World Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen makes statement after beating Christian Kist
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN, the defending champion, showed a sign of what is to come by hitting an average of 109.9 during a triumphant first night of the William Hill World Darts Championship.
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But MVG, who landed checkouts of 141, 138 and 114, did not have it all his own way as he beat fellow Dutchman Christian Kist 3-1.
He led 2-0 before Kist hit back but then Van Gerwen raised his game once more and won the match on double eight.
Van Gerwen said: "It is always nice to come back and a great game like this is always good to start the tournament.
"I was not worried, my form was there but he played a great game.
"You always expect a tough match and the first round is always difficult."
Van Gerwen will now meet James Wilson, who beat Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski 3-1 having decided to change his nickname from Jammy Dodger to The Lethal Biscuit.
"It's the first time I played with that name and I am through," said Wilson, who won on double 16.
Steve Beaton is hoping history is on his side after becoming the first man into the second round as he beat Ireland's William O'Connor 3-1.
Beaton is booked into the Hendon Hall hotel during the tournament – the same venue where England's footballers stayed when they won the 1966 World Cup.
