Swedish-Dutchman Jeffrey de Graaf was ranked 81st in the world ahead of the championship and sensationally knocked out the two-time world champion Gary Anderson in the 32nd final. In the 16th final, he won against Filipino Paolo Nebrida.
In the quarterfinals, van Gerwen seemed to be heading for a walkover victory and took an early lead with 2-0 in sets. Then de Graaf woke up and was able to level the score to 2-2 with two sharp sets.
But then the fun was over. Michael van Gerwen shifted gears, won two straight sets and the match with 4-2.
I led 2-0 and thought I would stroll to victory. He made it tough for me in the two sets, but I could deliver afterwards. Over the whole match, I was probably the better player, says van Gerwen in the post-match interview with Sky Sport.
