Michael van Gerwen set up a second-round showdown with Rob Cross at the World Series of Darts Finals after edging Wessel Nijman in a thrilling first-round clash in Amsterdam.

Van Gerwen, chasing a record-extending sixth title, overcame a spirited Nijman in a last-leg decider.

Nijman led 2-0, 3-1 and 5-4, but Van Gerwen produced a stunning 132 finish on the bull and survived a match dart before sealing victory with a 174 set-up and double 18, averaging 104.75.

"Wessel is a great player, and his cover shooting was phenomenal," said Van Gerwen. "I felt great the whole game. This was one of my best performances in Holland for a long time."

Luke Humphries also survived two match darts to defeat 2018 champion James Wade in another tense affair.

World No 1 Humphries averaged 99 and fired in

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