MIGHTY Michael van Gerwen was frozen out of the UK Open by part-time Iceland delivery driver Robert Owen.
The Welshman delivered an ice cold display on St David’s Day to dump out MVG 10-8 in Minehead.
Michael Van Gerwen had a nightmare at the UK Open[/caption]
MVG missed over 26 darts at doubles in a shock defeat[/caption]
World No.59 Owen, roared into the last 16 of the tournament, just two months after saving his PDC tour card at the World Championship.
After his Ally Pally exploits he was given a hero’s return to The Food Warehouse Bridgend store and even handed a specially branded new van.
Van Gerwen missed over TWENTY-SIX darts at doubles in the shock defeat. Meanwhile Owen hit a stunning 121 with bull finish and then double 18 to wrap it up.
It was a disaster for the Dutchman – who at one stage was 4-0 up.
Astonishingly, Owen won the first two legs nailing double 1 – when the commentator called the quality on show as, “it’s pub darts.”
A sarcastic celebration from MVG was evident when he brought a leg back – finally hitting a double at his 16th attempt.
But fans were astounded by MVG’s poor display.
One wrote: “Think I could have beaten van gerwen. Played rubbish!”
A second posted: “Absolute shocker from Van Gerwen on the doubles.
A third added: “Van gerwen pulling his own pants down here.”
MVG threatened a comeback, bringing the score back to 9-8, including two 11-dart legs.
However, it was all little too late.
Owen hit a stunning 121 with bull finish and then double 18 to wrap it up.
Stack Attack saved his career with his run at the World Championship in January, after he was on the brink of losing tour card
The 40 year-old said afterwards: “He gave me too many chances at the start. Happy St David’s Day everyone, I’m a very happy person!
“I thought I played very poor and Michael was very poor as well. If he was going to give me the chances I’ll take them.
Rob Owen celebrates a famous victory at the UK Open[/caption]
“I wanted to get ahead of him because I always know he has another level inside. But it just didn’t seem to come out.
“Michael is a great player, he’s been the best in the world for god knows how many years.
“To beat Michael on the main stage in a tournament. I predicted I would draw him. I told my wife I want Van Gerwen on the main stage. It happened and I happened to beat him so happy days.”
