PDC World Darts Championship report: Raymond van Barnveld eliminates Michael van Gerwen in shock win

The 2007 world champion emerged victorious from a thriller at Alexandra Palace

Raymond van Barneveld offers commiserations to Michael van Gerwen after his shock win (Getty Images)

Raymond van Barneveld beat world number one Michael van Gerwen 4-3 in a thriller at Alexandra Palace to reach the quarter-finals of the PDC World Championship.

In a classic and dramatic affair between the two Dutchmen, Van Gerwen won a competitive opening set with a powerful display, before watching Van Barneveld level by winning the second as both averaged over 104.

Van Gerwen levelled again after Van Barneveld took a 2-1 lead, before once more falling behind.

Throwing a 121 checkout, with Van Barneveld on three match darts, Van Gerwen made it 3-3 under intense pressure, before his rival eventually secured victory. Van Gerwen's average of 105.78 is the highest ever for a loser in the event. Van Barneveld will next meet Michael Smith.

Gary Anderson had earlier won 4-0 against Vincent van der Voort to progress to a quarter-final fixture against James Wade. The Scot dropped only a single leg in a dominant performance.

Adrian Lewis secured a similarly one-sided victory, also winning 4-0, against Mensur Suljovic. Lewis is yet to drop a set, and lost only four legs against Suljovic. He will meet either Peter Wright or Dave Chisnall on Friday.

Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, Wade continued his pursuit of a first final at Ally Pally with a 4-1 defeat of Jamie Caven.

Having convincingly won his first set, Wade allowed Caven to level at 1-1 in the second before rediscovering improved form thereafter to secure his spot in the quarter-finals.

Smith had been far more impressive. In one of the competition's most one-sided contests, he overcame Benito van de Pas 4-0.

Jelle Klaasen also won, outlasting Mervyn King 4-2 in the day's first contest, concluding the final session of the second round.

Results

Tuesday December 29
Afternoon Session
1x Second Round, 2x Third Round

Mervyn King 2-4 Jelle Klaasen
Michael Smith 4-0  Benito van de Pas
James Wade 4-1 Jamie Caven

Evening Session
Adrian Lewis 4-0 Mensur Suljovic
Gary Anderson 4-0 Vincent van der Voort
Michael van Gerwen 3-4 Raymond van Barneveld

PA