Darts
2024 World Matchplay: Michael van Gerwen Poised for Rematch with 2023 UK Open Final Opponent
MVG advances past Joe Cullen, setting the stage for a rematch of the 2023 UK Open final against Andrew Gilding.
After beating teenage prodigy Luke Littler in the last round, three-time World Matchplay champion took on former Masters champion Joe Cullen for a spot in the last eight.
Early Brilliance from MVG
The Dutchman initially established a steady 3-1 lead, keeping the excitement simmering.
However, it wasn't long before he electrified the crowd with a stunning 151 three-dart finish, extending his advantage to 4-1 as they headed into the first mini-session break.
Cullen’s Missed Opportunities
Cullen mounted a spirited comeback in the next session, delivering back-to-back 15-dart legs to narrow the gap to 4-3.
MVG immediately responded, breaking Cullen's throw to restore a two-leg cushion. Although, Rockstar answered with an unconventional 72 checkout, finishing on the bull.
A missed dart at double 12 by Cullen, which would have levelled the match, allowed the Dutchman to extend his lead to 6-4 as they headed into the second interval.
A Four Leg Advantage
The next two legs were evenly contested, bringing the score to 7-4. But MVG continued to dominate, capitalising on some lacklustre darts from Cullen.
Van Gerwen broke Cullen's throw once more in the 14th leg, establishing a commanding 9-5 lead and positioning himself just two legs away from the quarterfinals.
Image credit: PDC
Little Too Late for Cullen
Signs of the missing Rockstar emerged in the following three legs as Cullen sparked to life, though it might have been too late. He delivered a sensational 128 three-dart checkout, narrowing his deficit to just one leg at 9-8.
Subsequently, three missed darts from Cullen proved costly, allowing MVG to close out the match with an 87 two-dart checkout, securing an 11-8 victory.
2023 UK Open Final Replay
MVG will now face Andrew Gilding in the next round, in what will be the first time the pair have faced each other on a televised event since their famous meeting in the 2023 UK Open final, where Gilding clinched his first ever major tv title.
Stay tuned to SportsBoom.com for live updates, post-match reports, and interviews from the legendary Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Don't miss a moment of the action!
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