Greenwash As MVG Returns

Former 3 Time World Champion Michael van Gerwen reached the Last 16 on Day 10 of the 2024 World Darts Championship, ‘Greenwashing’ compatriot Richard Veenstra in Wednesday’s evening session.

The Green Machine started his campaign with a win over Irish international Keane Barry where he dropped just two legs, and continued from where he left off against Flyers who came into the match having knocked out Ben Robb and 31st Seed Kim Huybrechts on his Ally Pally debut so far.

Mighty Mike found a crucial break of throw in taking the opening set with a 59 checkout, after the opening 3 legs all went with throw. The Dutchman repeated the trick in the 2nd set and again broke Veenstra on his second leg of throwing first in a set, already creating a real mountain to climb for the 2 Time Lakeside Semi Finalist.

It was Richard Veenstra who found the first ton plus checkout of the match, finding a 120 finish in sending the 3rd set into a deciding 5th leg. MVG had the advantage of throw and he made full use of it, hitting double 10 first dart with his opponent back on 184.

The former 3 Time World Champion included 8 180s and his first ton plus average of the 2024 World Darts Championship, scoring 101.39 over 16 legs played.

The most impressive aspect though was the Winmau player’s ruthlessness on the outer ring, missing just 7 darts at double in checking out at a rate of 63.16%
Van Gerwen wrapped up the win with the highest finish of the match and his first ton plus outshot, finding double 5 to complete a 130 finish and a 4-0 victory over Richard Veenstra.

The Dutchman continues his bid to right the wrongs of last year, ruthlessly dispatching anyone who appears in front of him in a push for a 4th World Title.

The Rampant Dutchman will face either fellow Winmau player Florian Hempel or 18th Seed Stephen Bunting in the Last 16, with the duo set to take to the world stage in the opening match on Day 11 at the Alexandra Palace.

Elsewhere, Luke Littler made more history as he became the first 16-year-old to reach the 4th Round at the Alexandra Palace after beating Matt Campbell 4-1. Scott Williams also reached the Last 16 for the first time after beating Martin Schindler 4-3 in an entertaining first match back on the world stage, with both players throwing a combined 23 180s and the Wall despite defeat found 13 of them.

World Number 3 Luke Humphries returns to North London tonight as he faces German Darts Championship winner Ricardo Pietreczko, whilst former World Champion Gerwyn Price plays earlier in the night against Brendan Dolan who came through a sudden death decider with good friend Mickey Mansell.

Another Northern Irishman in Daryl Gurney wraps up the action in Thursday’s evening session, facing Rapid Ricky Evans who stunned Nathan Aspinall before the break for Christmas.

2024 Paddy Power World Darts Championship:

Day 10 Results

Last 32:

Scott Williams 4-3 Martin Schindler (26)
Dave Chisnall (11) 4-1 Gabriel Clemens (22)
Rob Cross (8) 4-2 Jeffrey de Graaf
Luke Littler 4-1 Matt Campbell
Michael van Gerwen (2) 4-0 Richard Veenstra
Michael Smith (1) 4-1 Madars Razma (32)