Peter Manley used all his experience to see off the threat of Michael Van Gerwen in the 1st Round of the World Darts Trophy. ‘One Dart’ came from a set down to beat ‘Mighty Mike’ in a dramatic clash, which never reached the heights but was full of tungsten tension! Van Gerwen started superbly – racing through the first set, with three 180s and Manley looked to be in trouble….the first leg of the second set was a turning point, as the Dutch teenager hit 180, 140 and 145, then unbelievably missed nine darts at double 18….Manley stole the leg and the set and then went 2-1 up, as both players struggled on the check-outs. Van Gerwen took the 4th set with ease to send it into a decider, where there was another big mistake from the Dutch ace, which was to cost him dear. Manley led by 2 legs to 1 and Van Gerwen miscounted….he had 60 left but thought he was left on 40 and went for double top….by the time he had realised the error of his ways, it was too late and Manley hit double ten to seal the win and set up a 2nd Round clash with Simon Whitlock. Manley averaged 85.5 and Van Gerwen 85 but there was no doubt that Manley’s greater experience told and Van Gerwen looked very erratic….he still has a lot to learn John Part was forced to come from a set down to see off Dutch youngster Niels de Ruiter and book his place in the last 16 of the World Darts Trophy. The Canadian will now face in form BDO No.1 Gary Anderson in the 2nd Round on Tuesday night in Utrecht. Part looked edgy at the start and missed two darts to take the opening set….but that was the wake-up call the Unicorn ace needed. He reeled off three consecutive sets with some impressive darts, dropping only two legs in the process. The final set went to a deciding leg but there was no stopping Part, who produced a scintillating 11-darter to win the match….180, 140, 170 to leave 11 and a single three, double four sealed his victory in style. Anderson steamrollered Welshman Wayne Atwood – losing only two legs, hitting four 180s and three ton plus finishes…..the 2nd Round clash with Part promises to be a classic. Elsewhere on day two, Wayne Mardle staged a great fightback against Simon Whitlock but still lost against the Aussie…..Whitlock won six of the first seven legs and there appeared to be no love lost between the pair….The Wizard missed one dart to win the match in the third set and then saw Mardle storm back to level the match at two sets apiece…..but Whitlock rattled through the decider to set up the clash with Manley on Tuesday. BDO World Champion Martin Adams proved too strong for Denis Ovens. He will now face Dennis Priestley, who was too good for Mike Veitch. 1st Round results (best of 5 sets): Gary Anderson 3-0 Wayne Atwood John Part 3-1 Niels de Ruiter Simon Whitlock 3-2 Wayne Mardle Peter Manley 3-2 Michael Van Gerwen Martin Adams 3-1 Denis Ovens Dennis Priestley 3-1 Mike Veitch Sunday 1st Round schedule: Tony O’Shea v Andy Hamilton Raymond Van Barneveld v Jelle Klaasen Mark Webster v Kevin Painter Adrian Lewis v John Walton Scott Waites v James Wade Colin Lloyd v Mervyn King BY STUART PYKE
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