In a nail-biting encounter at the World Matchplay, Michael van Gerwen edged out Raymond van Barneveld with a 10-6 victory, despite a less-than-stellar performance. The three-time champion admitted to struggling with his game but expressed optimism for the tournament ahead.

Van Gerwen, known for his fierce competitiveness, reflected on the match: "Raymond didn't play his A-game, but I was more annoyed with my own game because I know I could do better," he shared with Sky Sports. "This is a tournament I love to play. I have won it three times. It is always an intense crowd. Everything is perfect. But when you don't play perfect it is really annoying."

Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price advanced to the next round after a tense 10-7 win over Daryl Gurney. The match was marred by a heated exchange between the players, with Price seemingly irked by Gurney's mockery of his victory celebration. The pair has a history of on-stage altercations, adding another chapter to their rivalry.

In other matches, Chris Dobey of England comfortably defeated Germany's Ricardo Pietreczko 10-5, while Ross Smith fell to Northern Ireland's Josh Rock with the same scoreline. The World Matchplay continues to deliver high-octane darts action, with fans eagerly anticipating the next rounds.

For more updates and live coverage of the World Matchplay, stay tuned to BBC Sport.