Beaton is no match for flying Dutchman

Van Gerwen hit a sensational nine-dart finish and averaged 104.36 on his way to a 13-9 success to set up a quarter-final clash against James Wade.

“Couldn’t do a lot more tonight, the Dutch Man was awesome,” said Beaton on his Twitter feed.

Both stars played their part in a high-quality opening, with van Gerwen bringing the capacity Winter Gardens crowd to their feet with the perfect ninth leg to move into a 5-4 lead.

Beaton levelled on double ten before van Gerwen took out 116 to lead 6-5, but a double top finish from the former world champion to level would be his last leg in five as the Dutchman pulled clear by winning four in a row.

“The nine-darter was amazing,” said van Gerwen, who became only the fourth player in the tournament’s history - alongside Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld and John Part - to achieve the perfect leg.

“It means so much for me and I’m very happy - I exploded into the game after the nine-darter.

“It was a very good game and Steve played well too. To win the game with a 104 average and a nine-darter is brilliant.”