Michael van Gerwen Advances Easily in US Darts Masters, Smith and Wright Out

Michael van Gerwen survived the first round of the US Darts Masters without any difficulty. Still, it became a true spectacle in New York’s Madison Square Garden. World champion Michael Smith and Peter Wright were eliminated.

The two top darts players seemed to enjoy their mini-vacation a little too much, as both threw well below their normal level. The World Series tournament does not count for the world ranking. The Canadians Jim Long and Jeff Smith are the heroes of New York: they won 6-2 against their PDC opponent.

Van Gerwen, on the other hand, did what he had to do. With a fine average he waltzed over the American qualifier Jake Macmillan, who himself seemed to be affected by nerves. The Dutch American Jules van Dongen failed to surprise Gerwyn Price (6-2).

Nathan Aspinall and Price showed the best performance. They won with an average of over 105. It was very different with Rob Cross, who still won well against Jason Brandon with more than mediocre play (82 average).

US Darts Masters results

First round:
Rob Cross 6-2 Jason Brandon
Dimitri van den Bergh 6-2 JT Davis
Luke Humphries 6-2 Alex Spellman
Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Matt Campbell
Gerwyn Price 6-2 Jules van Dongen
Jeff Smith 6-2 Peter Wright
Jim Long 6-2 Michael Smith
Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Jake Macmillan

Quarter final:
Michael van Gerwen – Jim Long
Rob Cross – Dimitri van den Bergh
Gerwyn Price – Luke Humphries
Jeff Smith – Nathan Aspinall