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Michael Van Gerwen Wins World Matchplay Title

 

Michael van Gerwen won his first World Matchplay title after beating James Wade 18-12 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

The world number one picked up a cheque for £100,000 and now just needs to win the Grand Slam of Darts in November to complete his clean sweep of PDC titles.

Van Gerwen had progressed to the final without really hitting his top form through the week, but he got off to the best possible start by breaking Wade who had missed a dart at bull for a 123 checkout.

The Machine, who ended Phil Taylor’s eight-year winning streak in the semi-finals, broke straight back in the second leg, however, and held his throw before breaking in the sixth with a 61 checkout to go 4-2 up.

He then missed a dart at tops to open up a three-leg lead and Van Gerwen punished him by taking out 68.

The next five legs all went with the throw as the Dutchman took out 127 to level at 6-6, before crucially capitalising in the 13th leg by taking out double eight to move 7-6 in front.

That proved to be the moment the pendulum swung heavily towards Van Gerwen as he reeled off the next three legs to open up a 10-6 advantage, taking out 144 along the way.

World number six, Wade regained his throw in the next leg and was inches away from hitting bull for a stunning 167 checkout for 11-9, leaving his opponent to take out double 18 and maintain his four-leg cushion.

As “the Machine” started to run out of steam, Van Gerwen broke once more in the 23rd leg on his way to going 15-9 in front.

He successfully held his throw over the next five legs, before taking out tops to wrap up an 18-12 victory.

Next up for both players is the Perth Darts Masters which will take place from August 14-16.

Harry James' love for sports began in his high school basketball days. Sadly, an injury meant he couldn't further his NBA dreams, but the hooper's loss is our gain as he then found journalism.

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