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European Darts Open news: Michael van Gerwen lights up Leverkusen to claim yet another title

Kais Bodensieck/PDC Europe

There was simply no stopping Michael van Gerwen as the Dutchman retained his European Darts Open title in Leverkusen, Germany.

Mighty Mike hit an 11-darter and averaged 102 as he powered past Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh 8-5 in an exciting Benelux final. 

The victory secured Van Gerwen his third European Tour title of the season and the 35th European triumph of his illustrious career.

Earlier in the tournament, the 33-year-old beat Daryl Gurney and Premier League rival Jonny Clayton in order to book a quarter-final date with fellow countryman Dirk van Duijvenbode.

Photo Credit: Kais Bodensieck/PDC Europe

Van Gerwen had luck on his side as his rival missed match darts in the deciding leg and was ultimately punished by the Green Machine.
In the semi-final, the three-time world champion gained revenge over Luke Humphries - who beat Van Gerwen in the recent German Darts Grand Prix.
The Dutchman powered to an emphatic 7-2 victory, producing an average of 105 along the way.
Van Gerwen then held off Van den Bergh's challenge to scoop the £25,000 prize at the Ostermann-Arena.

Photo Credit: Kais Bodensieck/PDC Europe

The Belgian, who was looking to claim his maiden European Tour crown, kicked off proceedings with an imposing 13-darter. However, Van Gerwen replied strong, winning the next three legs and producing an 11-darter himself.

Van den Bergh was able to level up, but just as he caught up, Van Gerwen found another gear and powered across the finishing line.
Speaking afterwards, the Dutchman said: "It was really hard and I'm glad I won. Dimitri is a phenomenal player, he always pushes me and he's a good player and a good guy. Sometimes he's a bit naive but I like him, and I think he's good for darts.
"The crowd today were phenomenal and I can't wish for anything more. It's always amazing in Leverkusen."

Photo Credit: Kais Bodensieck/PDC Europe

Van den Bergh was given a bye into the final after James Wade was forced to withdraw through illness.
The Machine was in fine form and enjoyed wins over Jose de Sousa and Ryan Searle to qualify for the semi-final.

Sunday's results

Third Round

Nathan Aspinall 6-5 Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries 6-4 Brendan Dolan
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Joe Cullen
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Jonny Clayton
Josh Rock 6-2 Scott Williams
Dimitri Van den Bergh 6-4 Martin Schindler
James Wade 6-4 Jose de Sousa
Ryan Searle 6-5 Dave Chisnall

Quarter-Finals

Luke Humphries 6-3 Nathan Aspinall
Michael van Gerwen 6-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Dimitri Van den Bergh 6-1 Josh Rock
James Wade 6-5 Ryan Searle

Semi-Finals

Michael van Gerwen 7-2 Luke Humphries
Dimitri Van den Bergh Bye (James Wade withdrew through illness)

Final

Michael van Gerwen 8-5 Dimitri Van den Bergh
READ MORE: 2022 Premier League Darts: Fixtures, results, standings, format, schedule and venue information

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