The tournament's second visit from Prince Harry, who was a guest at the 2011 semi-finals, saw the fourth in line to the throne take in the final game from round two at Alexandra Palace and the opening two matches of the last 16.
The night was headlined by reigning champion van Gerwen, who averaged just under 100, hit three 180s and an impressive 56 percent on his doubles as he connected on 14 of his 25 efforts in what was an efficient if not spectacular way to move into the last eight.
Jenkins put up a decent fight as four of the five sets went the distance, but he was only able to win one of those deciding legs as van Gerwen found his extra gear at the right times to book a quarter-final tie against Thornton.
Van Gerwen quickly took the opening set without too many issues, sharing the opening two legs before following a 14-darter with a break of throw to move ahead.
Jenkins responded in the second as he came from a leg down to level the game in a deciding leg, having traded 12-darters with van Gerwen - as the Dutchman bettered his rival's 116 checkout with a 128 finish only to see the decider go to the Ledbury ace.
A high-quality third set also went all the way to a fifth leg, with Jenkins hitting finishes of 84 and 96 only to see van Gerwen follow up legs of 14 and 13 darts by finishing 76 in the decider.
Jenkins led with a 14-darter in set four and opened the second leg with two 180s to raise the prospect of a nine-dart finish - but after missing double 12 in the second round he was unable again to complete the 141 finish, although he returned to take out 76 for a 12-darter to move 2-0 up.
However, van Gerwen hit back with a 12-darter and then finished 72 to level the set, before opening the decider with a 177 score as he moved into a key 3-1 lead in sets.
Van Gerwen also landed a 177 as he opened set five with a 13-darter, with Jenkins taking out 122 and 96 to send the set into another decider, but the Dutchman finished with a flourish as a 65 finish for a 14-darter sealed his quarter-final place.
"I didn't play well in the beginning but overall I was consistent, I was professional and I didn't make many mistakes which is what I had to do," said van Gerwen. "Even though I was 2-0 down in the fourth set I had a good feeling that I could win that, it was in my mind that I could win that and win the game.
"I'm confident I can go all the way in this tournament. I know when I play well I can beat everyone, but you need to prepare your game against everyone; tonight I prepared to face Terry Jenkins and i did what i had to do to make it into the next round.
"It was a big test, it was not that close but there were a few 3-2 sets so it could have been closer and it's good to have a good game at this stage of the tournament."
Scottish star Thornton is next up for van Gerwen after he ended the dream run of another Dutchman, youngster Benito van de Pas, with a 4-0 victory in their third round match.
After knocking out Paul Nicholson and Dave Chisnall, van de Pas's challenge ran out of steam, with Thornton averaging 96.5 and hitting four 180s and 15 scores of 140-plus.
Thornton also had a 156 finish to his name in the opening set, while van de Pas struggled to keep pace with just an 89 average as his opponent booked his place in the quarter-finals for the first time at Alexandra Palace.
"Michael and me have had a few battles and I don't see this one being any different," said Thornton. "I'll need to tidy up my scoring a bit, it was a bit ragged up there at times, but I'm just glad that Benito didn't really turn up.
"It didnt feel like a 96 average up there, but I thought my finishing was pretty good."
Reigning Lakeside Champion Stephen Bunting ended the second round matches with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over sixth seed James Wade in the evening session's opening game.
In a tie which had been eagerly-awaited since the draw was made at the start of December, Bunting's bid to claim a debut win at Alexandra Palace continued as he ended the hopes of a below-par Wade.
Bunting powered out of the blocks, breaking throw in the opening leg and doubling his lead before claiming the set in style by finishing 161 for a 12-darter.
Wade found his stride in the second as he levelled the game by taking the set 3-1, only to see Bunting come from 2-1 down in the third to take a deciding leg, hitting his third 180 of the set as he edged back ahead.
Back-to-back 14-darters moved Wade 2-0 up in set four, but Bunting levelled before taking the set - and a 3-1 lead in the match - with a superb 144 checkout.
Wade also led in set five, but Bunting took the next three legs - with a 118 finish breaking throw - as he completed a fine win to move into the last 16 in his first William Hill World Darts Championship challenge, where he meets St Helens rival Michael Smith.
"It was a very nervous performance to be honest," said Bunting. "I know James Wade is a fantastic player but I had a lot of fans here tonight and they helped me get through it.
"The big finishes decided the game in the end. I managed to take them out at the right times and I think that was probably the main difference between me and James today, as he seemed to struggle a bit hitting his doubles.
"Obviously I'm not very happy with a 93 average but I managed to get through it. For some reason it just wasn't able to click up there but I can promise you I'll be back and ready for the next round.
"Michael's a fantastic player and a good friend, and it will be a great game - hopefully the whole town will be watching us."
In the afternoon session, Raymond van Barneveld defeated Jamie Caven 4-3 for the second successive year at the William Hill World Darts Championship as he secured a third round spot on Monday afternoon alongside Michael Smith and Vincent van der Voort.
Van Barneveld followed up his imperious first round victory over Rowby-John Rodriguez with another strong performance as he moves through to play Adrian Lewis in a tasty last 16 contest.
The Dutchman eased to the first set but it was far from plain sailing from then on, with the five-time World Champion going ahead twice more only to see Caven hit back to level before van Barneveld pulled out all the stops to win the deciding set.
Caven actually edged the averages and the checkout percentages and won 15 legs to his opponent's 14, but the five time World Champion hit the right shots at the right time to make it through, sealing victory by finishing 90 on the bullseye.
"It was a different game to last year but all credit to Jamie - he's such a fantastic player, he never gives in and you always know that if you give him a chance he'll be in there firing back at you," said van Barneveld.
"In the first set I was quite comfortable, I went into the break feeling good but then suddenly then he came back hitting 12, 12,15 darters and I just couldn't believe it .
"I'm just so happy and so pleased to be in the last 16 now, but all credit to Jamie, he's so fantastic and he deserved more but I'm glad I'm through of course, and I'm happy.
"It should be a good game next, I always enjoy playing Adrian, he's fast and he's furious and that suits my game so I'll be looking forward to that in the next round and we'll see how that goes."
Michael Smith showed his newfound maturity to overcome a slow start and catalogue of missed doubles to come from two sets down to win four in a row and secure a 4-2 victory over Brendan Dolan.
The former World Youth Champion quickly slipped 2-0 down as he struggled badly with his doubles - hitting just one of 16 attempts in those first two sets - before he finally found his range to win the next four sets with 12 legs out of 14.
Smith hit ten 180s to still averaged 98.9 despite missing 29 doubles in total, and checked out 104, 121 and 153 when he finally warmed up on his finishing, while he also started two legs with six perfect darts in his quest for a nine-darter.
The St Helens thrower showed some of the form that saw him knock out Phil Taylor last year in the final four sets, as he set up a third round clash with either James Wade or Stephen Bunting in the next round on Tuesday.
“I’m a different player now to what I have been, I’ve shown that in my last two games here,” said Smith. “There’s no point showing that at the World Championship then showing up to the next tournament and acting like a kid again.
“The World Championship has brought out the emotional side of me but also the calm side of me when I’m under pressure. I was acting like a spoilt kid and I knew it was ruining my chances.
“If I keep quiet and keep calm like I’ve done in my past two games I'll do well - I’m satisfied with my performances so far. I can’t afford to act like a kid again because I’m not working for myself anymore - I’m working for my son and for his future, so I’ve got to put the hours in.”
Vincent van der Voort made quick work of German Max Hopp as he secured a 4-0 victory in the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship to book a last 16 tie against Dean Winstanley.
After putting out Mervyn King in the first round, youngster Hopp was fancying another upset against the quick-throwing Dutchman, and the German hit the first 180 of the match in the opening set to level it at 1-1, but van der Voort's response was a 105 checkout on double 16 as he claimed the set.
Van der Voort also took out 77, 125 and 118 in the next, 82 and 93 in the third and 77 in the last to seal a comprehensive victory and a place in the last 16.
"It was a great win," said van der Voort. "It was a poor match really but I won it so I'm happy to be through to the next round and I can go and relax now and prepare for tomorrow.
"In the second set I had those two ton-plus finishes that really hurt him and he never came back, and he never really played like he can in the match.
"It doesn't matter how you play, you just need to get through, but I'll need to play better in the next round. Dean is a great player and he's a fighter as well. I'll have to play better than today to beat him but I'll be up for it."
Last year's beaten finalist Peter Wright opens up the afternoon session against 2012 runner-up Andy Hamilton, before Spanish sensation Cristo Reyes faces number four seed Gary Anderson and Dean Winstanley plays Vincent van der Voort.
Former champions Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld kick off the evening session before 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor plays Kim Huybrechts, with Bunting's clash with Smith completing the action.
On The Wire - Episode Nine, Monday December 29
Dan Dawson with Chris Murphy
Featuring day nine review, match reaction from Michael van Gerwen, Prince Harry visits Ally Pally, another dartboard giveaway - plus more Dancers vs Walk-On Girls!
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PLUS every session is live through LIVEPDC.TV for International Pass Subscribers (outside of UK, Ireland & Holland), with highlights available for all subscribers worldwide on a 24-hour delay.
LIVE SCORES
If you can't watch the William Hill World Darts Championship, follow the latest scores at the PDC Live Scores Website - http://live.dartsdata.com
EVENT PROGRAMME
The William World Darts Championship programme is available from sellers in the Fans Village at Alexandra Palace, costing £5.
The programme will also be available to purchase online through Programme Master at this link .
WILLIAM HILL WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Monday December 29
Afternoon Session
Second Round
Brendan Dolan 2-4 Michael Smith
Max Hopp 0-4 Vincent van der Voort
Raymond van Barneveld 4-3 Jamie Caven
Evening Session
Second Round
James Wade 1-4 Stephen Bunting
Third Round
Michael van Gerwen 4-1 Terry Jenkins
Benito van de Pas 0-4 Robert Thornton
Second & Third Rounds - Best of Seven Sets, Best of Five Legs Per Set
MATCH INFORMATION
AFTERNOON SESSION
BRENDAN DOLAN 2-4 MICHAEL SMITH
(3-0, 3-1, 1-3, 0-3, 1-3, 0-3)
MICHAEL SMITH overcame a slow start and catalogue of missed doubles to come from two sets down to secure a 4-2 victory over Brendan Dolan in the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship.
The former World Youth Champion quickly slipped 2-0 down as he struggled badly with his doubles, hitting just one of 16 attempts in those first two sets before he finally found his range to win the next four sets by taking 12 legs out of 14.
Smith hit ten 180s to still averaged 98.9 despite missing a whopping 29 doubles in total, and checked out 104, 121 and 153 when he finally warmed up on his finshing, while he also started two legs with six perfect darts in his quest for a nine-darter.
The St Helens thrower showed some of the form that saw him knock out Phil Taylor last year in the final four sets, as he set up a third round clash with either James Wade or Stephen Bunting in the next round on Tuesday.
“I’m a different player now to what I have been, I’ve shown that in my last two games here,” said Smith. “There’s no point showing that at the World Championship then showing up to the next tournament and acting like a kid again.
“The World Championship has brought out the emotional side of me but also the calm side of me when I’m under pressure. I was acting like a spoilt kid and I knew it was ruining my chances.
“If I keep quiet and keep calm like I’ve done in my past two games I'll do well - I’m satisfied with my performances so far. I can’t afford to act like a kid again because I’m not working for myself anymore - I’m working for my son and for his future, so I’ve got to put the hours in.”
First Set 3-0 - Poor start on the doubles from both men. Both hit two 180s but Smith misses a remarkable 13 doubles in the set, including five in each of the first and second legs. Dolan hits six perfect darts in the third but misses the seventh treble 20 and only wins the leg when Smith misses three more doubles.
Second Set 3-1 - A 94 checkout gives Dolan the lead before Smith finally hits a double - at the 16th attempt in the game - to level. A 180 helps Dolan to win the next and a "Shanghai" 120 clinches the set.
Third Set 1-3 - A 180 helps Smith go in front before he takes out 153 to forget his earlier double troubles, and though Dolan follows that with a 128 finish the youngster takes leg four for the set.
Fourth Set 0-3 - The set features two legs where Smith was on a nine-darter after six perfect darts, and though he is unable to complete the achievement he still took both legs on his way to the set with a clean sweep.
Fifth Set 1-3 - A 56 finish gives Smith the lead, Dolan responds with a 52 checkout, only for the youngster to take out 121 and 104 for the set and a 3-2 lead in the game.
Sixth Set 0-3 - Dolan starts with a 180 but Smith answers and also takes out 51 to go ahead. Double 12 gives him the second and the third follows for a clean sweep and the match.
Match Stats
| Brendan Dolan | 2-4 | Michael Smith |
| 28 | 100+ | 27 |
| 11 | 140+ | 12 |
| 2 | 170+ | 2 |
| 4 | 180 | 10 |
| 92.89 | Average | 98.9 |
| 128 | High Finish | 153 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 7 |
| 8/27 - 29.63% | Checkout % | 13/42 - 30.95% |
MAX HOPP 0-4 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
(2-3, 0-3, 2-3, 1-3)
VINCENT VAN DER VOORT made quick work of German Max Hopp as he secured a 4-0 victory in the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship to book a last 16 tie against Dean Winstanley.
After putting out Mervyn King in the first round, youngster Hopp was fancying another upset against the quick-throwing Dutchman, and the German hit the first 180 of the match in the opening set to level it at 1-1, but van der Voort's response was a 105 checkout on double 16.
Three missed set darts for van der Voort were punished by a double eight from Hopp, but that same double gave van der Voort the set in the next leg.
Van der Voort won the second set without reply thanks to some brilliant finishing, taking out out 77 in the opener for a break, followed up with a 125 on double top and a 118 checkout for the set.
It was a close-run thing in the third as van der Voort hit successive 180s but still lost a leg, only to recover with an 82 outshot. A 56 finish levelled for Hopp, but after three missed doubles by the German, van der Voort took out 93.
Hopp started the fourth by taking a scrappy leg, but van der Voort then took over with a 180 and double 16 putting him 2-1 up before a 77 finish in the fourth leg handed him the match.
"It was a great win," said van der Voort. "It was a poor match really but I won it so I'm happy to be through to the next round and I can go and relax now and prepare for tomorrow.
"In the second set I had those two ton-plus finishes that really hurt him and he never came back, and he never really played like he can in the match.
"It doesn't matter how you play, you just need to get through, but I'll need to play better in the next round. Dean is a great player and he's a fighter as well. I'll have to play better than today to beat him but I'll be up for it."
Match Information
First Set 2-3 - Hopp hits the first 180 at 1-1 before van der Voort takes out 105. Three missed set darts let Hopp level but van der Voort wins the decider.
Second Set 0-3 - It's all van der Voort as he takes out 77 for a break, 125 on tops for a hold and then a 118 for the set.
Third set 2-3 - Van der Voort opens with back-to-back 180s but somehow loses the leg after nine missed doubles. An 82 finish in the next levels but after a 56 makes it 2-2 from Hopp, van der Voort takes out 93 to take the set and move three clear.
Fourth Set 1-3 - Hopp wins a scrappy first leg strewn with missed doubles. Van der Voort levels and goes ahead after both hit 180s, before a 77 checkout wins the match.
Match Stats
| Max Hopp | 0-4 | Vincent van der Voort |
| 25 | 100+ | 26 |
| 11 | 140+ | 10 |
| 0 | 170+ | 1 |
| 4 | 180 | 3 |
| 85.58 | Average | 90.5 |
| 56 | High Finish | 125 |
| 1 | Breaks of Throw | 4 |
| 5/24 - 20.83% | Checkout % | 12/40 - 30% |
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 4-3 JAMIE CAVEN
(3-1, 0-3, 3-2, 0-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-1)
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD was pushed all the way by Jamie Caven for a second successive year at the William HIll World Darts Championship, but like 12 months ago the Dutchman ran out a 4-3 winner in the second round.
Van Barneveld followed up his imperious first round victory over Rowby-John Rodriguez with another strong performance as he moves through to play Adrian Lewis in a tasty last 16 contest.
The Dutchman eased to the first set but it was far from plain sailing from then on, with the five-time World Champion going ahead twice more only to see Caven hit back to level before van Barneveld pulled out all the stops to win the deciding set.
Caven actually edged the averages and the checkout percentages and won 15 legs to his opponent's 14, but the five time World Champion hit the right shots at the right time to make it through, sealing victory by finishing 90 on the bullseye.
"It was a different game to last year but all credit to Jamie - he's such a fantastic player, he never gives in and you always know that if you give him a chance he'll be in there firing back at you," said van Barneveld.
"In the first set I was quite comfortable, I went into the break feeling good but then suddenly then he came back hitting 12, 12,15 darters and I just couldn't believe it.
"I'm just so happy and so pleased to be in the last 16 now, but all credit to Jamie, he's so fantastic and he deserved more but I'm glad I'm through of course, and I'm happy.
"It should be a good game next, I always enjoy playing Adrian, he's fast and he's furious and that suits my game so I'll be looking forward to that in the next round and we'll see how that goes."
Match Information
First Set 3-1 - A good start from van Barneveld sees him win the first two legs - the second containing a 180 and a 102 finish for a break. Caven stays in the set with double eight but the Dutchman hits a 180 and checks out 65 on double ten for the set.
Second Set 0-3 - Great response from Caven, who hits a 180 in the first two legs and takes them in 12 and 11 darts. Barney hits a 180 in the next but hits the wrong double to stay in the set and Caven levels the game on double 16.
Third Set 3-2 - A 180 and double 11 help Barney level at 1-1, and he takes the second despite a Caven 180. Caven levels but he misses a second double top for a 140 in the next as van Barneveld edges the set.
Fourth Set 0-3 - Van Barneveld hits a 180 but Caven takes out 96 and then hits a 180 of his own and 36 finish for a break. He completes the set on tops.
Fifth Set 3-2 - The Dutchman leads only to see Caven level, but a 180 in the decider is enough to pull van Barneveld ahead with the throw as he takes edges the set.
Sixth Set 2-3 - Caven takes out 127 on the bull to start the set, with van Barneveld levelling only to land the wrong double for a break, allowing Caven to go 2-1 in front. A 52 finish for van Barneveld makes it 2-2 but he's off the pace in the decider and despite hitting a 180 to leave a finish Caven holds his nerve to take out 74.
Seventh Set 3-1 - An 87 finish gets van Barneveld underway, and a 180 with a 70 finish secures a break in the next. Caven finishes 60 to break back, but van Barneveld recovers to finish 90 on the bull for the win.
Match Stats
| Raymond van Barneveld | 4-3 | Jamie Caven |
| 29 | 100+ | 41 |
| 12 | 140+ | 18 |
| 1 | 170+ | 1 |
| 9 | 180 | 4 |
| 93.32 | Average | 94.96 |
| 102 | High Finish | 127 |
| 5 | Breaks of Throw | 5 |
| 14/33 - 42.42% | Checkout % | 15/34 - 44.12% |
EVENING SESSION
JAMES WADE 1-4 STEPHEN BUNTING
(0-3, 3-1, 2-3, 2-3, 1-3)
REIGNING Lakeside Champion Stephen Bunting continued his quest to win the William Hill World Darts Championship title on his Alexandra Palace debut with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over sixth seed James Wade in the final second round game.
In a tie which had been eagerly-awaited since the draw was made at the start of December, Bunting's bid to claim a debut win at Alexandra Palace continued as he ended the hopes of a below-par Wade.
Bunting powered out of the blocks, breaking throw in the opening leg and doubling his lead before claiming the set in style by finishing 161 for a 12-darter.
Wade found his stride in the second as he levelled the game by taking the set 3-1, only to see Bunting come from 2-1 down in the third to take a deciding leg, hitting his third 180 of the set as he edged back ahead.
Back-to-back 14-darters moved Wade 2-0 up in set four, but Bunting levelled before taking the set - and a 3-1 lead in the match - with a superb 144 checkout.
Wade also led in set five, but Bunting took the next three legs - with a 118 finish breaking throw - as he completed a fine win to move into the last 16 in his first William Hill World Darts Championship challenge, where he meets St Helens rival Michael Smith.
"It was a very nervous performance to be honest," said Bunting. "I know James Wade is a fantastic player but I had a lot of fans here tonight and they helped me get through it.
"The big finishes decided the game in the end. I managed to take them out at the right times and I think that was probably the main difference between me and James today, as he seemed to struggle a bit hitting his doubles.
"Obviously I'm not very happy with a 93 average but I managed to get through it. For some reason it just wasn't able to click up there but I can promise you I'll be back and ready for the next round.
"Michael's a fantastic player and a good friend, and it will be a great game - hopefully the whole town will be watching us."
Match Information
First Set 0-3 - Bunting takes full advantage of a slow start from Wade. A double eight breaks in the first for Bunting, double ten gives him in the second, and he then clinches the set with a 161 finish on the bull.
Second Set 3-1 - Wade responds with tops and then breaks in the second leg, and though Bunting pulls back a leg, the left-hander clinches the set.
Third Set 2-3 - A break to start for Bunting, but missed doubles allow Wade to level, before a 75 puts him ahead despite a Bunting 180. Bunting finds another gear to take out 78 in the next as both men hit 180s, then another 180 helps him take the decider on a nerve-jangling double one.
Fourth Set 2-3 - A 96 finish for a break for Wade and a 13-darter puts him 2-0 up. Bunting responds with 180s in the next two legs helping him to square it up, before a brilliant 144 checkout wins the set.
Fifth Set 1-3 - Despite a 180 for Bunting, Wade wins the first leg. Another 180 is this time followed by 56 checkout for Bunting, who then breaks with a 118 finish before completing the win in leg four.
Match Stats
| James Wade | 1-4 | Stephen Bunting |
| 30 | 100+ | 26 |
| 20 | 140+ | 15 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 2 | 180 | 8 |
| 90.93 | Average | 93.38 |
| 96 | High Finish | 161 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 6 |
| 8/24 - 33.33% | Checkout % | 13/35 - 37.14% |
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 4-1 TERRY JENKINS
(3-1, 2-3, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2)
DEFENDING champion Michael van Gerwen overcame a tricky test against Terry Jenkins with a 4-1 win to become the first man to make it through to the quarter-finals of the William Hill World Darts Championship.
Van Gerwen averaged just under 100, hit three 180s and an impressive 56 percent on his doubles as he connected on 14 of his 25 efforts in what was an efficient if not spectacular way to move into the last eight.
Jenkins put up a decent fight as four of the five sets went the distance, but he was only able to win one of those deciding legs as van Gerwen found his extra gear at the right times to book a quarter-final tie against Thornton.
Van Gerwen quickly took the opening set without too many issues, sharing the opening two legs before following a 14-darter with a break of throw to move ahead.
Jenkins responded in the second as he came from a leg down to level the game in a deciding leg, having traded 12-darters with van Gerwen - as the Dutchman bettered his rival's 116 checkout with a 128 finish only to see the decider go to the Ledbury ace.
A high-quality third set also went all the way to a fifth leg, with Jenkins hitting finishes of 84 and 96 only to see van Gerwen follow up legs of 14 and 13 darts by finishing 76 in the decider.
Jenkins led with a 14-darter in set four and opened the second leg with two 180s to raise the prospect of a nine-dart finish - but after missing double 12 in the second round he was unable again to complete the 141 finish, although he returned to take out 76 for a 12-darter to move 2-0 up.
However, van Gerwen hit back with a 12-darter and then finished 72 to level the set, before opening the decider with a 177 score as he moved into a key 3-1 lead in sets.
Van Gerwen also landed a 177 as he opened set five with a 13-darter, with Jenkins taking out 122 and 96 to send the set into another decider, but the Dutchman finished with a flourish as a 65 finish for a 14-darter sealed his quarter-final place.
"I didn't play well in the beginning but overall I was consistent, I was professional and I didn't make many mistakes which is what I had to do," said van Gerwen.
"Even though I was 2-0 down in the fourth set I had a good feeling that I could win that, it was in my mind that I could win that and win the game.
"I'm confident I can go all the way in this tournament. I know when I play well I can beat everyone, but you need to prepare your game against everyone; tonight I prepared to face Terry Jenkins and i did what i had to do to make it into the next round.
"It was a big test, it was not that close but there were a few 3-2 sets so it could have been closer and it's good to have a good game at this stage of the tournament."
Match Information
First Set 3-1 - Van Gerwen takes a low-key opening set, with a 54 checkout in the last leg being the highlight.
Second Set 2-3 - Jenkins averages 104 to level the match. The pair swap double tops checkouts, then Jenkins hits a 180 and takes out 116 and hits another maximum only to see van Gerwen take out 128 - but Jenkins edges the set.
Third Set 3-2 - An 84 finish puts Jenkins level at 1-1, and he needs a 96 finish which saw him land double 18 and double top to bring it back to 2-2 again. Van Gerwen takes the crucial leg though with a 76 outshot.
Fourth Set 3-2 - A 67 finish from Jenkins to start is followed by a 76 checkout after he started the leg with back-to-back 180s. Van Gerwen then takes out 76 after a 180 and a 72 to level despite a Jenkins 180. A 177 helps van Gerwen take the set.
Fifth Set 3-2 - A 177 helps van Gerwen to the first leg,but Jenkins levels with a fine 122. He needs a 96 to level again after van Gerwen goes ahead, and it's the Dutchman who takes the decider with a 65 finish to clinch the match.
Match Stats
| Michael van Gerwen | 4-1 | Terry Jenkins |
| 27 | 100+ | 34 |
| 17 | 140+ | 18 |
| 3 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 5 |
| 99.62 | Average | 96.92 |
| 128 | High Finish | 122 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 14/25 - 56% | Checkout % | 10/15 - 66.67% |
BENITO VAN DE PAS 0-4 ROBERT THORNTON
(1-3, 2-3, 1-3, 2-3)
THE memorable debut of Benito van de Pas at the William Hill World Darts Championship finally came to an end as Robert Thornton brought him back down to earth with a bump in a 4-0 third round victory.
After knocking out Paul Nicholson and Dave Chisnall, van de Pas's challenge ran out of steam, with Thornton averaging 96.5 and hitting four 180s and 15 scores of 140-plus.
Thornton also had a 156 finish to his name in the opening set, while van de Pas struggled to keep pace with just an 89 average as his opponent booked his place in the quarter-finals for the first time at Alexandra Palace.
Double ten put Thornton ahead and a superb 156 finish doubled the lead, before van de Pas replied with a 180 and double 16 - but it would not be enough to save the set.
Both men hit 180s in the second set's opener, which Thornton edged on double one, before van de Pas landed another maximum in a superb 12-darter to level. The next two legs were shared to force a decider, with double one again aiding the Scot as he moved 2-0 up in a key set.
Thornton fired in a 180 and a 98 finish for an 11-darter to open set three, only for van de Pas to answer in style with a 108 finish - but the 2012 UK Open champion finished tops in the next two as he took the set 3-1 to move into a three-set lead.
Van de Pas finished 120 to hit back in the fourth set's opener, and after a 14-darter put the Scot 2-1 up he also took out double ten to send the set all the way, but Thornton was too strong as he took the decider on double nine to seal victory and set up a huge clash with reigning champion van Gerwen on New Year's Day.
"Michael and I have had a few battles and I don't see this one being any different," said Thornton. "I'll need to tidy up my scoring a bit, it was a bit ragged up there at times, but I'm just glad that Benito didn't really turn up.
"It didnt feel like a 96 average up there, but I thought my finishing was pretty good."
Match Information
First Set 1-3 - A double ten to start, then a brilliant 156 for Thornton. Van de Pas hits a 180 to help get a leg back but Thornton takes the next on tops.
Second Set 2-3 - Both men hit 180s but Thornton takes the first leg. Van de Pas hits a 180 again to level. Thornton goes ahead then hits 180 - but a 56 levels for van de Pas. Thornton takes the decider.
Third Set 1-3 - Thornton follows a 180 with a 98 finish for an 11-darter. A 108 finish levels for van de Pas but 64 puts Thornton ahead, and he then hits tops for the set.
Fourth Set 2-3 - A Shanghai 120 gets van de Pas off to a flyer. Thornton wins the next two before van de Pas forces a fifth leg. Thornton takes out 36 on double nine for the match.
Match Stats
| Benito van de Pas | 0-4 | Robert Thornton |
| 21 | 100+ | 33 |
| 12 | 140+ | 15 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 4 |
| 89.35 | Average | 96.5 |
| 120 | High Finish | 156 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 4 |
| 6/21 - 28.57% | Checkout % | 12/34 - 35.29% |