Dirk van Duijvenbode impressively reached the second round of the World Matchplay on Sunday. The Dutchman was too strong for former world champion Rob Cross with a score of 10-8.
The 33-year-old Van Duijvenbode had a tough time against Cross, who is one year older. The number 32 in the PDC Order of Merit was 6-2 behind, but then fought his way back strongly to 7-7.
At that score, Van Duijvenbode made the difference with a phenomenal 137-finish. He thus broke Cross (PDC-11) and did not relinquish that break lead. Van Duijvenbode recorded a neat average of 95.33, although Cross (96.10) scored slightly better.
In the next round, Van Duijvenbode will face Andrew Gilding, who was too strong for Damon Heta earlier in the day with a score of 12-10. Jermaine Wattimena (against Peter Wright) is the only other Dutchman who will be in action on Sunday.