World Matchplay: Dimitri Van den Bergh hits nine darter, Peter Wright crashes out

Despite Wright's exit, Van den Bergh was one of three World Matchplay champions to triumph on a marathon day of darts at the Empress Ballroom, as Rob Cross and James Wade also advanced to the second round.

However, the Belgian stole the headlines with his 10-6 win over Schindler, which saw him join an elite group and become the eighth player to produce a perfect leg in the history of the World Matchplay.

The 2020 champion achieved perfection in leg seven on his way to establishing a 6-3 lead, and while Schindler rallied to level at six apiece, the Belgian won the next four legs to cap off a memorable afternoon.

“I’m in disbelief! I’m so proud of myself,” reflected Van den Bergh, the fourth former champion to hit a nine-darter in the event, alongside Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson.

“I am always giving 100 per cent. I play with my heart and soul and I never give up.

“I want to be a winner. I want to make everyone proud of me. This is my life, this is the reason why I live!”

Cross - the World Matchplay winner in 2019 - survived six missed match darts to win through a sudden-death epic against debutant Gian van Veen, who landed 90, 126, 167 and 170 finishes on the bull.

Van Veen reeled off five consecutive legs from 8-4 adrift to threaten a remarkable turnaround, but after the Dutchman failed to close out the win, Cross capitalised by firing in an 11-dart hold to seal a 13-12 success.

“Credit to Gian - he can hold his head up high, he was fantastic tonight,” said Cross, who averaged 100.42 to keep his title hopes alive.

“I believe I can win this again. I’ve had a nice three weeks off and I feel refreshed. I was a bit rusty up there, but after coming through that, I feel great.

“I’m enjoying my darts, and when it’s all going for me, I don’t think there’s another player in this tournament that can beat me.”

However, 2021 winner Wright was dumped out by former UK Open champion Andrew Gilding, who put in a fine performance to celebrate his first win at the World Matchplay since 2015.

Gilding was beaten 10-4 by Wright at the same stage of last year’s showpiece, although he turned the tables in style, punishing a profligate display from Wright to move through to a tie against Krzysztof Ratajski.

Ratajski - a semi-finalist in 2021 - stormed through to the last 16 with a 10-2 thumping of Dave Chisnall, racing into a 7-0 lead before sealing the deal via double two.

There were also wins for Ross Smith, Stephen Bunting, James Wade and Joe Cullen on day two at Blackpool.

Day three sees arguably the biggest game of the tournament so far as teenage sensation Luke Littler takes on Michael Van Gerwen, while Michael Smith is also in action.