MICHAEL VAN GERWEN was head boy in the Battle of the Baldies as the reigning world champion delivered a devastating darting display.
The world No 1 opened his defence of the World Darts Championship with a 3-1 first-round win over Christian Kist.
MVG hit a 106.17 average – the third highest in the first round of the worlds – and enjoyed a 69 per cent success rate on his doubles.
The Dutchman also hit three ton-plus checkouts – 141, 138, and 114 – against the 2012 BDO world champion, who suffers from painful arthritis.
Van Gerwen, 28, said: “It’s always nice to return to Ally Pally. And this type of win gives me great confidence and a good feeling.
“People want to kill you in the first round of the most important tournament. So, it was vital that I was on my A game.”
Golden Oldie Steve Beaton channelled the Boys of ’66 as he swept through to the second round with a 3-1 win over Irish debutant William O’Connor.
FLIGHTS OF FANCY Darts players have hit the bullseye with these stunning Wags
The 1996 Lakeside world champion has been staying this week in the Hendon Hall Hotel – the venue where Sir Alf Ramsey’s England side stayed before their historic Wembley triumph over West Germany 51 years ago.
Beaton, 53, joked: “I hope they have changed the mattresses since then!
“I booked it without knowing about its history and then someone mentioned it. It was a coincidence that I am staying there. It is a very nice place. You can relax there and not get hassled.
“I was born in 1964 so, I was two years old in 1966 and don’t remember the final.”
James Wilson beat Polish thrower Krzysztof Ratajski 3-1 – just HOURS after changing his nickname and shirt.
MOST READ IN SPORT
Huddersfield’s Wilson decided to change his nickname on the DAY of the match – leaving behind his usual moniker of Jammie Dodger and reverting to Lethal Biscuit instead.
The Yorkshire player has under-achieved since making the full-time transfer from the BDO to the PDC and he hopes the new name will ensure he doesn’t crumble in competition any more.
Wilson, 45, said: “I have a very good manager and we got the shirts changed yesterday. I finally got Burton Biscuits to sponsor me.
“I fancied a change. I like the new name. I hope I wasn’t taking the biscuit by changing it!”
Leave a comment