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 0-0 Littler
Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports
This feels gigantic. Yes, they've met in the Premier League and World Series but this is a different beast entirely.
Van Gerwen v Littler
Michael van Gerwen, of course comes on to Seven Nation Army, and the crowd all join in: 'Ooooh Michael van Gerwennnn'
Sporting that familiar lime green shirt he salutes the crowd before making his way on to the stage.
Michael van Gerwen v Luke Littler
John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports
It is astounding what Luke Littler has been able to do.
The behind-closed-doors Pro Tours, what he does there, just doesn't seem to be of interest to anyone, including him.
If you see people enjoying darts like he does, you know you're in for a treat.
Van Gerwen v Littler
Luke 'The Nuke' Littler offers plenty of high fives, and signs some autographs, en route to the stage as the Winter Gardens crowd roar him on during his walk on.
Michael van Gerwen v Luke Littler
Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports
It is all about Michael Van Gerwen v Luke Littler. It is fascinating and intriguing. Whoever wins the match, if they went on and won the tournament, would it surprise anyone? The answer is no.
Michael is not playing great. People are saying Luke isn't playing great either because of his performances on the Pro Tour but he is a big-stage player.
Van Gerwen v Littler
Image source, Getty ImagesLuke Littler said in the lead up to this evening's match that Michael van Gerwen has not hit top form this year.
Back in February, Van Gerwen lost to Stephen Bunting in the final of the Masters but Littler is fully aware of the Dutchman's ability.
"He [Van Gerwen] is not playing the best darts at the minute, but we all know what he's capable of," Littler told Sky Sports.
"It's always going to be interesting whoever I face, no matter who it is, especially playing Michael and especially for myself watching him [for] years and years."
Michael van Gerwen v Luke Littler
Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports
This is massive for Michael van Gerwen.
Do you really think he is enjoying himself right now? I do not.
This is the worst form he has carried for a while.
Michael is under pressure. I can't see him relaxing. I don't think he'll know if. he's going to play well, great or poorly.
Van Gerwen v Littler
Image source, Getty ImagesTonight is Luke Littler's debut at the World Matchplay but Michael van Gerwen is a three-time winner.
Van Gerwen won it for the first time in 2015 when he saw off James Wade 18–12 in the final.
The Dutchman defended the title the following year when he beat the great Phil Taylor 18-10 - the only time that Taylor would lose a World Matchplay final in his career.
Van Gerwen had to wait six years to make it a hat-trick of titles in 2022 when he defeated Gerwyn Price 18–14 in the final.
Van Gerwen v Littler
Image source, Getty ImagesMichael van Gerwen has the edge on Luke Littler in the nine matches between the pair so far.
Van Gerwen is 5-4 ahead of Littler with the Dutchman triumphing 6-1 in their last meeting back in May.
Right, it's time for the big one.
Michael van Gerwen v Luke Littler.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe timing of Sunday's schedule was tweaked to allow fans to watch the final of Euro 2024, and the big news was the exit of former champion Peter Wright as he went down 10-5 to Andrew Gilding.
It was Wright's first round-one exit at the Matchplay since 2014. He was not the only big name to be knocked out as Dave Chisnall was thrashed 10-2 by Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski.
Sunday's results
Ross Smith 10-4 Josh Rock
Danny Noppert 5-10 James Wade
Dimitri van den Bergh 10-6 Martin Schindler
Stephen Bunting 12-10 Ryan Joyce
Rob Cross 13-12 Gian van Veen
Joe Cullen 10-4 Brendan Dolan
Peter Wright 5-10 Andrew Gilding
Krzysztof Ratajski 10-2 Dave Chisnall
Michael Smith has a healthy colour in his cheeks as he blows kisses to the crowd before exiting stage left.
The Merseysider will face Chris Dobey or Ritchie Edhouse, who play later, in the next round.
Michael Smith talking to Sky Sports: "I wasn't playing well. It was a pull every time. I couldn't stay out of the five. He gave me a chance and I took it. He let me off and I said to myself I had to punish.
"There was no way I was going to miss that 90. It's my favourite finish.
"I think I was trying too hard at the start. I'm really good mates with Gary and he just took control of myself a little bit. I was shushing the crowd and him putting 2-1 up did annoy me a little bit."
Result: Smith 10-5 Anderson
Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports
That is a big performance from Michael Smith. It is an incredible display.
Result: Smith 10-5 Anderson
A 102.80 dart average from Michael Smith - his best ever in the World Matchplay.
He was slow to get going but something clicked after that first interval while Gary Anderson will rue missed darts and a chance to go 5-0 up.
Smith 10-5 Anderson
Gary Anderson squanders a 81 check out as he fails on double 13.
Michael Smith responds with treble 20 and double 15.
Boom. Bully Boy is into the last 16.
Smith 9-5 Anderson
Michael Smith with a 110 check out to win the match, but he misses double top. No messing from Gary Anderson who nails the double 20.
The Flying Scotsman is hanging in there.
Smith 9-4 Anderson
Stuart Pyke
Commentator on Sky Sports
Michael Smith looks unbeatable and he may well be in this kind of mood.
Smith 9-4 Anderson
Gary Anderson is clinging on to Michael Smith's coat tails with an early 180 in the 14th leg.
Smith 9-4 Anderson
Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports
This is explosive from Michael Smith. Gary Anderson just has no answers.