OK then, just the one more match tonight...

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John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

This is the progression of Michael van Gerwen throughout this Championships - it is beautiful. It's not the best he's ever played but he is getting closer each time.

That is one of the best performances of the tournament so far.

Michael van Gerwen talking to Sky Sports: "We are at the Worlds and you're not allowed to make any mistakes. At 2-0 up I was cruising through the game and then Jeffrey found another two gears as well and made it quite tough. It is important that I was able to produce even more afterwards. If you look at the whole game, I think I was the better player and I knew I had it in me, but to do it on this stage in front of this many people feels absolutely amazing.

"When I'm playing well I don't panic, and you could see that I didn't panic at all. When I'm focusing and believing in my own ability then anything is possible. I am not here for a jolly - I am here to win a tournament and we all know that.

"You can't underestimate him, he's playing some fantastic darts. It's a totally diferent game with first to five sets. I'm here on a mission and I have to prove myself time and time again."

After a blistering start from Michael van Gerwen to go 2-0 up, Jeffrey de Graaf provided an impressive response.

MVG didn't really drop off that much but De Graaf raised his level significantly to draw level.

That only inspired Van Gerwen, though, and he won six legs on the spin to book his place in the quarter-finals with a 101.98 average.

Callan Rydz awaits in the next round.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

That is exactly the workout that Michael van Gerwen needed. He need to be pushed, hit and tested to see if he is steely enough to be a champion again and he's proven his mettle.

What a performance from Michael van Gerwen!

He is pumped up after hitting double three to win it. He has made a statement tonight.

Stuart Pyke
Commentator on Sky Sports

That is five legs on the spin from Michael van Gerwen, what a response.

Jeffrey de Graaf has given it absolutely everything but the class of Michael van Gerwen is shining through.

One poor visit from Jeffrey de Graaf and it costs him.

Well placed on throw, he gets out 43 and Michael van Gerwen pounces.

He hits tops to break and now has three chances to book his place in the quarter-finals.

Stuart Pyke
Commentator on Sky Sports

Michael van Gerwen, in that set and this one so far, has shown why he is a real champion and why he could go on to be a four-time champion.

Michael van Gerwen is rolling again.

A 12-dart hold clinched with a 126 out.

Treble 20, treble 10, double 10. Clinical.

Image source, PA Media

Quite the reaction to being pegged back by Michael van Gerwen!

He hits double eight again to win the set without dropping a leg.

An averaged of 105 in that set, it drops only slightly to 104 in the match.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

Michael van Gerwen was playing good darts during that Jeffrey de Graaf assault. His worst set average has been 98. He has been consistently performing. He is putting out a good night's work here.

Stuart Pyke
Commentator on Sky Sports

Michael van Gerwen has not pressed any panic buttons.

Dominant hold for Michael van Gerwen.

Double eight is found again and, in a flash, he's a leg away from retaking the lead.

Image source, PA Media

Michael van Gerwen breaks to start the fifth set.

He nearly let the opportunity pass him by with a rushed dart at double 16.

But Jeffrey de Graaf, who began the leg with a 180, misses double 18 and double nine to allow MVG back in.

The Dutchman gets double eight with his first dart and has control of the set early.

It is worth noting that Michael van Gerwen is still averaging 102.81 and was averaging over 110 at one point in that fourth set.

However, Jeffrey de Graaf was playing well enough and was ruthless enough - especially on those double 18s - that it made no difference.

Stuart Pyke
Commentator on Sky Sports

What a match we have now. Unbelievable turnaround.

Jeffrey de Graaf is having the time of his life.

Michael van Gerwen has much to think about. He was absolutely coasting. He isn't now!

Image source, PA Media

Michael van Gerwen bursts into life and looks set to break back and force a deciding leg.

He has three darts at double 16 but misses them all!

Jeffrey de Graaf can't quite believe it as he returns to the oche with 41 required.

It's not a chance he's going to pass up though: five, double 18 and it's all square!

Stuart Pyke
Commentator on Sky Sports

This is astonishing. It is like he went off after two sets, walked through a different door, walked back through a magic door and became a different player.

A rare miss on double 18 for Jeffrey de Graaf but it doesn't prove costly.

Michael van Gerwen again fails to find the set up treble he needs and De Graaf comes back, hits double nine and will now throw for the set.

Who saw this coming after the first two sets?