The painful ten-year wait for a nine-darter live on TV continues for Michael van Gerwen as he twice missed the bullseye after hitting eight perfect darts across three legs.
The world No 2 was beaten by Chris Dobey 3-2 last night at the Morningside Arena in Leicester for a place in the quarter finals of the World Grand Prix.
But it was the double missed opportunity to hit consecutive nine-darters that will rub salt into the wounds for the three-time world champion.
The 34-year-old was two-nil down in the opening set when he was left with 161 after a perfect 160, 180 start. However, the Dutchman dragged his final bullseye effort into the 25 after hitting treble 20 treble 17.
Amazingly, Van Gerwen did the same again as he opened the next set after losing the opener.
This is the agonising moment Michael van Gerwen’s bullseye attempt for a nine-darter slid below
The wait goes on for the world No 2 who has not hit a nine-darter on Sky TV for 10 years
The world no.2 started with 160 before hitting three treble 19s to leave himself with 170.
But his final bullseye attempt slipped down into the top of the single three column, leaving fans gutted.
Englishman Dobey has now booked his place in the last eight against Joe Cullen, who beat defeated European Champion Ross Smith.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Dobey said: ‘I’ve owed Michael a couple from the last few times I’ve played him here, but after I beat him for the first time [last year], I’m not afraid of him anymore.
‘I have played Michael so many times now, and it’s something special playing him on the big stage. I loved every minute of that, and I’m so glad to get another win.’
Elsewhere in the tournament, Peter Wright and Luke Humphries both won.
World No 1 Michael Smith will be hoping to continue his excellent run of form against Andrew Gilding in the quarters while Gerwyn Price will face Martin Schindler.
Englishman Chris Dobey has now booked his place in the last eight against Joe Cullen, who beat Ross Smith
The painful ten-year wait to hit a nine-darter on TV continues for the world No 2
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk