Van Gerwen, who was beaten by Scotland's Peter Wright in last year's final, started his quest to go one better by dispatching New Zealand's Ryan Murray 3-1.

Van Gerwen, a winner of this event in 2014, 2017 and 2019 finished the match with an average of 108.98 but despite the impressive average he did not have the contest all his own way.

Murray missed a dart at double ten in set four in his quest to force a decider and the top seed made the most of the let off taking out 76 in two throws to claim victory. 

Six first round matches also took place on day five with the most eagerly anticipated seeing Deta Hedman seeking to become the second female to win a match at the tournament when she took on fellow English player Andy Boulton, who triumphed 3-1.

The best contest of the day saw England's Scott Waites defeat Canada's Matt Campbell 3-2.

All 25 legs were required to separate the two players with Waites coming from two legs down in the deciding set to triumph thanks to an 11-darter, which was completed with an 81. 

In other afternoon first round action Ireland's Steve Lennon beat Sweden's Daniel Larsson 3-1 and Belgium's Kim Huybrechts comprehensively defeated China's Di Zhuang 3-0.

In other evening first round action Nico Kurz of Germany beat England's Andy Hamilton 3-1 while Danny Baggish of the United States triumphed over Australia's Damon Heta 3-2 in another contest that went the distance.

The other man to reach round three today alongside Van Gerwen was England's Mervyn King who beat German Max Hopp 3-1.

Tomorrow sees the final five first round matches and three further second round contests scheduled.

Round two of the event is due to conclude on Wednesday (December 23) before the tournament takes a three-day break for Christmas.

Action is then due to resume on Sunday (December 27) with round three, with a champion due to be crowned on Sunday January 3 2021.