Michael van Gerwen withstands a comeback from Nathan Aspinall to book his place in the World Matchplay semi-finals with a 16-14 victory.
Five weeks after undergoing surgery on his throwing arm, the Dutchman is looking to win his third title in Blackpool, his first since 2016.
At one stage, the fourth seed was in cruise control against Aspinall as he opened up an 11-4 advantage, and Van Gerwen was ready to wrap up the contest at 15-10.
However, despite struggling with his throwing action at times, Aspinall reeled off four successive legs, a streak which included a 106 checkout and Van Gerwen squandering three match darts amid booing from the crowd.
Nevertheless, he responded in the best possible fashion, completing a 146 checkout on double 13 to end an absorbing contest with 12 180s and a 101.86 average.
VAN GERWEN WINS A THRILLER! 💚
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 21, 2022
WOW. TWO INCREDIBLE QUARTER-FINALS! 🔥
Michael van Gerwen seals a dramatic 16-14 victory over Nathan Aspinall with a MASSIVE 146 checkout! 🤯
We think he enjoyed that one! 😅#WMDarts | QF
📺 https://t.co/eJJXK4DqqY pic.twitter.com/9FtqXlIjDd
In the opening match of the night, Dimitri van den Bergh held his nerve to see off the challenge of Peter Wright, who had defeated the Belgian in last year's final by a 16-14 scoreline.
Despite possessing a lower average, Wright stormed into a 5-1 advantage, hitting a 129 checkout along the way, but a stunning 10-leg surge put Van den Bergh clear at the halfway stage.
At 12-8 to the good, the 2020 champion appeared well on his way to victory, but Wright remarkably responded with five successive legs to go 13-12 in front.
However, Van den Bergh hit back with a 96 checkout in the 26th leg, acting as the catalyst for an unrelenting finish to the contest when he hit a 177 checkout to set up 44 to win the match.
That checkout was taken out in two darts, a jubilant Van den Bergh ending the match with 102.01 average and 11 maximums, setting up a mouth-watering showdown with Van Gerwen on Saturday.
