Michael van Gerwen got the better of Luke Littler in their blockbuster opening round contest at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, impressing with a 10-6 victory.
The incredible draw was more than good enough to be a final but saw the three-time world champion meet the teenage superstar in the last 32.
Littler has been in considerably better form than the legendary Dutchman and many expected him to power into the second round but it was not to be for the 17-year-old.
Van Gerwen took the first leg with Littler winning the next two, but that was the only time in the contest that the Nuke was ahead of the 35-year-old.
Mighty Mike was 3-2 up at the first break and then remained in front until he hit the winning double 8 to secure a fantastic 10-6 win, averaging 101.93 in the process, with five 180s.
It has been a bad year for Van Gerwen so far, by his immense standards, and he was clearly emotional after the game, with tears in his eyes as he revelled in the win.
‘It’s always a joy to play games of this standard,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘You know you’re going to face a guy who’s incredible, who’s got incredible talent, but you’ve got to face it. You can’t let yourself down, you have to work for things and I’m glad it paid off.
‘I had a few days holiday but I practiced really hard every day. It’s nice. This means a lot to me because I’ve been going through a rough time, everyone knows.
‘To actually do something good…to get rewarded for your hard work, that’s always nice.
‘I don’t have to prove points, but it’s nice when you play well and both have a good game. To win the game is an incredible feeling.’
He may be one of the biggest names in the sport already but it was Littler’s debut in the Matchplay and he struggled to hit his best consistently, only firing in spots.
The teenager still managed to average 100.83 and hit seven 180s, but there were some sloppy visits in there as MVG held him at arm’s length.
Next up for Van Gerwen is Joe Cullen in the last 16 as he looks to win the World Matchplay for a fourth time.
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