Michael van Gerwen out of World Grand Prix but darts legend spared complete humiliation

Michael van Gerwen has exited the World Grand Prix in the first round for the second consecutive year, this time losing to Dirk van Duijvenbode. Last year, Van Gerwen was knocked out by Daryl Gurney without winning a single legagainst the Northern Irishman.

This year he was greeted in Leicester by fellow Dutch darts master, Van Duijvenbode. The Titan was relentless against the World No. 3, who simply never got going in Leicester.

Van Gerwen's display was so flat, he was one dart away from suffering a second consecutive whitewashing in the major. Van Duijvenbode was one double 18 away from winning every leg against Van Gerwen, but the Titan's attempt of completing a 138 finish ended on the wrong side of the wire.

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Seemingly buoyed by his miss, Van Gerwen levelled the set to force a deciding leg. However, Van Duijvenbode clinched the match on a double 10, leaving Van Gerwen stranded on 150.

This is a significant blow for the Green Machine who appeared to be rediscovering his confidence and his form. On 14 September, he defeated Luke Littler 11-7 in the World Series final, securing his first televised title in two years, while also playing some world class darts.

His clash against his Dutch rival was a struggle from start to finish. When it came to doubling in, Van Gerwen was not bad, making 50% of his doubles.

It was not the same story for his doubles out, as Van Gerwen only converted two of his 13 attempts. Before the match, the focus was paid towards Van Duijvenbode telling Sky Sports he did not enjoy playing against Van Gerwen.

Doing his best to pour cold water over any potential feud, the Titan said in his post-match interview: "I like him as an opponent, but he beats me more times than I beat him.

"Then you don’t like it. I mean, don’t believe everything the media tells you. You can’t always tell the context in these questions.

"But, I like playing Michael in a way, but I don’t like that he beats me more often than I beat him, so that was the reason. We get along. We’re not friends, but we get along."

The gulf in the two Dutch star's performances was exemplified in the final leg. By the time Van Gerwen got down to 209, Van Duijvenbode was on 59.

He was so far ahead he could afford to miss three match darts, before sealing the victory with a double 20. As well as being a confidence-boosting, statement victory, it was also Van Duijvenbode's first ever television win over the Dutchman.

He will face Gurney, the player who comfortably defeated Van Gerwen last year, in the next round on October 9.