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Michael van Gerwen has eyes on a fourth World Matchplay title after moving into the quarter-finals.
The Dutchman followed up his first-round win over Luke Littler with a battling 11-8 victory over Joe Cullen.
Van Gerwen has had a lean 18 months but is looking a good bet to add another Blackpool crown to his collection.
He did make hard work of beating Cullen, who made a sterling comeback from 9-5 down and had darts to bring it back to 10-9.
“He was having a great comeback but I should have been on the ball more, I was 9-5 up, you should never make it this difficult for yourself,” Van Gerwen said.
“When you win games like this it is great satisfaction. I made it hard for myself but a win is a win.
“I won my game and I can’t wait to play my next one, I am playing OK again. I know there is a lot more in the tank.”
Michael Smith muscled his way into the final eight with a 11-9 win over Chris Dobey.
Smith raced into a 4-0 lead but was made to work by Dobey, who hit a 170 checkout.
But Smith was able to get revenge on Dobey, who knocked him out of last year’s competition.
“I was nowhere near the races. I just got involved in a battle I should never have got involved in. I managed to get over the line in the end. I’m in the quarters now, which is good.”
Rob Cross is waiting for him after he put in an electric performance to demolish Ryan Searle 11-6.
The 2019 champion is looking a strong contender for a second title and set the tone with a 10-dart opening leg.
He threw an impressive 106.99 average, including eight 180s.
“It’s nice to deliver. It’s nice to get the win, move on and I think there’s more in the tank,” he said.
“I might go under the radar, I quite like it like that. I am just enjoying life and that is what it is all about.”
Van Gerwen will now play Andrew Gilding in Friday’s quarter-final.
Gilding, who beat the Dutchman in the final of the UK Open last year, showed the Midas touch to see off Krzysztof Ratajski 11-5 in the night’s opening match.
He threw six 180s, had two 100-plus checkouts and converted 50 per cent of his double opportunities.
