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CLOCK Face darter Michael Smith lost to Michael van Gerwen10-8 in one of the best matches ever seen at the bwin Grand Slam of Darts on Thursday in Wolverhampton.

Reigning champion Van Gerwen, who is bidding for a record-breaking fourth successive title, booked his place in the quarter-finals with a stunning 108.32 average as the eight players who qualified from Groups A-D returned to the stage at the Aldersley Leisure Village.

Former Grand Slam semi-finalist Smith led in the opening stages of the Premier League final re-match before Van Gerwen, who landed an incredible 11 180s, took the lead for the first time at 5-4.

With the world number one leading 9-8, Smith missed a dart at double top for a 160 finish and Van Gerwen punished to march on to the last eight where he will take on Jonny Clayton in a repeat of their high-class Group A contest.

"It was an incredible game against an incredible player who produced some great darts but I did the right things at the right moments," said Van Gerwen.

"I played so well but at times I thought I wasn't going to be able to break his throw but I love playing games like this for the crowd, this is why we play darts.

"I want to keep playing to this standard for the rest of the tournament and I want to win."