Dimitri Van den Bergh produced yet another sparkling performance as he thrashed Jonny Clayton to reach the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts.
The World Matchplay champion averaged over 100 in three group stage victories, including a new tournament record of 114.85 in his 5-1 defeat of Ricky Evans, and he extended that run to four matches thanks to posting a mark of 103.61 in a 10-3 demolition job of Jonny Clayton at the Ricoh Arena.
Van den Bergh, who famously hit a nine-darter during his last Grand Slam quarter-final run back in 2018, fired in eight 180s and weighed in with a 110 checkout during a one-sided clash in which he also pinned 40% of his doubles.
Recent World Cup winner Clayton just wasn't at the races with a lowly average of 88.53 and only had seven attempts at the outer ring as the Belgian raced through to set up a meeting with either Gerwyn Price or Nathan Aspinall on Sunday.
Another stunning display from Dimitri Van den Bergh as the World Matchplay Champion fires a stunning 110 checkout to seal a 10-3 win over Jonny Clayton.
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 20, 2020
103.51 average, not too shabby 👏 pic.twitter.com/JAU1pkGg7P
While Van den Bergh showcased his power scoring, James Wade averaged almost 99 with another ruthless display on his finishing during a 10-4 victory over Ian White.
The Machine, who recently reached the televised European Championship final, boasted the best finishing statistics out of anyone during the the group stages with well over 50% and although he managed 'just' 45% on this occasion, it was far better than Diamond's wayward 25% that ruined the scoring side of the game.
James Wade with a very strong performance as he beats Ian White 10-4 to book his place in the Quarter-Finals! pic.twitter.com/ph0JWUbBGy
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 20, 2020
Simon Whitlock was well below his best but it was enough to see off surprise package Adam Hunt 10-6 and reach the Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals for the fourth time in his career.
The Wizard, who reached this stage in 2008, 2009 and 2018, has been enjoying a resurgence since darts resumed with runs to the World Matchplay quarters and the World Grand Prix semi-finals, so he was heavily expected to defeat the debutant.
Hunt overcame miracle odds to get this far at the expense of Joe Cullen but his average of 86 was realistically not going to be enough at this stage of the competition. That said, Whitlock only managed 87 himself which was in no small part down to missing 26 of his 36 attempts at double, while he did at least hit five 180s and manage a 116 checkout.
Simon Whitlock with a 116 checkout that has to hurt Adam Hunt, as he misses the chance to level! pic.twitter.com/DQGSrOY3Kt
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 20, 2020
Jose De Sousa continued his dream debut by overcoming Dave Chisnall 10-7 in the final match of the night, but it could have been so much more convincing.
The Portuguese star, who reached two finals at the recent Winter Series and won the European Darts Grand Prix against Michael van Gerwen last month, took full control after winning the fifth leg in a rather comical manner when seemingly choosing to lay up with 50 remaining even though Chizzy was waiting on double 10.
The strange plan worked a treat and he went on to win six more legs in succession to cruise into an 8-2 lead.
🤯 Did Jose De Sousa miscount or was he confident Dave Chisnall would miss three darts at a double?!pic.twitter.com/n5cSUL28us
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) November 20, 2020
Although Chisnall launched an almighty comeback to close to 8-7, he spurned a dart at double 18 to level the scores and De Sousa finally stopped the rot before finishing the job in the next.
The Special One ended the match with a 95.37 average compared to Chizzy's 91, hit two more 180s with six and converted 10 of his 29 darts at doubles.
Grand Slam of Darts: Friday results & remaining schedule
Friday November 20 (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Second Round (Best of 19 legs)
- Dimitri Van den Bergh 10-3 Jonny Clayton
- James Wade 10-4 Ian White
- Simon Whitlock 10-6 Adam Hunt
- Dave Chisnall 10-7 Jose De Sousa
Saturday November 21 (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Second Round (Best of 19 legs)
- Michael Smith v Rob Cross
- Devon Petersen v Damon Heta
- Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson
- Gerwyn Price v Nathan Aspinall
Sunday November 22
Afternoon Session (1pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Quarter-finals (Best of 31 legs)
- James Wade v Devon Petersen/Damon Heta
- Jose De Sousa v Michael Smith/Rob Cross
Evening Session (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Quarter-finals (Best of 31 legs)
- Dimitri Van Den Bergh v Nathan Aspinall/Gerwyn Price
- Simon Whitlock v Michael van Gerwen/Gary Anderson
Monday November 23 (7pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Semi-finals (Best of 31 legs)
- 2x Matches
Tuesday November 24
Afternoon Session (6pm)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports
Final (Best of 31 legs)
- Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2
