180s.
“We all know I am not in massive form but to actually do it gives a lot of joy,” he said.
“My own battles, it was a tough one but to win it does a lot to me. We all know it has been a tough six months but I am not playing superbly bad.
“Tonight I did the right thing for myself. The total package was there tonight.
“I can put him under pressure. When the draw comes out you know it’s the toughest draw in the tournament, but I did it.”
Earlier, Michael Smith rattled off seven successive legs to beat 2018 champion Gary Anderson.
Anderson was in early control and had six darts to take a 4-0 lead, but could not take out 40 and Smith found his groove.
He threw a barrage of trebles to reel off seven straight legs and grab the first-round tie by the throat with a 7-3 lead.
That left Anderson with too much to do and Smith closed it out to finish with an average of 102.08.
Smith said: “I went backstage, went to the toilet and had a word with myself.
“I said I needed to step up, I needed to do something right and I came out and won the next five. The rest is history.
“My game is not there at the minute, but it is getting there, it is getting back to 2022. It’s not there yet, but it’s getting back to where I want it to be.”
Anderson got involved with the crowd, who were quick to remind him of Scotland’s poor performance at Euro 2024. The Scot responded by taunting English fans about their side’s final defeat to Spain.
Ryan Searle put in a brilliant display to beat Damon Heta, throwing finishes of 167, 142 and 130 to seal a 10-4 win in the night’s opening match.
