'I can do a lot better' - Michael van Gerwen sends World Championship warning after statement win

Friday's play in the sport's showpiece event saw four last 32 ties and two last 16 encounters take place in the capital, with Van Gerwen also breezing through to Monday's quarter-finals with a whitewash win, seeing off Stephen Bunting.

Bunting had produced a brace of ton-topping averages to reach the last 16, but was blown away by a merciless Van Gerwen, who has progressed to the last eight without conceding a set.

The opening nine legs of the contest went with throw, but Van Gerwen struck the first decisive blow with a 14-dart break of throw to establish a two-set lead.

Bunting – who landed a 138 finish in set one – attempted to hit back with a 125 outshot midway through set three, although Van Gerwen refused to relent, sealing his progress with ominous ease.

“I’m happy with my performance,” declared the Dutch supremo, who averaged 99, landed nine 180s and pinned 44% of his attempts at double.

“We all know Stephen Bunting was playing phenomenal darts, so I wanted to bring my A-game. I wasn’t at my best, but I think in patches I did the right things at the right moments.

“I can do a lot better, but there’s still a long way to go. The fighting spirit is there, and I’m feeling good, I’m feeling comfortable.”