Monday 4 September 2017 21:32, UK
Michael van Gerwen was back in the winner's circle with a fourth successive Dutch Darts Masters title, beating a resurgent Steve Beaton in the final.
MVG has had a month's break as he prepares for the second half of the season and he wasted no time in racking up the victories in front of an adoring crowd in Maastricht.
Having beaten Jeffrey de Zwaan, Kyle Anderson, Daryl Gurney and Michael Smith on route to the final, Van Gerwen produced a brilliant display to dispatch Beaton, winning 6-1 to pick up the £25,000 winner's cheque and a fourth European Tour title of 2017.
The world champion piled in a 13-darter to open up a 2-0 lead in the final against Beaton, who responded with a 14-darter of his own but that was as good as it got for the Bronzed Adonis.
A 70 finish restored Van Gerwen's cushion, a 12-darter broke and double one left him on the brink before he landed a third 180 of the final to then take out 77 to seal the title.
"I think this has been a fantastic tournament," said Van Gerwen. "I played okay - I didn't play my absolute best but I feel good.
"I had a fantastic holiday and the month off with my wife and child. It's been a fantastic time and to kick off after my holiday straight away with a win is a dream."
Despite defeat it was a memorable week for Beaton, the 1996 BDO world champion who had won through the UK Qualifier just to secure a spot in Maastricht.
He kicked off with wins over German youngsters Nico Blum and Martin Schindler either side of victory over third seed Mensur Suljovic.
Back-to-back 100+ averages saw him account for John Henderson and UK Open champion Peter Wright in the quarter and semi-final before his defeat to MVG.
"I got better and better as the tournament went on but this man just turns it on," said Beaton, who was appearing in his first European Tour final for three years.
"It's frustrating because you think you've got a chance and he just takes it away from you. That's why he is number one, fair play to him."
The biggest names in darts will return to Dublin's Citywest Hotel from October 1-7 for the 2017 World Grand Prix and you will be able to watch all the action with us on Sky Sports
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