Michael van Gerwen beats Luke Littler 10-6 to progress to second round of World Matchplay in Blackpool
Michael Smith and Ryan Searle through after wins over Gary Anderson and Damon Heta
Defending champion Nathan Aspinall and world champion Luke Humphries among players also into round two
Van Gerwen 6-4 Littler
Dan Dawson
Commentator on Sky Sports
That is an even bigger celebration from Michael van Gerwen.
It is turning into the contest we were hoping for.
Luke Littler has been brilliant but Van Gerwen is just a little bit better at the moment.
Van Gerwen 6-4 Littler
More trebles than a Blackpool student night at the moment. Mostly from the darts of Luke Littler.
However, he needs double top for parity in the 10th leg but the 17-year-old misses the chance. MVG closes out the leg.
He's got that two-leg cushion back.
Van Gerwen 5-4 Littler
Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports
This feels like the tide turning.
After all is said and done, we're on throw.
Van Gerwen 5-4 Littler
Another treble 20 leaves Luke Littler needing 83 and he finishes it off. An 11-dart leg from The Nuke.
Van Gerwen 5-3 Littler
A 92 check out missed by Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler stops the rot with double 12 to haul a leg back his way.
In the next leg an early 180 heaps the pressure on MVG.
Van Gerwen 5-2 Littler
Dan Dawson
Commentator on Sky Sports
Michael van Gerwen, who was the underdog coming in this game, is starting to dictate terms.
Van Gerwen 5-2 Littler
A check out of 129 missed by Luke Littler who squanders a second double 18 leaving Michael van Gerwen with double top.
MVG grabs it. A two-set cushion becomes three.
The crowd are quite subdued at the Winter Gardens.
Van Gerwen 4-2 Littler
Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports
Luke Littler is acting pretty nonchalant.
Van Gerwen 4-2 Littler
A 72 checkout for MVG and he nails it to give himself a two-leg cushion. Luke Littler needs to up his game here.
Van Gerwen 3-2 Littler
The highest checkout we've had so far is 56.
Both Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen nail 180s after the break.
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Joe Gibney: Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen could be one of the greatest first-round draws in sports history.
Van Gerwen 3-2 Littler
A break of throw for Michael van Gerwen as 16, 8 and double four give the Dutchman the fifth leg.
Neither player has really found their rhythm in this contest so far. It's been legs decided by mistakes rather than brilliant darts.
Van Gerwen 2-2 Litler
Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports
Big moments handled by Michael van Gerwen.
Already he's looked good, atrocious and good again.
Van Gerwen 2-2 Littler
A 180 from Luke Littler does not throw Michael van Gerwen off his stride as he takes an 11-dart leg.
The Dutchman hits12 then double 16 to haul himself level. An up-and-down start from MVG.
Van Gerwen 1-2 Littler
Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports
The second leg has changed Michael van Gerwen. It's suddenly miss after miss after miss. It has all gone south.
Already I think he is in trouble here.
Van Gerwen 1-2 Littler
A poor leg from MVG.
Luke Littler goes from 164 to double top to finish. He hits 20 but grabs double 10 at the first time of asking.
Van Gerwen 1-1 Littler
Michael van Gerwen misses an early chance to break Luke Littler's throw after he misses three darts at double top.
The Nuke back on terms.
Van Gerwen 1-0 Littler
Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports
Luke Littler is throwing some weak and nervy darts.
Michael van Gerwen has definitely settled quicker.
Van Gerwen 1-0 Littler
An early 180 for Michael van Gerwen leaves him with a 109 check out, but he fluffs it. However, Luke Littler blunders.
Left with 56, Van Gerwen hits 16 and double top to take the first leg.
MVG is up and running.
Van Gerwen 0-0 Littler
Michael van Gerwen throws first.
Luke Littler is averaging 98.26 in 2024, by the way.