For Aubergenius it marked his debut at the tournament where the best 24 players in the world compete.
Van Duijvenbode would actually face his compatriot Danny Noppert in the first round. However, the Frisian number eighteen of the Order of Merit decided to drop the tournament so as not to miss the birth of his first child. His wife is due to give birth at any moment. Whitlock is the number 25 in the world and was allowed to participate due to the cancellation of the Dutchman.
From the start of the game, Van Duijvenbode was behind the times. He was immediately broken by the Australian and saw Withlock quickly lead to a 2-0 lead in legs. In the remainder of the game, the Dutchman was unable to turn the tide and remained miles away from his best level.
Michael van Gerwen will be in action for the first time this season on Saturday. Because of his third place on the Order of Merit Mighty Mike got an exemption for the first round.
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