MICHAEL VAN GERWEN continued his incredible run of success by claiming glory at the European Darts Open, defeating Simon Whitlock 6-2 in Sunday night's final at the Maritim Hotel in Dusseldorf.

Van Gerwen followed up Thursday's McCoy's Premier League Darts triumph by romping to the £20,000 first prize in the PDC European Tour event in Germany, winning six matches during the weekend to take the title - his eighth tournament win this year.

Nicholson, who reached the European Championship quarter-finals on the Maritim Hotel stage two years ago, dropped just one leg as he swept past Stephen Hardy, sealing a 6-1 win with a 127 finish.

Belgian ace Huybrechts laid down the gauntlet to brother Ronny - who plays Peter Wright - by winning through to the second round with a 6-1 romp against Steve Maish, hitting four 180s and a 170 checkout in a fine display.

PHIL TAYLOR is bidding to win a seventh McCoy's Premier League Darts title at The O2 on Thursday - but will face fierce competition for the £150,000 first prize from Dutch pair Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld and 2009 champion James Wade at the London venue.
World Champion Taylor will take on Dutch rival van Barneveld in Thursday's opening semi-final in front of 10,000 fans at The O2, as he bids to retain the prestigious title.