Michael van Gerwen vs Raymond van Barneveld wasn’t shaping up to be an instant classic.
In fact, the darts worlds championship quarter-final between Michael van Gerwen and Barney was a bit of a slow burner.
There was so much hype behind the match, which seemed unjustified as MVG cruised to a 3-1 lead. However, it was at this point where the clash really took off.
It took until the fifth set for the game to ignite into something magical. The five-time world champion was able to steal the set. MVG took the next one and looked destined to win the game in the next one with the score tied at two legs apiece.
He produced some magical darts to set up the perfect finish to secure his place in the semi-finals, but Barney’s fight wasn’t over yet.
MvG fires in a near perfect match winning move…..but Barney answers AGAIN!!
We are going all the way!#WHdarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/tFDChu5XPL
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 29, 2017
After that incredible leg, it was all MVG. He remained composed, let his darts do the talking and took the final and definitive set. There were no errors with his final checkout.
The win sets up a meeting against Robert Cross in the semi-finals.
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN WINS A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSIC
This stunning match finally comes to an end – MvG will face Rob Cross in the semi-final 👏🏼#WHdarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/qkpBceMpz0
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 29, 2017
